Congratulations on your move!!! I wish you good luck on your new venture. Moving/Relocating to any Country from one’s dwelling is a difficult process. It is even more difficult when one has to adjust to dessert climate, Sharia Law etc. Doha, Capital City is the most populated place in Qatar. Here are some of the tips that you might need when you relocate to Qatar and important things not to do at Qatar considering regions cultural values.
Relocating Tips to Qatar
1. What not to bring to Qatar
Do not carry pork, alcohol, pornographic materials and drugs in your bag while traveling to Qatar. Luggages will be searched thoroughly so be mindful about what you are carrying.
2. Book Hotel for initial stay
Booking.comIf your employer has not arranged accommodation for initial few days then make sure to book a hotel in advance. Book best and budget friendly hotels through Booking.com. Opt for one near your work place to avoid commute as its very hot and humid in Qatar.
3. Buy SIM Card
Ooredoo and Vodafone are the two service providers in Qatar. You can opt to purchase from one of the service providers at the airport itself. Passport and Visa are the documents required to purchase a SIM Card. There are many official service provider outlets across Doha, if you opt not to purchase SIM card at airport.
4. Rent a Car
Rental cars are cheap and easily available. Qatar follows left driving system like USA. If you are not comfortable driving left then opt for taxis. I recommend building a personal relationship with a few good taxi drivers after relocating to Qatar, who will be happy to hand out their phone number and pick you up when needed.
5. Public Transport
Qatar Public transport has seen a lot of development in recent years. Doha Metro provides good connectivity to most of Qatar. They have a smart card system which can be used in Doha Metro and Lusail Tram. Use the Doha Metro app for managing and recharging the card.
Apart from Doha Metro, Qatar also has state run public bus and taxi service named mowasalat/Karwa which is very reasonably priced.
6. Open a bank account
There are a number of banks in Qatar. Some of them are Commercial Bank, Qatar National Bank, Doha Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank etc. Some of these banks let you open an account from your home country even before relocating to Qatar, if you have a valid offer letter from Qatar employer. This option lets you transfer money to your new account in Qatar for initial expenses in local currency. Commercial Bank offers this service and also provides good customer service.
7. Apply for Qatar ID (QID)
Qatar Id(QID) is a must have document for Qatari residents. This is required for applying driving licences, opening bank accounts and so on. Generally this applied by employer. One has to apply for his/her family members. For the fee and document requirements visit Ministry of Interior website.
8. Apply for Family and Visit Visa
One can sponsor their family only after getting his/her work visa and resident permit. Visit Expatriate Affairs and Unified services centre to apply for family visa. Fill in the application form and carry below documents:
- Bank statement documenting past 6 months salary
- Marriage Certificate
- Letter from work
- Passport
- Photo
- Educational Certificates
- Children’s birth certificate
9. Apply for Health Card
Public Health sector is highly subsidised in Qatar. However if you opt for health card then there is no need to pay anything as health card fees cover the costs for one year. But hospital consultation and treatment cost extra.
Visit health card office at your local clinic. Fill in the application form. Application form should be completed in Arabic and English. Carry the below documents along with the filled application form:
- Passport and visa (Original and Copies)
- Photographs
- Fee as mentioned by the hospital
Card will be available within 2-3 weeks after submitting application.
10. Search for an apartment/house to stay
I recommend to take help from real estate agents like Mirage/Barwa to find a house/apartment to rent. As the officials are well versed in English and it becomes easier to negotiate price etc. If you are well versed in Arabic then you can check classified sections in local newspapers. Ezdan Village at Al Wakrah is one of the famous gated housing community.
11. Check utilities in Apartment and set up an account in Kahramaa.
To set up an account with Qatar Electricity & water Corporation, Kahramaa, Fill the application form and visit your nearest Kahramaa service center along with following documents.
- Copy of your lease
- Copy of your Qatar ID
- Reference electricity and water number( Usually found on the outside wall of the building
- Deposit amount (Usually one month rent)
Important Social etiquette to follow while in Qatar
Greetings: Most common greeting in Qatar is Salam alaykum (Peace be upon you), to which the correct reply is Wa alaykum as-salam (And upon you be peace).
Alcohol Consumption: It is an offense to drink alcohol in public. However, Alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants. Qatari residents can also obtain alcohol on a permit system. Do not carry alcohol on your trips. Legal drinking age is 21, So carry valid Qatar ID for alcohol collection. Carrying alcohol with you is legal only on the way back from warehouse to your home. Do not offer alcoholic drinks to Qatari.
Dress Appropriately: Qatar being a Muslim country is quite conservative but it is not as strict as Saudi Arabia. Women are not expected to wear an abaya(Long black garment which covers the whole body except the head, feet, and hands). But make sure to wear a dress which covers your shoulders, upper arms and knees when you go out. It is acceptable to wear pants and shirt for Men. Formal dressing is very common or rather expected in Qatar while at work.
Ramadan: Ramadan is a month of fasting which has religious significance for Muslims. Those who practice Ramadan fast from sunrise to sunset. So, DO NOT eat or drink or chew anything outside during this month and respect their culture. You are free to have anything inside your house at your privacy. Do check out restaurant operational hours during this season if you are planning to visit one.
Avoid Left hand Usage: Left hand is considered unclean so DO NOT use left hand while offering or passing food when dining in a group.
