•	Taxi Service:
	Metered private taxis are available in Doha and can take you almost everywhere you want in Qatar: - Orange and white taxis. They are economical to use (rates are doubled after 9:00pm). Due to upgrading of the fleet, these taxis might completely disappear soon and be replaced by the "metallic turquoise" ones. - Metallic turquoise taxis: they are slightly more expensive than the orange ones. More and more of them should appear on the streets of Doha in the near future. You can order a taxi by phoning KARWA at 458-8888. QR4 are charged at pick-up with additional QR1 per kilometer. Hourly rates are QR30 (within Doha). - Doha limousine: service offered by KARWA at 483-9999 (on order only or at the airport exit). The fleet is composed of Toyota Camry and similar cars but their rates are more expensive: QR10 are charged at pick-up with an additional QR2 per kilometer. Hourly rates are QR40 (within Doha). - Buses cost 2 riyals for journeys inside the city and 7 for journeys outside.
•	Driving License:
	Your foreign license is only good for one week in Qatar, an International Driving License is valid for 1 month. As soon as you have received your Residence Permit (RP) it is advisable to register for a Qatari driving license. Once again, passport size photos are required and an application form that need to be taken to the Traffic Department, located on Khalifa Street, between 'C' Ring road and 'D' Ring road. - Eye Test - Road Test (theory and practice tests might be required).
•	Renting a car:
	Cars for hire are available from a number of local and international car rental firms. Al Muftah Rent A Car - 432-8100 Al Sulaiman Rent A Car - 435-5477 Avis Rent-A-Car - 466-7744 Budget - 468-5515 Eurodollar - 432-1313 Mannai Auto Rent - 443-8404 National Car Rental - 487-8069 Oryx Rent-A-Car - 488-0802 Prestige Rent-A-Car - 483-8500 United Car Rentals - 450-3333
	Back to TOP
•	Buying a second-hand vehicle:
	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.
•	Vehicle Registration:
	When registering a vehicle, you must have a valid Qatari driving license and insurance certificate valid for the running year for the car being licensed. In the case of a new car, your car dealer will help you with the formality. If you are buying a used car from an individual, both you and previous owner will be required to visit the Traffic Department together to transfer ownership of the vehicle. Cars that are more than three years of age must go through technical inspection at Technical Inspection Company, Street # 24, Industrial Area in Doha, or at their mobile branch (changing location). Note that you cannot bring your own car in the country if it is more than 5 years old.
•	Car Insurance:
	It is obligatory to have vehicles insured and to have third-party coverage. There are a number of insurance companies you can deal with. Most companies are used to dealing with expatriates and will advise you as to what insurance you need. Beware that cars over three years will not be given comprehensive insurance.
	Back to TOP

•	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.
•	Question: What is the price of petrol?
	Answer: 80 Dirhams a litre (under QR 1!!, cheaper than milk which is QR 4 for 1 litre!)
•	Click here for more answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
	Back to TOP