JillMV | ExpatWoman.com
 

JillMV

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Latest post on 30 July 2016 - 11:55
There's a new website in Doha that gives reviews of doctors -- http://www.meddy.co/ should be able to help!
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Latest post on 27 July 2016 - 21:12
Hi Sharlene -- i've just added to your two other posts. I think the best way to come is optimistic with a positive attitude. Things will be different. Things will be weird. You won't be able to understand people at first with their behaviors, or their accents. BUT you'll have such amazing experiences. You'll meet people from all over the world. If you like warm sunny weather -- you're in luck. You will try new foods and be physically in a great location to base world-wide travel. You'll be spoiled by conveniences here that you would never have in Scotland. But there are also inconveniences. You may have to go to multiple grocery stores to find that specific ingredient you need from home. Or you may be surprised to find that the store you want to go to is closed from 12-4:00pm. You do need to be flexible and willing to roll with it -- but I think that all in all, it's a much better experience to come, embrace and relish in the differences, the diversity, the opportunity, and the range of experience. I'm leaving after 10 years -- and I'm so glad that I did come. I have had frustrations, but I have truly enjoyed my time here and I am very glad I came instead of just stayed in the US. I'm going back so my kids can grow up near their grandparents and cousins in the US -- but Doha was amazing when we were just a couple enjoying life. I think you and your husband will enjoy it together as long as you come with an open mind.
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Latest post on 27 July 2016 - 21:02
excess baggage means you check him in when you check in your luggage -- and he's on the same flight as you, but in the luggage hold. to have him on board in the cabin with you, you have to check with each airline to see their size guidelines. It's just for very small dogs that fit in cages that I think fit under the seat in front (not 100% sure of the exact size), but it's definitely only for small dogs.
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Latest post on 27 July 2016 - 20:57
If your dog is small - you may be able to take him on board. Alternately, most airlines allow the dog to fly as checked luggage for a nominal fee. There is some paperwork you have to fill out on this end. I know if you search the forum for pet relocators you'll get contact info for someone who can help you out with that paperwork. Or, if your husband comes ahead of you, he can do the paper work himself. The one thing to look into are the requirements for going back -- because as I understand you need to do quarantine for dogs going back to the UK or follow a specific set of guidelines. I feel completely safe going around by myself. Safer than in the US. I've lived here 10 years. Had 2 creepy experiences 9 years ago, but nothing serious. I dress respectfully. I have never worn local dress or covered my hair except during a mosque tour. Generally the rule of thumb is cover everything from shoulders to knees and you're good. Something to keep in mind is that it is very expensive here. While hired help and services are generally inexpensive, groceries eating out, alcohol, and housing are very expensive. There are lots of people her from the UK who may be able to help you compare expenses.
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Latest post on 20 July 2016 - 23:24
I've lived in Doha 10 years. Have never lived in Dubai, but visit regularly and have a number of friends there -- some who grew up in Dubai, some who transplanted from Doha. So I'm not comparing living experiences, but have some insight.. Yes you want your husband to get a multiple exit visa, or he has to apply every time he wants to travel! If you are sponsored by your husband, you don't need an exit permit. I think admin roles aren't too hard to come by, if you're sponsored by your husband. A lot of people have been laid off lately -- often taking their spouse with them. There are way fewer jobs here in general than a couple of years ago, but I THINK non-sponsored admin jobs are ok. Unfortunately, it takes a while to network and find a job.... To keep in mind-- Doha is similar to Dubai, but it's not quite the same. Does Dubai have the No Objection phenomenon? In Doha, if your husband wants to leave his company, they can ban him from working anywhere else for two years. Doha is definitely much smaller -- which is nice because it's a closer community, but it also means there aren't quite as many offerings. There is no metro yet (it's coming soon!). You don't get the concerts that come to the UAE or have Farrari World nearby or the water parks... (we do have a water park). Part of the reason that I go to Dubai often is that the best pop / rock musicians go to the UAE, but rarely come to Qatar. Also, I have been to a bunch of training courses/ conferences in Dubai that just don't happen here -- or are much less frequent. But I think that Doha has a lot in the arts and culture scene. The museums are excellent and expanding. The Philharmonic Orchestra is great. The parks are nice, and growing all the time. I think that Qatar is putting a concerted effort into growing nicely, not just quickly. In Dubai you can drive to Abu Dhabi, Oman, Al Ain, RAK, Al Ain, etc -- in Doha, in order to drive for a vacation, you have to go through Saudi Arabia, which is a bit of an ordeal, so it's not as easy to get away without planning/ flying. But it is easy to go to the beach or go camping any time. I think cost of living is slightly higher in Doha- but I have never lived in Dubai, just visit a few times a year. Hope that's helpful. If you can find people who have actually lived in both, that's probably best. The Qatar forum is much slower than the Dubai one. If you haven't already posted there, it might be worthwhile. There are lots of people in Dubai who used to live here.
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Latest post on 19 July 2016 - 10:19
My Gym has some classes for under 1. My son is older and loves their classes - the baby classes look great, but I haven't experienced them myself.
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Latest post on 07 June 2016 - 20:01
Sidra just opened their out patient clinic, and from what I see online, I think they care for infertility issues. May be a good place to check out.
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Latest post on 07 June 2016 - 18:54
As most have said -- it's mostly up to where they will get in... But if you have the luxury of getting in multiple places --- i wonder if your school in Bahrain would be able to suggest which school is most like where they currently attend. I would think that a lot of the International Gulf schools are familiar with each other, especially since the communities move back and forth so much. Might be worth asking the principal/ counselor.
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 22:01
there was an announcement the other day that sidra will partially open in the beginning of May... http://www.sidra.org/sidra-to-open-outpatient-clinic-on-1st-may-2016/
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Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 18:12
The Georgetown library is open to the public. http://www.library.georgetown.edu/qatar/visitorServices
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Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 18:08
I know Qatar didn't used to recognize online degrees to get an RP- although I believe that is starting to change... I am doing my Masters through the Extension branch of Harvard - www.extension.harvard.edu. It's mostly online but requires some on-campus classes. It has worked out well for me living here.
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Latest post on 08 January 2016 - 18:04
Have you looked into hiring a nanny? I feel like a lot of the day cares are 3000 / month or more, but you could hire a good live-in nanny for your budget.
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Latest post on 06 October 2015 - 06:09
I had heard that Malarone is now available in Qatar -- but I'm not sure where.It was not available in the country the last time I needed Malaria prophylaxis (2011). An alternative that is definitely available in Doha is doxycycline-- which has its pluses and minuses. I think you might need a prescription for it. It is an antibiotic. It makes you more susceptible to sunburn and you need to take it for almost a month once you're back - but it doesn't make you crazy. I have taken it a couple of times when traveling to Africa and I could not get Malarone, and did not want to take Lariam. More info about it: http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/fsp/drugs/Doxycycline.pdf
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Latest post on 21 September 2015 - 00:06
Many companies- especially "western" companies here would prefer the Canadian type of resume. There is a huge variety of resumes/CVs submitted here - with people all doing what works in their home countries. Some are ten pages with every single course ever attended, along with pictures and marital status listed at the top. Many are the way you would do a resume in the US- 1-2 pages listing education and experience.
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 18:18
I have thought about moving to Al Wakra a few times. It is much cheaper and now that it has grown, it really has most of the amenities of Doha. Also there is a big new hospital there and a bunch of new schools. I thought about moving there because of school openings, and convenience to the airport, but my husband thinks that it's too far from "everything." I think it would be very easy to live comfortably there -- I think that my husband's issue is that it is sort of far from where a lot of our friends live... but if you move there, you'll make friends nearby I'm sure.
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Latest post on 20 August 2015 - 05:03
Hamad is generally considered the best hospital in doha. It's the public hospital. I'm not sure what sort of information you are looking for???
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Latest post on 20 August 2015 - 05:02
Generally, they say you can drive 7 days on your home license and up to 6 months with an international driver's license. Once you get an RP, you must have a Qatari license to drive. When I moved here, it was possible to get a temporary Qatari license while your RP is in process that is then converted to a permanent license once the RP is done. I'm not sure if that's still possible. I have used Strong a lot. They're easy to work with. I also have used Al Muftah and Mustafawi. Not sure who is the cheapest. That said I've never had a real issue to test the customer service.
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Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 22:19
The govt hopsitals are by far the cheapest options. And most people would say that in a real NICU emergency with the baby, you want to be in Hamad anyway, supposed to have the best doctors and facilities... Lots of people like the Cuban hospital (which is part of the Govt/ hamad system, but located in Dukhan). Wakra hospital is new and supposed to be nice. The challenge with the Hamad is that it is so popular, there is some headache getting appointments, but I've also heard the same about wait times at Al Ahli. I think if you do a search on the forum, you can find some (probably outdated) information on the total price of prenatal and delivery at most of the hospitals - I know i've seen that before. A number of companies do not cover maternity - so it is a common question.
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Latest post on 24 July 2015 - 18:09
sorry - don't know of anything besides some art pieces / souvenirs from the Museum of Islamic Arts or the souq... When I'm in Dubai, I buy lots of things you can't find in Doha!
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Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 18:33
I have heard very good things about the German school, and from what I understand, it is not a problem if you don't speak German at home. Many kids go there whose parents do not speak German. I have heard you're just expected to speak your home language at home and leave the German learning to the school... But if you're trying to get back to the French school, perhaps it's best to listen to what the school admissions said.
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Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 20:00
I've never been - But I think Tuesday Ladies Group is popular. Qatar Women's Professional Network is a good way to start networking for job hunting. Doha Mums is great if you have kids. Job market depends on your skills and expectations. What are you looking to do? Some fields aren't particularly developed here. Then there are some jobs here that pay much less than they would in the UK, like retail and nursing. LinkedIn is popular tool here. I think there are a lot of positngs on Bayt.com, but have never used it myself. For finding a job, it's best to meet as many people as you can, so getting out to meet people is key. Also, identify specific companies you might like to work for an scan their employment pages. That may work better for you than bayt.com or similar.
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Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 08:05
Apply anyway as soon as you can at all three, I would say. I would call as many schools as you can this week, while some of them are still in session. Sadly, some of the biggest companies in the country are laying off a lot of people at the moment. But on the positive side - this will probably result in more open spaces in schools. I think waiting lists will move much more quickly this summer than in the past years. For me, almost any school would be better than a homeschool option, but that's me. I would definitely look at another curriculum before going with homeschool. I don't know how well it works moving between curricula, maybe someone else has experience with that.
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Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 10:36
Hi Wiggie, Assuming you want to stick with the American curriculum, your options are American School of Doha (ASD), GEMS American Academy and the American Community School (ACS). ASD is probably considered the most desired American school. It's been here the longest, has the best facilities and reputation. Everyone I know who has kids there is happy. It's located in Al Waab. It is one of the hardest schools to get into in Doha, and the hardest to get in of American curriculum. The good thing is that if one of your kids gets in, then the others move up the waitlist as there is sibling priority. GEMS looked very good to me when I looked at it. It has only been in Qatar one year, but is a chain school or sorts that is very popular in Dubai and other parts of the world. It's located in Wakra, which is a little south of Doha. If you're trying to live near the base, it may actually be fairly convenient, but if you're on the north side of town, it would be far. I think GEMS may be accepting more students than other schools because it is still fairly new and for many people, the location is not convenient. ACS is on the northern end of town and has an IB and American-based curriculum. It has been around 4-5 year, I think. It had a threat of closure this year after a lease issue - I think they have a plan for the next few years, but I'm not sure what the longterm plan is for the school. As for lease or buy -- if you're sure it's just two years that you're here, leasing could make sense. It's easier because they take care of maintenance and insurance, etc, but you pay a lot to lease here. The only thing is that everyone I know comes thinking they'll be here for two years and stays for many more! With the USAF that two years may be a little more set.
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Latest post on 10 June 2015 - 07:49
In the past, we were successful placing ads in the classifieds here and also on Qatar Living --- BUT through Qatar Living you'll get a lot of people applying who might not fit what you have posted, and you need patience to try to weed through those. Word of mouth is definitely best, but it's hard when you first move here and don't know many people. You can also go through an agency...
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Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 09:21
I know there are companies that do this... but if you can't find one -- could you put a shade tent or something above it to at least keep some of the sun off the tank?
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Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 09:11
The two places Eleonor mentioned are Al Shaqab (In Education City) www.alshaqab.com/ and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club http://www.qrec.gov.qa/website/Home.aspx?lang=en . They have beautiful facilities and gorgeous Arabian horses, especially Al Shaqab. The both hold large dressage competitions, I believe Chi Al Shaqab competition is quite a big-deal international one (I know very little about riding). There is also another place that offers lessons, leasing, stables, etc -- this is Sheikh Faisal's Farm out in Shehaniya. http://www.fbqmuseum.org/index.php/al-samriya/al-samriya-equestrian-academy.html I have a friend who has kept her horse there for a number of years. It is a little more of a country/ farm like setting than the other two.
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Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 23:26
You may check with Qatar Airways again. Apparently, for a few days there was an error on animal pricing on their site...So with luck the price was a mistake. See article here: http://dohanews.co/increase-in-pet-travel-costs-prompts-qatar-experts-to-fear-more-abandoned-animals/ If you look at other options, KLM is generally considered to be the best at handling animals. We sent our dog via KLM cargo many years ago for this reason, although we flew on another airline ourselves (at the time there was no QR flight from the US).
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Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 00:48
At this point, most things are available in Doha - if you're willing to pay for them. I would say bring the things that make your home feel homey... certain pictures, your favorite pan that you can't cook without, etc. Don't bring electric appliances that need a converter, they tend to all die. If your company will pay to ship out a container of stuff, bring as much as you can. Compared to the US, clothes are more expensive here. I'm not sure how Canada compares to the US though. I would not bother to bring sunscreen, there is plenty in Doha. I haven't thought that bathing suits, hats and sunglasses are particularly more here than in the US. It's nice because you can find them all year round. I don't know of any consignment shops -- and it's also hard to find anything like a TJMaxx/ Marshalls or any outlet type of prices. Closest thing you will find is individuals reselling items. There are lots of yard sales and that sort of thing throughout the year. Sorry - not sure about the tattoos. I've definitely seen plenty of people with them in various places, but I'm not sure what locals think of them. I'm pretty sure a nose ring is totally fine.
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Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 08:50
VCU often offers web design and adobe suite classes in their community class program. I'm not sure when their next set of classes is - but worth checking out. I think it would be more of an intro than a professional course, but it might be a good starting point and the professor might have good suggestions for further learning.
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Latest post on 18 April 2015 - 11:54
my husband also always takes a taxi. Before kids, I would drop him off. Can't imagine no car in Qatar (Although it would be easier on the pearl than some other places).
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Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 12:22
I go to Dr. Sonia at Al Emadi Hospital and think she's great. She doesn't do deliveries though - so if you are planning to deliver in Qatar, that might be an issue. You might also try the Cuban hospital. It's in Dukhan, which is about an hour from Doha, but it's a very nice place. All the doctors and nurses are Cuban. They have male and female ObGyns, who I always hear good things about.
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Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 08:31
My husband is around a lot -- but it's completely inconsistent. He gets a monthly roster at the beginning of each month.. and that's the schedule. Every month is different. Nothing predictable like 5 on 4 off.. I've always thought that he's home much more than you're average 9-5 working guy - but at different times. They can request specific days off as part of the roster bidding (not just vacation) and that generally works well.
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Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 08:19
Schedules depend on the plane size. What plane would your husband be flying? 320 pilots have lots of short flights with few layovers. 330 have some short, some longer flights with 1-2 day layovers. I think the 787 is similar to 330. 777 pilots fly long flights, but less often, etc. At the moment the 380 is mostly flying to London, Paris, and Bangkok, but presumably as they receive more planes there will be more routes.
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Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 22:49
Hi Bonnie - Our daughter adjusted pretty well, actually. Much better than expected. we didn't have a long commute - live very close to the school and house-wise, it was a nice change to have a bigger bedroom, her own en-suite bathroom, pool facilities in the compound, etc. She also started school in January - so the weather was nice - at the time. She had already adjusted a lot to Doha before the summer heat came. She was excited about the move, came with a positive attitude, and set off to enjoy life here. It may have also helped that she had changed school systems about a year and a half before back home - so she had experienced similar change before. At first, I was worried that she was trying to keep up with her new friends by spending money, which was a little frustrating, but we got over that... For me, I would prioritize the school then worry about housing. The kids from the school will live all over town. The school spot is the most important, in my opinion. Some employers will help out, some won't. The oil companies are pretty good with helping with school spots, but they're about the only ones who have sway and have "sponsored" spots.
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Latest post on 19 March 2015 - 20:15
Although school spaces are limited, it's not usually as bad for high school as for younger grades. My daughter moved to Qatar at age 15 and went into the American School of Doha (ASD) mid-year and absolutely loved the school the whole time she was there. We were very happy with the school. There were a number of Australian kids in her class too. They offer an IB diploma in the high school as well as the more traditional American curriculum. Most people will say that Qatar Academy, Doha College and ASD are the best secondary schools. Doha College and ASD are located next door to each other, in Al Waab, and if possible I would recommend living nearby. Qatar Academy is in Education City which is fairly convenient to Al Waab as well. But at least your daughter is old enough that you would probably be comfortable with a bus/ driver if you live far away. Al Waab/ Abu Hamour area is a popular family residential area, especially due to these schools, but lots of people choose to live in West Bay or the Pearl where there is more entertainment. Doha British School is also nearby in Ain Khalid - I don't know as much about their secondary - but they do have IB. Sherborne is farther away, past Education City.
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Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 19:14
Hi Happy Feet - I just checked google maps and, yes, it calls what I call Muntazah street, Rawdat Ali khan. I have always thought it was called Muntazah st- maybe the street sign says that -- or back in the day when there were no signs, the only sign may have been for Muntazah Park, haha, which is on the street. Anyway the store front is on B ring just near the intersection. Kitchen and Co at least used in one of the strip malls across the street from the Mercedes dealership. It's possible they have moved - I haven't been in a couple of years. No, I'm not much of a chef or baker, but I handle food service at work so I have shopped around for lots of kitchen equipment. <em>edited by JillMV on 11/03/2015</em>
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Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 08:19
it depends on what supplier amazon is using for the product. They will deliver some stuff internationally, but most they won't. I've had some things sent by Amazon to Qatar - but I don't recall if I used the PO box or physical address. Other things I have used Aramex Shop n Ship.
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Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 08:16
just in case anyone has the question in the future - FedEx can deliver most places in Doha. They have a local rep, called Falcon Express- main office is off D-Ring.
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Latest post on 09 March 2015 - 16:11
There are a few wholesale kitchen supply stores on Salwa Rd: Kitchen and Co probably the most likely Royal Art Kitchen Al Halabi maybe others as well. There is also a great kitchen supply store - New House Complex - near the intersection of B Ring and Al Muntazah St.
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Latest post on 06 March 2015 - 18:08
The pharmacy in Al Emadi hospital carries a large range of Aveeno products now.
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Latest post on 15 February 2015 - 19:41
I don't have a child there myself - but lots of my friends and neighbors do, and they all have positive things to say.
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Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 12:15
It seems to vary by landlord and company. Some provide everything including plates, utensils, bedding and towels- and some don't. Or some provide these things, but you might find that you want to replace them with items of your own choice. I would check with the HR dept to see if they can give you more specifics as to what is included. Things you'll probably want- pictures/ photos/ important books- things that you think make your home feel like your home.
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Latest post on 24 January 2015 - 14:20
ASAS has a nice sized pool. I've only seen it from balconies - but I'd imagine it's 25 meters. Lots of residents swim laps there. It rents fully furnished apts. It's outdoors -- not sure if it's heated for this time of year, but I'm pretty sure it's chilled in summer.
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Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 11:25
I went to a presentation at GEMS last month and they said they were going to run buses from 5-6 central locations in town - mostly malls with safe pick-up areas. Unfortunately, I did not pay close attention to the locations of the bus pick-ups because we wouldn't use the bus but I remember some were on that side of town. The receptionist may be able to tell you more specifics. They also said that the PTA is strong and that through the PTA lots of parents have set up carpooling... and there are also a lot of parents who use drivers/ regular taxi service. I was impressed by their presentation and facilities -- but don't have any kids enrolled there (yet) so don't have first hand experience with the school or the weekday commute. I would think it would be more like an hour for you. <em>edited by JillMV on 08/01/2015</em>
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Latest post on 13 December 2014 - 21:23
@seahorse77 - most places these days accept credit/ debit. But many taxis do not. I think gas is cash only -- although it may be possible that you can pay with a card. I never have. There are some small restaurants and take away places that don't take cards - including large international fast food chains. One thing you will find is that some cashiers get very surprised by a US swipe - type credit card and once or twice I've been told I can't use it. The cards here have a chip that's supposed to make them more secure. I wouldn't see a need to bring lots of $US cash because you would have to go to the bank to exchange it anyway...
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Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 21:33
Furnished means different things for different employers and different landlords. I think Sidra HR should be able to tell you what's included. The first two furnished places we lived in had sheets and pots/ pans/ plates/ glasses all provided for us. The next furnished place had all the furniture and appliances, but we needed to provide our own small kitchen appliances (toaster, microwave), pots/ pans, sheets, towels, etc.... so it depends on employer/ landlord. If you're coming from a place that uses 220 voltage, I would bring the kitchen appliances you love - your coffee maker, mixer, etc. If you're coming from the US, I would not. I think a lot of people like to bring things that make you feel at home - your favorite pictures, pillow, etc
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Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 21:24
@anesthesiaA13 - i think grocery bills are discussed in other threads, so if you search, you might get different answers, but we (a family of four) tend to average about QR 1000 per week on groceries/ toiletries/ cleaning supplies, but I always eat lunch at work and my husband is a pilot - so he's away a lot. We tend to buy organic items when possible. It can be done cheaper -- but for us, we pay for convenience and healthier items. Food in Qatar is expensive because most things are imported. The cost of living here is quite high. for yoga, etc - there is a place called Yama Yoga that is well known in town. Google them for pricing. BUT working at Qatar Foundation, you have free access to AMAZING sports and recreation facilities with a number of free classes, and others that are reasonably priced. for cars - you can get a Nissan Sunny type car for about QAR 1700 / month. 2000 for a slightly nicer sedan. A Ford Explorer or similar SUV will be QAR 4000 a month -- and all else in between.
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Latest post on 05 December 2014 - 22:56
if you go the excess baggage route -- the good thing is that in the Doha airport, there are free trolleys to help you push your stuff -- or you can get a porter service for 15- 25 riyals (I think) and they'll carry/ push all your stuff for you. Customs is not a big deal at all as long as you're not importing anything illegal. You really just walk right through. I do NOT think it's worth spending more to send your stuff separately. Containers take much longer to get here. This may be convenient if you don't really need the stuff in the container - but if you don't need it soon, why ship it? The only thing I think you need to worry about is transporting your stuff to the airport in the US and getting it to the check in line, then transporting your stuff to your new house - if you think your stuff plus you would take more than the taxi or the car of the person who will pick you up. Taxis aren't very expensive. You shouldn't pay more than $25 for an additional taxi to anywhere in Doha, I don't think. And if you buy lots of bags, I would recommend duffel bags -- only because they don't use much of your weight allowance, should be cheaper than a real suitcase, and they are then easier to store once you're here... many of the villas/ apts here don't have a lot of storage and people are always looking for places to store their suitcases. You really only need 6 bags at once when you're moving. Next question to consider - when do you need everything? If you need it the first day- take it on the plane. If you can go six weeks send it by sea. Since you don't have a lot of stuff- I would not just talk to shipping companies -- I'd also look at FedEd/ UPS / DHL for their sea or air freight options. Air Freight only takes a few days, but may be reasonably priced. One last question -- do you have points/miles on any other airlines that can be used toward the baggage allowance? Qatar aiways is part of oneworld and allows you to use points for excess baggage.
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Latest post on 05 December 2014 - 22:24
our daughter's visa had her middle name as her first, and her first as her last (or something like that) and it was ok. Of course if you're able to change it, that's best, but with luck, it should be ok
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Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 20:17
We have found them before. I think always at Megamart. We have a dairy allergy in the family....