Qatar Living Questions
(Apologies for the re-post but someone has suggested I post this under a new topic for a broader response)
Thank you to those who have responded. You have been very helpful.
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 who likes "playing" with maps (Mapsource and Ozie), GPS's (tracks and waypoints) and Radio's (HAM). Any of you have any tracks and waypoints to share of Qatar?
You can mail me at [email protected]
what is meaning of 5 points in QL near Inbox , whtn i sent this question , the removed and mentioned here
"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
Oh, goodness, what to answer first. The heat - I find jeans much too hot for Qatar. I prefer cotton or linen pants and the same for my shirts. You may prefer long sleeves which can be rolled up or let down when in an air conditioned building. Phone - Nokias are available here and I use a hala pre-paid card for which you don't need an RP, just go to Qtel with your passport. If you are not on the phone for hours it's the most economical. I pay about 25-30 QR month. I can top it off in many places. You will find meat from Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, Australia and New Zealand. I prefer the NZ. Chickens are likely to be from Saudi and almost laughably small. NO pork. I'm not sure if your SA driver's license can be converted to a Qatar license when you get your RP. If not, you will have to take lessons and a test - a BIG pain in the you-know-what. Groceries are pretty standard unless you have to have a certain brand. Welcome to you!
Mandi
No problem, Drak! :)
Apologies for the double post.