Time Zone
Qatar
is at GMT +3.
Phone Codes
The Qatar phone code is: +974
Money
The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR). It is set at QR3.64 to US$1.
Cash is still the preferred method of payment in Qatar, especially in smaller shops and the souks, but major shops, hotels and restaurants do take credit and debit cards (Visa and Master Card by preference).
Banks include Qatar National Bank, Commercial Bank and HSBC Bank Middle East.
Hospitals
Al-Ahli Hospital (4898000)
Al Emadi Hospital (466 6009)
American Hospital (442 1999)
Apollo Clinic (441 8441)
Doha Clinic Hospital (438 4333)
Pharmacies
Federal Pharmacy (488 2812)
Good Life Pharmacy, City Center (483 9100)
Tylos Pharmacy, The Mall (455 3831)
Transportation
There are two types of taxis, the run-down orange-and-white ones and the new blue cars, run by the private Karwa service. Karwa taxis’ meters start at QR 4 and run at QR 1.25 per kilometre.
To save yourself from having to flag a taxi, you can always order one in advance for an extra charge of QR 4 by calling 458 8888. All hotels can call you a plusher taxi for 50 QR and up, or a limousine (100 QR and up).
Qatar information and forums
There are two websites that provide a broad and colorful, as well as practical range of information and socializing forums. Check out Qatar Happening
www.qatarhappening.com for info on fine dining, concerts, dance performances, art events and even adventure sports. Register on Qatar Living to find your own community in Doha, post any question you ccan dream up and start forum conversations at
www.qatarliving.com
Also pick up a copy of
Time Out Doha, published quarterly, for a trendy and resourceful approach to life in the Qatari capital.
Hotels
The Four Seasons
www.fourseasons.com/doha
(974) 494 8888
W Hotel Doha
www.starwoodhotels.com
(974) 453 5353
Sheraton Doha
www.starwoodhotels.com
(974) 485 4444
La Cigale Hotel
www.lacigalehotel.com
(974) 428 8888
Mövenpick Tower & Suites, Doha
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
(974) 429 1111
Ramada Plaza Doha
www.ramadaplazadoha.com
(974) 428 1428
Mercure Grand Hotel Doha
www.mercure.com
(974) 446 2222
Millennium Hotel Doha
www.millenniumhotels.com
(974) 424 7777
Grand Regency Hotel Doha
www.grand-regency.com
(974) 434 3333
Oasis Hotel & Beach Club
www.oasishotel-doha.com
(974) 442 4424