moving to QATAR
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Word from the big thread was that Qatar Airways leased the new Barwa City development last summer, for just over 7 billion Rial's . First phase is finished Sept 2012. Eventually it will hold 25,000 people.
So I guess this could be why they have told people to take housing allowance.
So I guess this could be why they have told people to take housing allowance.
Join Date: Nov 2011
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Car rentals, lease or buy
Went to a few of the sites listed on here and was shocked to find out how expensive it is to rent a car in Doha... Am i missing something???? $1,000/ month for a Ford Explorer???? Seriously ?? How about leasing a car instead??? Or buying one?? Any input would be greatly appreciated
Join Date: May 2009
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car
i found this website: Oasis Cars - Used Car Showroom for a long rent a "normal" car costs between 250 and 350 eur (330-470 USD)...
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Long term car rental makes sense only if it's a small car. One of these will take you back
approx 1400-1600 QAR/month, which is what you get from the Company as a transport allowance. I know people who's done this for years.
If you buy a Ford Explorer with a car loan from a bank ('lease' it, as they say in Europe), you'll pay may be 3500 QAR/month (approx 1000 USD) and it'll be yours in 3 years.
You do the math!
Cheers!
H.L.
approx 1400-1600 QAR/month, which is what you get from the Company as a transport allowance. I know people who's done this for years.
If you buy a Ford Explorer with a car loan from a bank ('lease' it, as they say in Europe), you'll pay may be 3500 QAR/month (approx 1000 USD) and it'll be yours in 3 years.
You do the math!
Cheers!
H.L.
Join Date: May 2011
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Rent vs Buy..
Rent...No conditions..you can give the thing back.
If you decided to 'depart the fix', you can leave in the middle of the night and owe nobody anything.
If you own the car..you just lost your loot!
If you decided to 'depart the fix', you can leave in the middle of the night and owe nobody anything.
If you own the car..you just lost your loot!
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: a nica place
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For all those who have not heard bad news after a few Weeks, chances are you are in.
Once you get your offer letter and sign and return the contact, then it still may take a couple months at least before you get a start date. BUT, I would strongly suggest that you stay to prepare for the move either once you get an offer letter or for more security (and less time) shewn you get a start date.
Selling things you don't need, getting rid of clothes you never wear, booking storage space, selling car, gaining advice from your tax department, packing up rooms, canceling services (internet (do this last), utilities, etc), insurance (personal, kids, health, licence, house).
There are plenty of moving checklists on the internet, they are a good template to start with.
But definitely start as early as you can. I did all this in a small amount of time and it was a nightmare. That will teach me to be nice to the company I used to work for and work my holidays before I left! And give yourself at least two Weeks off before you start! You well need it to tidy up little things and communicate with QR/HR.
The hardest part for me is working out what to take and getting it to aQR port !
Excess baggage charges will sting you. But in my experience I will nearly be hiring the 50kg mark with two large bags and carry on.
Can anyone who just joined give some advice on what they would suggest to bring to survive the first week in style?
thanks!
Once you get your offer letter and sign and return the contact, then it still may take a couple months at least before you get a start date. BUT, I would strongly suggest that you stay to prepare for the move either once you get an offer letter or for more security (and less time) shewn you get a start date.
Selling things you don't need, getting rid of clothes you never wear, booking storage space, selling car, gaining advice from your tax department, packing up rooms, canceling services (internet (do this last), utilities, etc), insurance (personal, kids, health, licence, house).
There are plenty of moving checklists on the internet, they are a good template to start with.
But definitely start as early as you can. I did all this in a small amount of time and it was a nightmare. That will teach me to be nice to the company I used to work for and work my holidays before I left! And give yourself at least two Weeks off before you start! You well need it to tidy up little things and communicate with QR/HR.
The hardest part for me is working out what to take and getting it to aQR port !
Excess baggage charges will sting you. But in my experience I will nearly be hiring the 50kg mark with two large bags and carry on.
Can anyone who just joined give some advice on what they would suggest to bring to survive the first week in style?
thanks!
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: a nica place
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Area guide:
Areas and suburbs in Qatar
Housing is here but it is an effort to get it. Best bet is to jump in a cab and get them to drive you areound to the areas so you can look for yourself.
Also, walk around as much as you can, if you see a sign or a place you like ask the security gaurd if you can look in the for lease unit/villa.
Areas and suburbs in Qatar
Housing is here but it is an effort to get it. Best bet is to jump in a cab and get them to drive you areound to the areas so you can look for yourself.
Also, walk around as much as you can, if you see a sign or a place you like ask the security gaurd if you can look in the for lease unit/villa.
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Doha
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Best bet is not to worry about it until you get here, then ask others who you meet here. You may even end up sharing for a few months with someone you meet that starts same time as yourself. Hire a car when you arrive, best way to get around.
Join Date: Apr 2002
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I've seen plenty of accomodation on the internet, but it does seem a little pricey. Anyone know if it is common to make an offer on the rental price or is the stated price concrete?
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Sidney, BC, Canada
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Moving to Doha
You might consider taking a monthly room rental at the Ezdan Suites and Hotel. It is a 10 - 20 minute ride to the airport (25 - 30 QAR depending on taxi metre or private taxi). Ten minute walk to the City Centre Mall that has lots of restaurants and a well stocked grocery/department store.
This place is a bit worn around the edges, but clean and, if not on the construction side, quiet. Rents go from 4500 QAR for a small, hotel type room and up. 7500 QAR will give you a studio with kitchen, dishwasher, and washer/dryer, dining room table for six, sitting area with two comfortable chairs and a table, desk, TV, and king size bed. Rooms are serviced twice a week. Price includes cable internet that is high speed enough to carry Skype except marginal after 1700 and on Friday/Saturday.
Facility includes a descent fitness area, steam room, large pool, surprisingly well stocked corner grocery store, two restaurants and a fast food take-out, and parking for one vehicle.
The allowance is 10,000 QAR for F/O and 12,000 QAR for Captain so once out of the hotel, the difference between rent and allowance accumulates in your pocket.
The Ezdan is really for temporary lodging while looking for a permanent place to stay. Remember that they will require one month for security deposit, and first month rent so you will need the cash up front. They will operate on a longer lease or month to month, your choice.
Location is quite good. Twenty minute walk to the Sheraton. Ten minutes to the Corniche. Fifteen minutes to Fudruckers. A simple solution for those arriving to have some breathing space to look around though I think living there long term might be somewhat depressing.
This place is a bit worn around the edges, but clean and, if not on the construction side, quiet. Rents go from 4500 QAR for a small, hotel type room and up. 7500 QAR will give you a studio with kitchen, dishwasher, and washer/dryer, dining room table for six, sitting area with two comfortable chairs and a table, desk, TV, and king size bed. Rooms are serviced twice a week. Price includes cable internet that is high speed enough to carry Skype except marginal after 1700 and on Friday/Saturday.
Facility includes a descent fitness area, steam room, large pool, surprisingly well stocked corner grocery store, two restaurants and a fast food take-out, and parking for one vehicle.
The allowance is 10,000 QAR for F/O and 12,000 QAR for Captain so once out of the hotel, the difference between rent and allowance accumulates in your pocket.
The Ezdan is really for temporary lodging while looking for a permanent place to stay. Remember that they will require one month for security deposit, and first month rent so you will need the cash up front. They will operate on a longer lease or month to month, your choice.
Location is quite good. Twenty minute walk to the Sheraton. Ten minutes to the Corniche. Fifteen minutes to Fudruckers. A simple solution for those arriving to have some breathing space to look around though I think living there long term might be somewhat depressing.
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Open fields
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Misc questions
Hello,
Before applying and then in anticipation of moving to Doha this summer, have trawled through as many threads as I could find. A couple of questions still lurking around that I'd be grateful if someone could answer:
-Siblings/close friends travel; having a twin sister, I cannot imagine her only coming to Doha once or twice (using my current understanding of the family travel benefits) on an ID90/50. Is there a way that I can purchase cheap(er) tickets for her? Or other close friends who may wish to visit?
-International mobile data use; This will be my first airline job. I quite fancy being able to send a whatsapp/iMessage saying I've arrived safely wherever / if I have a day off not in Doha, be able to Skype, etc. I have had a look on the Qtel and Vodaphone websites, but can't see anything about international data rates. What do most people do?
-How much money would people recommend taking out there originally? To me it seems like there are a lot of things to organise/pay for. I can see that it's possible to have an advance on your salary, but is it really feasible to live on the reduced salary for the couple of months following that (transport I think is my biggest concern as the SO transport allowance doesn't seem to cover Oasis' cheapest deal)?
-Is the transport allowance in with our salaries? That way the money could be used on taxis? Are the taxis reliable enough?
-After the first three days, what do we DO whilst we wait on our RP's? Conscious that it will be boiling hot and I'll most probably be skint!
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to answer.
Best wishes,
GC.
Before applying and then in anticipation of moving to Doha this summer, have trawled through as many threads as I could find. A couple of questions still lurking around that I'd be grateful if someone could answer:
-Siblings/close friends travel; having a twin sister, I cannot imagine her only coming to Doha once or twice (using my current understanding of the family travel benefits) on an ID90/50. Is there a way that I can purchase cheap(er) tickets for her? Or other close friends who may wish to visit?
-International mobile data use; This will be my first airline job. I quite fancy being able to send a whatsapp/iMessage saying I've arrived safely wherever / if I have a day off not in Doha, be able to Skype, etc. I have had a look on the Qtel and Vodaphone websites, but can't see anything about international data rates. What do most people do?
-How much money would people recommend taking out there originally? To me it seems like there are a lot of things to organise/pay for. I can see that it's possible to have an advance on your salary, but is it really feasible to live on the reduced salary for the couple of months following that (transport I think is my biggest concern as the SO transport allowance doesn't seem to cover Oasis' cheapest deal)?
-Is the transport allowance in with our salaries? That way the money could be used on taxis? Are the taxis reliable enough?
-After the first three days, what do we DO whilst we wait on our RP's? Conscious that it will be boiling hot and I'll most probably be skint!
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to answer.
Best wishes,
GC.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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I found an interesting video about life in Qatar - although it was made for medical doctors considering moving there - still, it would be relevant for pilots with families. The villas in the video seem nice:
Join Date: Jul 2010
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Hello,
-Siblings/close friends travel; having a twin sister, I cannot imagine her only coming to Doha once or twice (using my current understanding of the family travel benefits) on an ID90/50. Is there a way that I can purchase cheap(er) tickets for her? Only direct family members get any discount.... and only after 3 or 6 months its done through a qr website.... dont stress. Or other close friends who may wish to visit? No way for you to do this for friends.
-International mobile data use; This will be my first airline job. I quite fancy being able to send a whatsapp/iMessage saying I've arrived safely wherever / if I have a day off not in Doha, be able to Skype, etc. I have had a look on the Qtel and Vodaphone websites, but can't see anything about international data rates. What do most people do? Your thinking about it all wrong. Q-tel HALA (prepaid) sim available and top ups are easy. You then buy a 'addon' data pack for data usage.... easy. Like anything, international mobile data rapes your wallet. Their are other business/plans for that, but dont forget alot of places have wifi in the hotels. Dont stress about it. Hala call rates are cheap from Doha and average prices from roaming.
-How much money would people recommend taking out there originally? To me it seems like there are a lot of things to organise/pay for. I can see that it's possible to have an advance on your salary, but is it really feasible to live on the reduced salary for the couple of months following that (transport I think is my biggest concern as the SO transport allowance doesn't seem to cover Oasis' cheapest deal)? Yes you can live on the money. But start saving! initially best to have a handy 5000EUR or US minimum. better if you have 10k. YOU WONT NEED IT ALL, but i say that as some peoples tastes are different and the place can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it.
-Is the transport allowance in with our salaries? That way the money could be used on taxis? Are the taxis reliable enough? Yes 1000 Riyals, it in your contract! taxis are fine, you will get used to it in about a month, but expect to be taken for a ride price wise in the mean time :-)
-After the first three days, what do we DO whilst we wait on our RP's?
You will be doing courses! but some pep.ople are really busy some have alot of time inbetween, its variable. So be flexible. THERE IS HEAPS OF REDTAPE AND ORGANISING FOR YOU TO DO IN THE MEAN TIME SO YOU WILL NEED ALL THE TIME YOU CAN GET FOR RUNNING AROUND AND WORKING OUT HOW THE PLACE FUNCTIONS! Conscious that it will be boiling hot and I'll most probably be skint! Yes, its the desert
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to answer.
-Siblings/close friends travel; having a twin sister, I cannot imagine her only coming to Doha once or twice (using my current understanding of the family travel benefits) on an ID90/50. Is there a way that I can purchase cheap(er) tickets for her? Only direct family members get any discount.... and only after 3 or 6 months its done through a qr website.... dont stress. Or other close friends who may wish to visit? No way for you to do this for friends.
-International mobile data use; This will be my first airline job. I quite fancy being able to send a whatsapp/iMessage saying I've arrived safely wherever / if I have a day off not in Doha, be able to Skype, etc. I have had a look on the Qtel and Vodaphone websites, but can't see anything about international data rates. What do most people do? Your thinking about it all wrong. Q-tel HALA (prepaid) sim available and top ups are easy. You then buy a 'addon' data pack for data usage.... easy. Like anything, international mobile data rapes your wallet. Their are other business/plans for that, but dont forget alot of places have wifi in the hotels. Dont stress about it. Hala call rates are cheap from Doha and average prices from roaming.
-How much money would people recommend taking out there originally? To me it seems like there are a lot of things to organise/pay for. I can see that it's possible to have an advance on your salary, but is it really feasible to live on the reduced salary for the couple of months following that (transport I think is my biggest concern as the SO transport allowance doesn't seem to cover Oasis' cheapest deal)? Yes you can live on the money. But start saving! initially best to have a handy 5000EUR or US minimum. better if you have 10k. YOU WONT NEED IT ALL, but i say that as some peoples tastes are different and the place can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it.
-Is the transport allowance in with our salaries? That way the money could be used on taxis? Are the taxis reliable enough? Yes 1000 Riyals, it in your contract! taxis are fine, you will get used to it in about a month, but expect to be taken for a ride price wise in the mean time :-)
-After the first three days, what do we DO whilst we wait on our RP's?
You will be doing courses! but some pep.ople are really busy some have alot of time inbetween, its variable. So be flexible. THERE IS HEAPS OF REDTAPE AND ORGANISING FOR YOU TO DO IN THE MEAN TIME SO YOU WILL NEED ALL THE TIME YOU CAN GET FOR RUNNING AROUND AND WORKING OUT HOW THE PLACE FUNCTIONS! Conscious that it will be boiling hot and I'll most probably be skint! Yes, its the desert
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to answer.
Hope this helps; These questions have been answered alot in other threads and the search function should help you out. take some time to dig for the knowledge as it is here already!.
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Hello,
Just a quick question if anybody can help me out. I heard a lot of new joiners are being given company accommodation in Barwa City. Any info on this at all as I have only ever heard of Ain Khalid Gate or Holiday Villas as being main areas for housing. Is this near the airport, schools etc? Is it a decent area?
Thanks
Just a quick question if anybody can help me out. I heard a lot of new joiners are being given company accommodation in Barwa City. Any info on this at all as I have only ever heard of Ain Khalid Gate or Holiday Villas as being main areas for housing. Is this near the airport, schools etc? Is it a decent area?
Thanks
