How is Qatar like, really folks, no no no dont lie.

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no its not illegal to have a tattoo but i do believe its illegal to give a tattoo...

this country isnt as strict as people think...

my wife has a lip ring and tattoos down the back of her neck and she walks around everywere with them... no one says anything...

this country is a melting pot of cultures so i wouldnt be surprised if one day it is legal to get a tattoo...

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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.

Does anyone know how I can view what that compound looks like anyway? 

So, for tattoos, if you are walking around town with exposed tattoos, thats illegal there is it?

Thanks guys.

so far i can tell tattoos are illegal... i am waiting until i go back to the states to get my next one... 

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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.

that's difficult for me to even begin to understand.  Home for lunch during the work week?  I'm accustomed to M-F/7-7 basically.  Thanks, you made my night as it is 12:00 a.m. here in the red, white, and blue.

Hello G

Found your post very useful, thank you.  Do you have any advice on which compounds are better (or worse!), which areas are good, and your view on the standard of healthcare?

Kind regards

Sorry for the delay in reply. 

By the way, are there tattoo shope there, any good, is it safe, or not allowed?

spicemeup give it a rest....blah blah.....

Just like any other place in the GCC where the east meets the west and terror is created due to media influence and too much socialising .....

Come on Surfer Boy, you don't believe that one, do you?? Yikes! I always swim at night, as do many many people in every housing compound. It's too hot to swim during the day, LOL!

Doha is a place where rumors take on a life of their own.

JAVI, I think Surfer Boy was right on the mark as far as some of the frustrations of life here. I've been here for 8 years, have never loved it, but there are things I do like about it. And it gets a little easier all the time.

 I think it's easier for families than for singles, for sure!

One of the things I like best is getting out of Doha, ha ha! The opportunity for travel form here is fantastic! Have visited something like 14 countries since we've been here, between family vacations and school-related trips plus the kids have been to 4 others on school-related trips.

There is no DOD school. If you're looking for American curriculum, the American School of Doha is the only one that's entirely American and last I knew was the only one accredited by a US accreditation company.

www.asd.edu.qa

Just for the record, I have been in two car accidents, one with a local youth, one with a local cop. I was not at fault in either case, nor was I ever blamed.

Also for the record, I know lots of people that DO love it here!

Life is what you make it.

>>>Now, what is the difference between the contractors and DA Civilian at Qatar?

This is an age-old gripe and there is nothing you can do about it. Even in Iraq, getting shot at, DA Civilians pay taxes, contractors don't. Write your congressman, like the other 20,000 people have. Or just become a contractor.

Oh, also, I heard there is a law in Qatar that says you are not allowed to swim after sundown, is this true, anyone?

I really appriciate you laying out all the facts mate.  Thanks again all for all your valuable info.  Now, what is the difference between the contractors and DA Civilian at Qatar?  Meaning as far as I know, contractors don't have to pay for taxes and DA Civ does.  Is there a reason why, a document to be excluded for taxes as well, and is there anything else I am not aware of.

Transformers the movie then is closer to Qatars description than the movie "The Kingdom."

Dont worry. people her ar not monsters to eat your hot wife many hot girls her. in fact Qatares girls are very hot. Just be sure your wife wear decent cloth not provke and respect the culture her. Life her somehow boring but it is ok for kids the weather is trerably hot if you stay in the summer. Servace is not perfect as home but all over is good. 

Why you want to come? if you can set your goals clearly ahead of time, then you may get the precise answers from people already living here.

Also, define your expectation levels, your patience, and flexibility.

Regarding that old mother in law, do not worry  about bringing her along, she would not get a long term permit to stay, as far as I know. Also, she must have been hot years back, so exceptions to that permit may exisit.

 This country is what it is. We are guests here and must act accordingly. I am not one to try and change the local customs and policies. If the local people have always driven like maniacs then that is their way. I try to stay out of their way and be patient with them.

 As far as living expenses, I do see that housing and other necessities are skyrocketing. I feel sorry for the people who are struggling to survive on their salaries. I know that many of our fellow expatriots have come abroad to make a better life for their families and are now stuck barely scraping by. I recently saw that many workers were striking in Bahrain. Is this an option here?

 I have been here for three years. I don't mind living here. I love to fish and also enjoy house parties and bar-b-ques. We make our own fun. Are there any other fishermen or fisherwomen out there?

i think its exactly like the driving in the movie kingdom... but instead of gun fire... its the sound of horns ... 

hahahhahhahaahhahahah

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just hanging out and watching dvd's with helen keller... kind of a quite night.

Money money and surplus with people who are sick in the head and obsessed with the US......and the so called western paranoia....

Let's forget qatar, what about your wife you mention she is hot i think you search a job for her,you will be millioner in few months.

 Qatar is a great place and you can find great people here if you know how and where. "Every house has its own trash" isn't that what they say? Do not expect any place to be heaven on earth.

Now,

-wife (hot) NO GOING OUT ALONE. LOL

-mother-in-law (old) GOING OUT ALONE.LOL

-2kids YOU BETTER LIVE IN A COMPOUND WHERE THERE IS A POOL AND A SPACE FOR THEM TO PLAY AND HAVE FRIENDS.

Me, Myself, & I

Thanks again everyone for the input, very valuable.  Does anyone know about firearm regulations or if it is even allowed.

Does anyone know where to get the document to show tax exempt for GS government employee?

Man, you guys are awesome

Why is it hard to get in?  What about the DOD schools, do they suck and is it also hard to get in?

i know who u r lol.

I thought I would be here a long time, too, but I am leaving soon. Boring place unless you want to spend lots of money - and you can do everything in 3 weeks. Now that I have been here I understand what it is like to be a black man in the U.S. in 1940 - in other words prepare to be the perennial "back of the bus", last in line guy often. I can't count the number of times I have been waiting in line and a guy dressed all in white or a woman all in black just goes to the front of the line. Same in traffic, too. Every day I see something in traffic I never thought I would witness ... and the highspeed tailgaters, oh boy!!

My wife was hit by a local speeder - quoted the police - its her fault. The logic seems to go like this, "That accident would not have happened if YOU weren't here, so its your fault".  When faced with a foreigner and a local, the police will decide against the foreigner 90% of the time.  Traffic here is chaos. Costs are increasing - local price inflation is 14% per year, mostly house rents, but other goods are going up as well.  Better have a built-in cost-of-living raise in your contract or your real income will erode rapidly. Also, the company I work for lied quite a bit about benefits and salary, so clarify, clarify, check with others before coming here. Foreigners are tolerated, more by some than others.  

G is right about the expenses. 

My bottom line - go somewhere else. 

qatar in a nutshell ya either can accept it or ya just cant stand it, so ya just hafta come here and see it for yrself, >and gl and lotsa patience is needed in the process btw i been here since 2004 and aint ready to leave just yet ..... 

life's too short so make the most of it, you only live but once.......

I love how Alexa is trying to refrain from saying her real opinion about Qatar, so instead she calls it "unique" haha. U rock!

I really don't see how ur wife looks and how old is ur mother-in-law have anything to do with moving here. Anyways, Qatar's not the best place to live in, nor is it the worst. It's what u make of it, and as they said earlier u have to be active and get out there and meet new people and make new friends; otherwise, u will die of boredom and depression.

I'm not always right, but I'm never wrong -Garfield

qatar? HMMMMM.... just come over!

"tagalog pala ka bisaya baki..."

I think with Qatar is that you either love it or you just learn to live with it...

G ... u sommoned it up really well ...

Qatar in a nutshell:

1 - Expensive

2 - Extremely Hot and Humid in Summer

3 - Frustrating sometimes

However, for someone coming from the UK, Qatar can be:

1- Reasonably priced

2 - Sunny weather all year through :)

3- Laid back: you can actually go home for lunch during weekdays :)

Qatar is in a developing stage, and there is a lot of money being spent to make it a better place, but as we all know, Rome was NOT built in a day. So it can be frustrating sometimes on the roads, dealing with so called professionals and having to accept sub par customer service across the board.

The initiatives taking place here are impressive - education, sports, oil and gas, etc. And people living here will be witnessing firsts for many years to come, at a global level, especially if the Olympics 2016 is awarded to Qatar.

There is a lot of construction taking place and even though activities are limited, there is always something you can do in the weekend, as everyone mentioned, if you take the initiative.

Yes, Qatar is expensive. But compared to the UK, it's mainly accomodation that differs, the rest is similar, if not cheaper. For a villa in a decent compound, it will set you back atleast 5000 US$ a month. But you definitely want to make sure you are living in a nice compound otherwise your family will not like Qatar. Also, consider taking out a membership in one of the 5 star hotels that have wonderful facilities including a beach. This will set you back close to 6000US$ a year but your family will love it, especially on weekends and school holidays.

If you are coming to Qatar to save money while leading an above average life style, make sure your employer/company:

-  takes care of your accomodation - don't accept anything less than a villa in a compound - or provides you with 5500US$ housing allowance

- provides you with a decent car or car allowance

- pays for your children's schooling, which can be anywhere from 3K to 6K US$ per year per child

- Provides you and your family with atleast 1 plane ticket each per year back home 

- provides comprehensive health insurance

- and that your basic salary is no less than 8000$ a month. If you don't plan on saving, then you can lead a comfortable lifestyle for 4000US$ a month with a live in maid, as long as all the above are provided for.

Hope this helps

G

You aren't even 25 !

Are you?

whoah ...

qatar is good in its own way be positive n u will see the good side of living here been her for 25+ years n love it

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its very boring..nothing to do n if there is something to do thats too boring n difficult to do cuz of the weather..

Fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom

honestly.

i survive qatar because of movie...lots of it..

though,  like it here because its almost "crime-less" very peacefull..

Qatar is like hell on earth with this summer weather... LOL!

Just come and experience Qatar, if you have made up your mind. Words cant describe Qatar - action speaks lounder than words - come and see yourself - goodluck.

Dude its not close to the movie kingdom, but there are still people like that in this country. Just becareful and protect urself from such people. u'll do good. 

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"Be Like a Flower, Which gives off it's fragrance

even to the hand that crushes it."

Qatar rocks. Its a great place, rents are low, the sun shines most of the time and the feeling is laid back. Its a great place too for friendsheep. There is a lot of friendsheep here. 

Fairy tales don't tell children dragons exist. Children know dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children dragons can be killed. G.K Chesterton

Basically its a collission of different cultures so you have to be patient somehow. Its a wealthy country but the growing population of new generation locals needs a good education. True they dont need education considering they are wealthy but its not good to remain their "barbaric attitude" on progress coz it will cause crime someday to visitors in this place. 

one more thing, driving here is a headache sometimes. you will  experienced them if you start your day to day life here. its adventure to be here so give it a time. 

jarreau ... i agree with you ... you have to go out and look for things to do for yourself and the family.

Calling your wife hot is just a compliment and his appinion from him toward his wife.... I would give you credit for that.

Qatar is cool so far. Just moved here three months ago and loving it. Met nice people through this site and i live on a greet compound with nice people.

My hubs is great and we are adjusting fine .

But you can't wait for somebody to come and get you. You have to be active yourself. Go check it all out in your own time and space and you will find a very nice world out there.

Just look in the right places and enjoy 

Have fun and maybe we will see you around ...

Greetz J

PS about schools i have no idea because i don't have any kids.... 

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Life is nothing without friends.... :)

I really hope your wife doesnt read this post man, otherwise you are getting killed mate...for calling her HOT and her mother OLD...sheeeesh two big big things...LOL...

Anyways, Qatar is alright mate a place to be in, other than the costs it is quite just aboutok...

there are places to go, see, shopping, pubs, discs, go on here as normal, but expensive,

But other than that, this place is just about ok...again I mention, it is only the costs...

Cheers...

      isnt it look bad to u to mention ur wife quality that she looks hot...

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   "Imagination is more important than knowledge"

Interesting...

good english school QR8600 a term. Not a question about how expensive, but can you get in?

LOL