More Qatar living Questions
(It was suggested that I post this under a new topic so sorry for the re-post but here goes...)
Hi all you inhabitants of Qatar
First thing, well done on creating this great site! It’s very informative but also very relaxed and informal.
I have just accepted a job offer and will be moving to Qatar shortly. I will be working on a project in the industrial city of Ras Laffan. I have never traveled to Qatar before so I have loads of questions in my head at the moment. At the risk of boring a lot of you by asking questions that's been asked a zillion times before, here goes. Can I draw on your collective wisdom for some background and info?
I note that the average day temperatures are high relatively speaking 35ºC to 45ºC. As I'll be spending most of my time on site what clothes would you guys recommend, just jeans and a long sleeve shirt? Can you give me an indication of what the average cost would be for a jean, a long sleeve shirt and a T shirt / Golf Shirt?
Are there any on you here who is currently working in Ras Laffan? Have you got any pics you can share?
Are there any of you here who currently live in Al Khawr? Have you got any pics you can share?
I would like to get myself set up with a Laptop and permanent internet connection (preferably mobile). What would you guys recommend in the line of a middle of the road laptop and internet connection? What should I expect to pay for an average (no too high range - please note the very technical term :-)) laptop. And for permanent internet connection? Are the internet connections stable / reliable?
Can you recommend a cell phone and service provider? What should I expect to pay for an "average" cell phone? and service provider monthly costs / call costs? I may be able to get this info off the web, is so can you please direct me to the URL?
Where can I get an idea of the cost of vehicles and what is available. I hoping to get something used yet reliable and not to extravagant? I may change my mind when I arrive as I am a keen off road driver.
I there an organized group doing some social off road driving?
What is the process like to get a drivers license in Qatar?
Where are the best places to go and meet new friends? I'm not into the clubbing and disco scene.
What is the general cost of groceries? I have noted the groceries list here and have taken a good look at it. Is list pretty recent?
What is the availability of meat like in Qatar, lamb, beef, chicken (and may I dare) pork? Ideally BBQ type meat.
What is the general practice on selling alcoholic drinks in Qatar? Things like wine and beer and whiskey? and costs?
Thanks in advance for your help and look forward to participating here.
Are there any of you here who likes "playing" with maps (Mapsource and Ozie), GPS's, tracks and radio's (HAM)? Any of you have some GPS tracks and waypoints of Qatar to share?
You can mail me at [email protected]
Check the below link for a string of topics relevant to people new to Doha.
http://www.qatarliving.com/qatar-guide
Im not sure I can answer all your questions.
BBQ Meat: Generally available at the main Supers (Carrefour etc.) Sorry no pork. The Aussie beef is good.
Drivers License: If you have one from a 1st world country, you just need to do an eye test at the Traffic Dept and they'll transfer it without a road test.
Groceries: Cost is dependant on where you go. But fairly cheap in general. Especially fruits and vegetables.
Alcohol: There's a distribution store (QDC) for alcohol to buy and take home. You need a pass to get in (get it from your HR Department). You get a monthly allowance that is a fraction of your monthly salary. Other than that, alcohol can only be obtained in hotels (at the club, disco, restaurant). Alcohol at QDC is about 1/4 the price of the commerical price in hotels. QDC approx pricing (Crown Royal: 270/QAR, 24 Bud: 130/QAR)
Friends: That's a toughie. After 2 yrs here im still having difficulty with 'friends'. Those are different than aquaintances. Everyone here is friendly though. Some bars are better than others for that sort of thing. But private house parties are where the party is at (im no expert).
Cell Phone: Used and working from as low as 250/QAR. Spankin new with all the options can go for up to 3000/QAR. Call rates are cheap. Average monthly bill should not exceed 500/QAR.
Laptop: Pricey but we've all got one. Maybe your work will give you one. Avg price is 5500/QAR
Internet: ADSL is fast, reliable, and cheap. But only good for one PC. So if you want wireless at home, you're looking at 800-1000/QAR for wireless_router+modem (2 in 1)
Hope that sheds some light.