New to Doha

scoobydooby
By scoobydooby

Hello,

I've been in Doha since Thursday and would appreciate some help.

Where can I buy a reasonably priced cell phone? I am from the US, and did not have a GSM phone service at my time of leaving. I brought one I last used a year or so ago, but couldn't find the recharger. So I'm either looking for a decently priced phone, around 200QR, nothing fancy. I purchased a Hala Plus sim card -- so I'm set in terms of that.

I also need a long ethernet cable, 100-200 feet. Is there an electronics store where I can get a moderately priced cell phone and long ethernet cable?

How do you hail a cab from around here. I'm from NY -- cabs are plentiful and hailing one isn't usually a problem. I tried for about half an hour today and failed. Any tips?

The buses. Where can I get a bus map? Do any buses go to the major malls? I live near C-Ring road -- relatively close to Blue Salon. I'd like to be able to go from there to City Center. Is there a bus I can catch or do I have to take a cab? How much should a cab ride cost?

Thanks!

By pudding• 17 Sep 2006 07:50
pudding

...i am enjoying the TREES TREES TREES AND GRASS while I can here !

By novita77• 17 Sep 2006 07:49
novita77

good luck with the moving and enjoy singapore while u can :-)

By pudding• 17 Sep 2006 07:45
pudding

its 12.43pm now here :)..alrite i take note of tipping taxi drivers. I should be there I reckon before Nov. Be working for Al Jazeera Int'l. Waiting for the paperworks, yet to tender my resignation here...and dropped the bom on my boss and colleagues hehehehe...

By novita77• 17 Sep 2006 07:40
Rating: 3/5
novita77

2 or 3 QR would be find for tipping taxi (around 1 or 1,5 SGD). White and orange colour taxi is old taxis colour of Doha, now they replace it with green colour (Mowasalat).

Karwa i think means 'for hire' in arabic.

So when you would be arriving in Doha then? it must be after afternoon in Singapore.

By pudding• 17 Sep 2006 07:21
pudding

how much to tip taxi? and what does it mean by flagging using a white or orange 'karwa'??

By e46M3• 16 Sep 2006 23:39
Rating: 4/5
e46M3

As has been pointed out, hypermarkets for phones.

In terms of cabs, next time you get in one befriend the driver, tip him well and get his cell-phone. He'll remember you next time you call and if he's not free or off-duty he'll send you a colleague.

Try the bus experience. Let us know if you decide to stick to it.

Good luck.

By 3Green• 16 Sep 2006 22:33
Rating: 4/5
3Green

Ethernet cable - Any shop at the Sofitel Plaza. You can get any customised length and they'll crimp the end connectors for you. Make sure you specify the configuration (crossed or straight). Approx price - Qr 25 for 10m.

Mobile - Check with Qtel for their free phone offer.

Bus map - I've seen it published many times on Gulf Times (every time a new route is added).

Cheers,

Keith

By Angelo• 16 Sep 2006 22:31
Rating: 5/5
Angelo

Tried to email you, but you are not accepting email. post your address and I will email you the map which I have from the Gulf Times about 4 weeks back.

The fare within the city is Qr.2/- per trip one way.

To flag a taxi down, just wave your hand at a white and orange or Karwa and if they are free they will stop.

You may not get the extension ethernet cable from Lulu, Carrefour, take a taxi to electricity street (also called shara kahraba), you have shops here that you can buy all types of cable & electric stuff. A bit further down is the Mercure Hotel, which has loads of computer stores on the Mezzanine and ground floor who will be able to make any length of extension cable needed, the type of plug and connection.

Need the map, post your email address

By anonymous• 16 Sep 2006 22:28
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

To get a cab call 458 8888 - they should dispatch a driver....it will cost you less than QR15 to get to City Center.

By novita77• 16 Sep 2006 20:48
Rating: 4/5
novita77

Try to go to City Centre in Carrefour,Lulu, or Giant for mobile phone.

Cab is hard to get nowadays ... i suggest you rent a car.

Don't think there is any bus map at present.

No idea about cable, i am sure the other member can help you out.

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