We realize that a move to a foreign country can be scary (even though it is a huge adventure for most of us) and this raises a lot of questions. We have compiled a few of the most commonly asked ones and will regularly update and add to this page as information changes. Click on the various links provided to get more info on the specific topics.
•	Question: How to I go about purchasing a vehicle?
	Answer: It is very easy to buy a vehicle and very affordable. At least 50% cheaper than SA. You normally need a letter from your sponsor stating that they do not have a problem with you buying a car and then it is a matter of financing. I think this is one of the easiest exercises when you arrive. A wide range of cars and their relevant spare parts are available locally. Large powerful four-wheel drive vehicles are popular. Used cars are almost always available at reasonable prices. You can check: - the various used car dealers in the Industrial Area or on Salwa Road - bulletin boards at local supermarkets for cars for sale by expats leaving the country.
•	Question: What is the price of petrol?
	Answer: 80 Dirhams a litre (under R2!!, cheaper than milk which is QR 4 for 1 litre!)
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•	Question: What are food prices like?
	Answer: Average, even a bit similar to South Africa, mostly cheaper actually. You also quickly get used to the different tastes and brands.
•	Question: Can you buy property in Doha?
	Answer: Yes, but property is very expensive and expats can only buy in certain areas (like the West Bay area and the new Pearl development). Those areas are extremely expensive.
•	Question: Where is the best areas to stay?
	Answer: Doha, and almost everywhere in the Middle East, does not have the distinction between good and better areas as we know in South Africa. Here it is much more of a mixture with brand new villas and older places all in the same area. Housing is more a matter of where it would be most convenient in terms of location of work and school. And of course the price of housing is quite high and therefore one tends to take what you can afford. Compounds (like townhouse complexes) are quite popular with expats as they provide a lot of amenities like pools and sport facilities, but they are also normally a bit more expensive. In the Marhaba (a magazine you'll get acquainted with quickly when you arrive) you can read more about the various agents around, like: The Specialists (+974 436-3990 or info@doharealestate.com) and Manazil (+974 580-2660 or info@manazil.com). You can also find more in the housing section of this site.
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•	Question: Are there any domestic servants available?
	Answer: Yes, there is, mostly Philippine ladies work permanently under a sponsorship and even Indian men are willing to work on a casual basis. To obtain sponsorship for a domestic servant, the best way is to work through a recruitment agency like Al Noof where you can call Myra on +974 442-5869. It is best to wait until you are here and your husband receives his residence permit (which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks). Please also bare in mind that it takes anything from 4 to 8 weeks for the maid to actually get here once the whole process at the agency has started. In the meantime you will be able to get some part time cleaners, etc, a very good alternative for the time being although more expensive as they get paid by the hour.
•	Question: Can you please tell us more about the schools in Doha and the kind of education we can expect for our children?
	Answer: Schools are currently a slight problem as there is not enough schools for the great demand. But the schools are very good. Children get an excellent international (mostly British) education that is of high standard. The top schools are Qatar Academy, DESS, Doha College and Park House English School. Remember to bring their clinic cards with all the inoculations, the schools normally asks for this. Birth Certificates and previous school records are also required. Class sizes are considerably smaller than in South Africa, so lots of individual attention. You can read more about these and find their contact details in the schools section of this site.
•	Question: Can you please tell me more about the Nursery Schools in Doha and their locations?
	Answer: The number for Life Time Nursery is +974 455-1010 and you can speak to Salam. The number for Elder Tree Nursery is +974 455-1020 (e-mail is eldertree@qatar.net.qa). These two are both in the same area (near the Airport and The Mall shopping centre). Then there is Creative Child, this one is on the opposite side of town (near the Doha Golf Club and Qatar University) and the number there is +974 479-5916 and apparently you can speak to Fran. There are quite a few other nurseries around and it really depends quite a bit on where you'll be staying. A couple of others is Tots Corner (+974 468-8008) and First Steps (+974 437-5862). You can read more about these and find their contact details in the schools section of this site.
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•	Question: What about Churches? And Sunday School for the kids?
	Answer: There are a few places where Christians can go, mostly non-denominational. Doha Fellowship (non-denominational): +974 436-1283 Children's Programme Youth Group for 14-19 year olds Grace Fellowship (non-denominational/Evangelical): +974 450-7167 (e-mail: secretary@graceqatar.org). Children's, Youth and Awana Programmes Qatar International Christian Ministry (non-denominational): +974 553-4685 Sunshine Club for 4-13 yr olds / Youth and YAM Programmes Anglican Church - services Sunday evenings, and Friday mornings at Doha English Speaking School. (All denominations welcome) Phone Rev Ian Young for further information. +974 442-4329. Sunday School at DESS on Sundays at 15:15.
•	Question: What type of activities can one get into - out of working hours?
	Answer: Buying a boat and/or quad bikes are the most sought after activities. People enjoy the outdoors, sand and sea. Clubbing is not big but there is a little of that. Camping, shopping and that is about it. Of course traveling, because everything is close by and the airlines often offer promotions to take advantage of. To give you some idea of costs: The zoo costs 5 Riyals, bowling 10 Riyals/game, ice-skating 35 Riyals including skate hire, watching a film about 30 Riyals.
•	Question: What is the dress code for both male and female?
	Answer: Men and women wear normal western clothes like back home. Women must just be careful and should preferably not wear clothes that are too revealing like mini skirts, shorts, strappy blouses etc. The general rule would be to cover your shoulders and knees in public. Click here for more general information about Qatar. Traditional dress for Qatari nationals is shown on the right.
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•	Question: What are the restrictions and movement of non-nationals?
	Answer: There are no "restrictions". We are allowed to go where everybody else is allowed to go. Both men and women can drive cars as long as they have a valid license.
•	Question: What items are prohibited imports into Qatar?
	Answer: Qatar customs will not allow you to bring the following items: - Weapons and ammunition - Fireworks - Obscene pictures or magazines - Narcotics and dangerous drugs - Counterfeit coins and/or bank notes - Alcohol or pork products.
•	Question: In terms of the freedom within Dubai of expats - does Doha allow that type of freedom as well?
	Answer: Doha is very similar to Dubai. Just smaller with fewer clubs and going out places. It is also a very safe environment to move around in, taking walks on the corniche for example, can be very enjoyable. So to put your mind at ease: Remember that this is a very safe environment to bring up your kids. They get exposed to an international education and other nationalities' points of view. Very liberating indeed! They have the opportunity to see new places and experience new things - very exciting indeed!
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•	Question: When is the holy month of Ramadan expected in Doha?
	Answer: The holy month of Ramadan in 2010 will most likely start on Wednesday, the 11th of August (pending the sigthing of the moon) and will continue for 30 days until Thursday, the 9th of September. Note that in the Muslim calander, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Ramadan on the sunset of Tuesday, the 10th of August. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours, and respecting these restrictions is not simply a matter of courtesy: Qatari law prohibits everyone from eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan. The hotels will have food service available to non-Muslims during the day. The sale of alcohol and drinking alcohol in public at any time are strictly prohibited during Ramadan. At all times, modest dress is the rule in Qatar. NOTE: Although Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Ramadan moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year.
•	Question: How do South Africans generally adapt in Doha?
	Answer: Very good, there is over 2000 of us, and we have various activities (see Social and Coffee Shoppe pages) from time to time. It is really up to the individuals and their own attitudes. This is a friendly environment, different to back home, yet an adventure and new experience.
•	Question: What are the rules and law regarding the use of Alcohol since this is a Muslim country?
	Answer: You are not allowed to bring alcohol into Qatar at all. Any item like this in your luggage or container will be confiscated. Alcohol use is restricted to bars and restaurants in hotels. No other restaurants are licensed to sell alcohol. There is one distributor of alcohol - Qatar Distribution Company (located near by the Industrial Area, a few hundred meters from the Al Jazeera Academy) and an expatriate must have a permit to be able to purchase liquor. The permit costs QR 1000, which is a refundable deposit. You can only apply for the permit once your RP (Residence Permit) is confirmed. Your employer has to provide a "Letter of no objection" to state that they have no problem with you obtaining this permit. Your permit then has a limited quota for the month and is renewable on an annual basis. Your liquor permit will be issued at Qatar Distribution Company in a matter of minutes. The permit only allows the transportation of the liquor between QDC shop and the permit holder's place of residence. Transport of liquor at any other time is at the permit holder's own risk. A note of warning in 2008: "Dear All I have heard on good authority that Qatar Police are carrying out random breath tests on drivers. Apparently these have been happening on the Corniche on Thu and Fri evenings. Most of us come from countries where it is acceptable to have a small amount to drink and then drive. It is worth noting that Qatar have a zero tolerance policy to alcohol i.e. any amount of alcohol in your blood, no matter how small could result in a conviction. Apparently 10 expats have been arrested since Xmas, held in jail for 24 hours and then deported - never allowed to return to Qatar. The bottom line is that if you have had so much of a sniff of alcohol, don't drive, get a taxi or a lift, it just isn't worth the risk. Safe driving."
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