Visit Doha

Practical information about the state of Qatar

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).

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

Transportation There are new blue cars, run by the private Karwa service. Karwa taxis’ meters start at QR 4 and run at QR 1.25 per kilometer. 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 4458 8888. All hotels can call you a plusher taxi for 50 QR and up, or a limousine (100 QR and up).

Visa Information

Tourist Visa is required for entering Qatar with the exception for GCC citizens (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). Some visas are issued upon arrival, while others must be applied for ahead of time.

Visas upon arrival are generally restricted to selected countries, the residents of which may obtain a one-month Tourist Visa for 100 QAR. This visa can be extended for an additional month for the same fee.

The 33 approved countries are: The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, the Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Lichtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea.

Travelers from countries outside the above list may obtain a Tourist Visa through Qatari embassies abroad or through booking with a hotel in Qatar.

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 can 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

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