Travel Tips in Qatar

Currency

 

The national currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR). 1 riyal is equal to 100 dirhams. Banknotes are available in denominations of QR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 dirhams. Only the 50 and 25 dirham coins are in wide circulation, however, as the minting of smaller coins was discontinued in the 1970s.

Currency Exchange

 

Currency can be changed at the airport, banks and currency exchange dealers. Facilities at the airports are likely to have the least favourable exchange rates. More competitive rates are normally found at city centre financial establishments. You are also advised to avoid changing money at your hotel, if possible, as hotel rates are typically among the worst offered. The main branches of the country’s banks are located on Grand Hamad street, in Doha.

Banking Hours

 

Banks are open from 07:30-11:30, Saturday through Thursday.

Currency Restrictions

 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency, with the exception of Israeli currency which is prohibited.

Customs

 

Travellers entering Qatar may bring in tobacco products and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use without paying duty. Alcohol cannot be imported under any circumstances. The importation of wild birds is also prohibited, unless prior authorisation has been received from the Ministry of Agriculture and Municipal Affairs (MMAA).

Electricity

 

240/415 volts AC/50Hz. Round pin plugs with grounding and rectangular blade plugs are in use.

Health

 

No vaccinations are required for visitors to Qatar, but immunisations against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Standards of medical care in Doha are good and medicines are readily available. You are advised that doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash when services are rendered. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover any unanticipated medical expenses or emergencies during your stay. Traveller's diarrhoea is a risk and it is advised that you drink only bottled water and avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked as well as raw fruit and vegetables - particularly when outside the major hotels and resorts.

The telephone number for medical emergencies is: 999

Safety

 

Doha is a very safe city and visitors should not encounter problems with petty crime. The threat of terrorism is ever-present here, but it doesn’t seem to have an impact on day-to-day life. Women may experience incidents of unwanted attention, but it is not likely that this will be of a threatening nature. An abaya (a long, black cloak and headscarf worn by local women) can be purchased readily in Doha, and is one method of avoiding the annoyance of unwanted attention. Women are by no means required to wear the abaya - however modest dress is expected, meaning that shorts and short skirts and revealing or tight clothing are not socially acceptable.

The police emergency telephone number is: 999

Social Conventions

 

It is important for visitors to be aware of Muslim customs and religious laws. For instance, women are expected to dress modestly. Drinking alcoholic beverages in public, other than at licensed hotel bars and restaurants, is prohibited. Also, although it is acceptable to cross your legs, it is not socially acceptable to show the sole of you foot or to point your foot at anyone, as this is considered an insult. Intimacy displayed between men and women in public is against Islamic law and can lead to arrest; homosexual acts are illegal.

At social and business functions, traditional Qatari coffee, in very small cups without handles, will be served as a gesture of welcome, following strict guidelines. Guests are served in the order of seniority, with just a few drops poured at first and then, after a few others have been served in a similar manner, the server returns to the first recipient, filling their cup. You should remember to always hold the cup in your right hand; and that drinking two cups is polite - but never only one cup, or more than three.

Tax and Tipping

 

There is no tax levied on personal or corporate income, no withholding tax and no VAT (IVA) in Qatar. You are not expected to tip taxi drivers. At hotels and restaurants, a service charge is often added to the bill; otherwise a tip of 10 per cent is appropriate.

Telephone

 

The country code for Qatar is +974. City or area codes are not used. A number of Internet cafés are available in Doha and the country has good coverage for mobile phone reception.

Time

 

GMT +3

Visa and Passports

 

Persons holding passports issued by Israel are prohibited from entering Qatar. All visitors must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months and visas are required by all, with the exception of the following: nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates; and transit passengers holding a valid onward ticket for a flight scheduled within eight hours of landing. Visitors arriving at Doha International Airport as tourists must show either US$1370.00 in cash, the equivalent in foreign currency or an internationally-valid credit card in order to be eligible to enter Qatar. A hotel voucher for a booking in a recognised hotel is also required.

It is possible to arrange visas for longer stays, but this requires sponsorship. Unmarried women under 35 will find it difficult to arrange longer-stay visas, as the country feels that there is a risk of younger women engaging in prostitution.

Source from Qatar Travel Guides