JJH had a different experience than we did and this could be due to things change quickly here. We had to get our PR card last year for Q-tel, which QU pushed through in 2 weeks. After which we could apply for a landline. Due to Ramadan the earliest appointment time for us was 3 weeks. After the landline was installed we had to apply for an ADSL line. This appointment was 2 weeks later. So we got here August 26th or so and got internet about October 10 or so, ouch I know. You could connect to the QU system through dial-up at home after the landline was installed and this got the job done for email and stuff. Many people had to wait longer. My neighbors would leech off my wireless. I would see people sitting in their cars or the sidewalk trying to get signals. It was very frustrating for many people. The campus is wireless so you can use it there too. There are Internet cafes around and some coffee shops you can get a free internet code if you buy a drink. Like I said, hopefully this has changed. QU is pretty helpful and they do try hard but something’s are out of their hands. This is where it will become more frustrating. A driver’s license is one. The director of HR tried really, really hard for me and he got my test pushed up by 2 weeks but still I had to sign up for 24 hours of driving school. I would say the driver’s license is a must before leaving the US. There is no way your wife wants to take classes or the test here. Other than being a cultural experience you won’t forget, it is a nightmare. I have that great story and it only cost 750 dollars and 3 months of my time. December 31st 2007 is now a glorious day in my life.
Also, QU would not give the car loan without the PR. This really wasn’t an issue because many people rented a car for a month and the loans came through only a few days after the month was up. The cost of a rental car is about the same as the monthly car loan payment. Buying a new car is pretty easy. Your car loan will almost cover a decent sedan or a small SUV. You can get a different loan on the remaining portion if you want. There will be a lot of sales when you arrive because of Ramadan but most showrooms won’t open till after 7 so it becomes a late night adventure. Luckily most of the dealers are pretty close to the complex.
When you land, QU is very helpful. You will get the Qatar Airways VIP arrival service, so you’ll get to sit in a lounge while they workout your VISA stamps. They’ll load up your luggage and introduce you to your driver. The driver will give you a bag with a cell phone, itineraries, and other information. Maybe your mentor will contact you and help you out. Depending on what time you arrive, a man from the housing department will meet you at your apartment and have some forms for you to sign. They might have some basics in your fridge and a way you go. You have satellite TV so you can watch CNN, BBC,or some English programming on MBC 1-3 if jetlag is kicking in. Things will be off for the first 5-6 weeks because of Ramadan. But when the sun goes down, it is a festive vibe when you are out and about. I would suggest bringing a car seat for your 1 year old if you have one, you can buy them here but a bit expensive and something you might not want to hassle with when you first arrive. OK, if you have any questions I’ll be around for a few more days then getting out of the furnace for holidays. Cheers DMM
JJH had a different experience than we did and this could be due to things change quickly here. We had to get our PR card last year for Q-tel, which QU pushed through in 2 weeks. After which we could apply for a landline. Due to Ramadan the earliest appointment time for us was 3 weeks. After the landline was installed we had to apply for an ADSL line. This appointment was 2 weeks later. So we got here August 26th or so and got internet about October 10 or so, ouch I know. You could connect to the QU system through dial-up at home after the landline was installed and this got the job done for email and stuff. Many people had to wait longer. My neighbors would leech off my wireless. I would see people sitting in their cars or the sidewalk trying to get signals. It was very frustrating for many people. The campus is wireless so you can use it there too. There are Internet cafes around and some coffee shops you can get a free internet code if you buy a drink. Like I said, hopefully this has changed. QU is pretty helpful and they do try hard but something’s are out of their hands. This is where it will become more frustrating. A driver’s license is one. The director of HR tried really, really hard for me and he got my test pushed up by 2 weeks but still I had to sign up for 24 hours of driving school. I would say the driver’s license is a must before leaving the US. There is no way your wife wants to take classes or the test here. Other than being a cultural experience you won’t forget, it is a nightmare. I have that great story and it only cost 750 dollars and 3 months of my time. December 31st 2007 is now a glorious day in my life.
Also, QU would not give the car loan without the PR. This really wasn’t an issue because many people rented a car for a month and the loans came through only a few days after the month was up. The cost of a rental car is about the same as the monthly car loan payment. Buying a new car is pretty easy. Your car loan will almost cover a decent sedan or a small SUV. You can get a different loan on the remaining portion if you want. There will be a lot of sales when you arrive because of Ramadan but most showrooms won’t open till after 7 so it becomes a late night adventure. Luckily most of the dealers are pretty close to the complex.
When you land, QU is very helpful. You will get the Qatar Airways VIP arrival service, so you’ll get to sit in a lounge while they workout your VISA stamps. They’ll load up your luggage and introduce you to your driver. The driver will give you a bag with a cell phone, itineraries, and other information. Maybe your mentor will contact you and help you out. Depending on what time you arrive, a man from the housing department will meet you at your apartment and have some forms for you to sign. They might have some basics in your fridge and a way you go. You have satellite TV so you can watch CNN, BBC,or some English programming on MBC 1-3 if jetlag is kicking in. Things will be off for the first 5-6 weeks because of Ramadan. But when the sun goes down, it is a festive vibe when you are out and about. I would suggest bringing a car seat for your 1 year old if you have one, you can buy them here but a bit expensive and something you might not want to hassle with when you first arrive. OK, if you have any questions I’ll be around for a few more days then getting out of the furnace for holidays. Cheers DMM