khokha2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

khokha2

khokha2
66
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Latest post on 13 April 2015 - 22:41
Make sure you attest everything,, all school reports, test scores, everything! GEMS is a new school that's why they still have spots available. Generally, it is hard to find a spot in schools here, and no matter where you live, you are likely to spend about 2 hours on the road for schools. All the best!
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 09 April 2015 - 07:15
You came in the right time,, they just changed their rules, as Tulip said :)
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 09 April 2015 - 07:09
LadyD, Do you have an electric griddle, juicer, books?
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 06 March 2015 - 08:13
I've seen Aveeno products at Tylos Pharmacy in Souq Waqif, other branches of the same pharmacy might sell them, but I know that one for sure that branch does.
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 27 February 2015 - 11:40
Hello and welcome to Qatar! Almansoura is a very crowded place with narrow roads. Between the crazy driving and the hot weather, I don't think it's a good idea that you walk anywhere there. However, there is Souq Waqif very near by and is a wonderful place to spend your mornings in. I recommend you take a taxi to the Souq and walk there all you want. Good luck and stay safe!
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 11:18
I am married so I don't know about the dating thing, but from what I have seen, people here hold hands, hugging and kissing in public probably not acceptable, but if you go out for lunch or coffee, I don't think anyone would stop you to ask about the nature of your relationship. In Saudi the religious police does, here I don't think such a thing exist.
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 12 February 2015 - 08:58
I'm sorry, I'm really far from the Pearl. My recommendation to you is to choose your location based on your husband's work and your daughter's school (you should have plenty of time to decide on that since she's only 16 months old). I live in one of Alfardan Gardens, there is 6 of them, and they are all nice, but some are bigger than others. I'm sorry but I'd rather not share my exact location on a public website, surely you can understand :) All the best!
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 12 February 2015 - 08:51
Hello, From my experience (I've only lived in one compound) a fully furnished would have all your basic furniture, dining, living, bedroom, appliances (including microwave). Bedding was provided too. As for small kitchen appliances, since the voltage is different here, you can either buy your appliances from Canada and buy a converter here, or you can just buy your appliances from here. To be honest with you, and that's just my opinion, appliances here are expensive and the quality is not that great. The appliances we have from the US are coffeemaker, bread maker, food processor and blender. I had bought a slow-cooker but then returned it because I didn't want an appliance connected to a converter for 8 hours. Also, there is an Ikea here and it's your typical Ikea so you will find lots of the things that you need but didn't bring with you. Hope that helps. All the best!
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 20:33
Ikea actually has some nice ones, not too many options for color but the design is nice, and after all, this is Ikea
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 18:18
We live in a compound and love it. As you said, more space for the kids to play outside (when it's nice), ride their bikes and scooters, take a dip in the pool (most compounds have pools). Plus the fact that compounds are gated and security guards are always around, at least I know that's how it is where I live.
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 01:24
Peace with 4, it takes you only 35 minutes to get there? I thought it was farther! we live near Villaggio and the main reason why we didn't put my son there was distance. I remember when we went to the open house that they were already talking about extracurricular activities. Also, where are the teachers from? Are they all from the US like the first principal had said at the open house?
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 01:20
I recommend you buy a good charger from Radio Shack, the cheaper ones from Walmart are useless. But what is it do you need the converter for? Because computers and iPhones don't need converters.
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 19:58
The ultimate goal is to get them attested from the Qatari Embassy in DC, but in order to get them attested there you have to first attest them from your state, then the US State Department, and finally the Qatari Embassy. *Catching breath* :)
khokha2
66
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 08:43
Hello, Depends on where you would live and how much (if any) your employer is paying for school tuition.
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 08:40
No problem RRTNICU :) Answers: - I can't remember how much in cash we carried with us because we still used our US ATM card here. And you can exchange them anywhere (as long as they are printed after 2000), but you will need a copy of your passport or RP. - Yes you can, we got ours done at AAA and used it till we got our RP, but once you do you HAVE to get your Qatari driver's license because driving on the international with an RP is illegal. - yes, I believe most drugs are available without prescription and I'm not sure if you can use ones from the US here. Just have your physician write you the generic name so you can get whatever is similar to it, in case the same one is not available here (I haven't seen any Tylenol for children here, but they have other pain relievers / fever reducers) - My husband's company had rented a car for us when we got here, but I believe you can rent a car using your international driver's license. - We use QNB and transferring money should not be an issue. You might want to keep a bank account open there so you can use your ATM card here. - before we got here we went to an Apple store and a couple of technicians there recommended that we buy them from Qatar, because some might work only on wifi (compatibility issues). It was honestly too technical for my understanding so we just took their advice and bought ones here. You can buy the phones here but you will need an RP (some companies here provide their employees with basic phones until they get their RP, then you can just transfer the number under your name). P.S., everything here is tile and brick (not wood like the US, so bring a heavy duty phone case. Otter is a good kind, expensive but worth it) Hope I've answered your questions, please don't hesitate to ask, it always helps knowing the little things before moving Where are you moving from, if you don't mind my asking? All the best
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2015 - 16:32
Hi Gracegirl, We moved from the US in August. Safety is not an issue here. Schools are definitely safer, no fear of school shooting, drugs, or se***l harassment. Other places in general are safe too. For example, for the most part, people don't steal or mug, because it's either they don't need to or they don't dare to. Adjustments? Oh boy! 1- Driving, HUGE difference. People honking all the time, passing from the right, not using blind spot, and LOTS of roundabouts! Also, as a US citizen, you have to take a test. Some nationalities don't have to, but Americans do. 2- Turn-taking, waiting in line, and personal space. When you are getting some paperwork done it's not uncommon for someone to be so close to you that they are looking over your shoulder, and some will try to get in front of you. However, many places have numbered tickets so that will not be an issue everywhere. 3- Expect to have to make more than one trip to get something done. While in the US we used to say "today I'm going to do 1,2,3,4, and 5", here we are lucky if we can get 1 and partially 2 done. 4- Bring LOTS of passport pictures. I believe Walmart is the cheapest. 5- Do not bring any 100 dollar bills older than 2000, no bank will take them and you won't be able to exchange them. 6- Attest everything! Marriage certificates, birth certificates, schools report cards, etc. 7- Start contacting schools NOW! I hope I didn't sound negative. I was just listing the things that we found challenging when we first moved here. But in general, we love it here. The diverse cultural experience my children (I have 3 too) are exposed to here is AMAZING! People in general are nice and friendly, and best of all, NO SNOW ;) In a nutshell, if you keep comparing life here to life in the US you will never be happy here, but if you are willing to adjust and enjoy the best of this move, then you will have a great time. Hope that helps. All the best! :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2015 - 13:09
Hi expat1983 My son goes to Pearling and he loves it there. Even though we moved from the US, he is not having any problems with a British curriculum (he's in year 2, which is 1st grade in the US) They only have up to year 6 now, but I was told that they now have approval for years 7, 8, and 9 for next year, but I don't think it'll be in the same building. All the best,
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2015 - 13:03
Daiso is Japanese and it's kind of like the Dollar General in the US. The cheapest they have is 7 QR and some things go up from that price. The stuff they sell is like Dollar Tree, decorations, household and kitchen items, some toys, picture frames, and other knickknacks. Ramez, in addition to that, has clothing, shoes, carpeting, larger kitchen items, etc. I'm not sure about the other stores; never been there.
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2015 - 12:58
I agree. I am a Muslim myself and have plenty of Jewish friends. If anybody discriminates against you because of your religion then it's because of their ignorance! I know a couple of Jewish people here, but as others said, you don't go around telling people that you are. I honestly find that in this country, everyone just minds their own business. All the best :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2015 - 12:55
Hello! My daughter is in Sherborne year 10 and we moved from the US 5 months ago :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2014 - 22:16
Most places do accept debit / credit cards, but it doesn't hurt to carry some, but as Jill mentioned not lots of it. Mimi I live in Alrayyan, and I do have children, 2 girls and a boy. :) <em>edited by khokha2 on 13/12/2014</em>
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2014 - 22:17
Seahorse, if you are moving from the US, do not bring with you any 100 dollar bills printed before the year 2000, you will NOT be able to exchange them! Mimi, welcome in advance, life is a bit challenging here but once you adapt to it, it is actually nice. Best of luck!
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 20:04
Hello and welcome in advance! My daughters go to Sherborne, they love it, and we love it too. A couple of comments though. You want to make sure that you attest their certificates or report cards before you get here. On a different note, and I just heard that today so I'm not sure how accurate it is, but one parent told me today that he has a friend who just moved to Doha two weeks ago, but none of the schools is willing to take his kids since it is already December (he said the deadline for admission was in November). Laws and regulations here change all the time, so I strongly recommend you double check on that with all the schools you are interested in. All the best! :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 22:56
What exactly are you looking for? Arab Muslim Americans? Muslim Americans? Arab Americans?
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 02 November 2014 - 17:43
Hi A3, There is also a really great school called Sherborne, as in Sherborne school in the UK. I think that one is an all boy school (the one in the UK), but the one in Doha is co-ed. My kids go there and they are very happy. It might be a bit far from the compound you mentioned, but it is definitely worth the drive. I would NOT recommend Newton! I know several people whose kids go there and they are not happy at all. All the best. This could be very overwhelming, but once everyone settles in, this is a good place to live in (bad driving aside :) )
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 21:40
I also saw some at Carrefour 2 days ago..
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 24 October 2014 - 22:45
sorry, I asked but she's already gone. good luck with your search
khokha2
66
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2014 - 01:11
Hi Samah, I can get you her number, but as I said before, I don't know her that well. I'll see if I can get you the number of her former sponsor. Best!
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2014 - 01:09
I remember when we were buying our kids' uniforms from Zaks (Salwa Road) that I saw some Halloween costumes there. You can give that a try :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 23:45
A maid in the compound where I live is looking for a new employer. I honestly don't know that much about her but if you are interested I could ask about her for you.
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 23:55
Dina244, As I mentioned earlier, we love the school. When we pick up our son and drop him off we see new students everyday, so they are filling up quickly. We like how they give students individual and personalized attention. And how the principal personally greets students and parents every morning. Teachers are all from the UK, they are young but have experience. My son is challenged enough for his level. They have students from everywhere, native and non-native. I hope this helps :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 21:48
As I have said in this forum before, this is a great school. They are still new but I personally find them amazing! The teachers and principal are great, energetic, and very devoted. My son goes there and he loves it. The building itself still needs some work, but that doesn't seem to affect the quality of education they are offering. I'm not sure about the fees, so I recommend you give them a call, or perhaps stop by in person and ask all your questions and take a tour, specially that it is near where you live. Best of luck!
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 11:01
I'm new to Doha too but not as new as you are (2 months) :) I haven't been to a salon before but I've been asking around. Apparently, for hair and highlights it's best if you go to one of the hotels (that's what I was told). They cost more but are much better than regular salons. let's see what the others have to say...
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 13:16
It also depends on where you will live. Again, there is a new one Pearling Season, they still have places available and I personally think it is a great school. The teachers are very energetic and are great with children
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2014 - 07:41
Hello! Unfortunately, I don't know what steam is. I can answer the other questions however. Computers here are a little pricier. Bottom of page three is an example, and these are on sale for Eid http://94.236.55.82/RetailTool/Resources/Flipbooks/C4QatarEID-1stOctober2014.pdf Internet is fast if you choose it, we pay 345 QR (which is about 100 USD) for internet, TV, and land line, and the internet is as fast as our Xfinitiy one in the US. It's best if you just buy things here, this way if it breaks you might be able to get it fixed. on a different note, don't bother bringing any other electronics from there because the voltage is different, you'll need an expensive converter and the machine will end up burning up. On another different note, if you are bringing in 100 dollar bills with you, make sure they are not printed before the year 2000 because they will not exchange them for you. It took us several trips to several places here to find a place to exchange them. Hope that answers your question and welcome to Qatar :) Which state are you moving from? We moved from the US 2 months ago :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 10:35
OK ladies, about the RP, is this a new law? Because we just moved to Doha about a couple of months ago and the schools we applied to had no problem with us not having an RP as long as we provided them with that information once we got it. Besides the schools mentioned earlier, there is a new one called Pearling Season. This is their first year and the some parts of the school are not ready but the teachers are amazing and principal is a wonderful woman. On a slightly different topic, this can be the experience you choose it to be. True, you can't compare Qatar to the US or UK but it is definitely better than other countries in this part of the world. Honestly speaking, besides a small incident here and there, my only complaint about this place is the heavy traffic and the bad driving (although compared to driving in Saudi, driving here is great!) Best of luck :)
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 22:31
There's Zaks on Salwa road. It's the store where all schools sell their uniform. We were shopping for uniforms there and I believe I saw some Halloween costumes there.
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 00:07
I don't think they will ever stop admitting international students into private schools here since only 20% of Qatar population is actually Qatari and the rest is international. I recommend looking into where you would live before deciding on schools because you might end up with an hour ride from school to where you live. Finland, Pearling, and GEMS are still accepting applications, I believe. I know all the teachers in Pearling are from the UK and are NOT local hires. Hope that helps! All the best..
khokha2
66
Posts
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Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 00:33
Have you asked at Jarir? If they don't have it they might tell you where you can get one. There's also VCU in Education City. It is a big art school so I bet you can ask there too, they might have one in their bookstore or help you in getting one.
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 19:41
There's also a new one called Pearling Season International School http://www.psisd.com.qa/
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 29 August 2014 - 10:07
have you tried toys-r-us? the one in the US had booster seats
khokha2
66
Posts
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Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 11:24
I use Neslte
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 11:19
Have you looked into Qatar Foundation? They seem to have young people working in some offices there. I'm not sure if they have any job openings but it's worth asking. Good luck!
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 20:12
Oops,, thanks :)
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 16:23
welcome to Doha! :) I'm sorry, I have to ask, what does DD stand for? :)
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 13:16
me too please :)
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 12:45
Hello lovely ladies, I'm having trouble finding a good DVD player. I bought one and the quality of the picture wasn't great, I bought another one and it seems that it is not "compatible" with DVD's from the US. Has anyone been thought this before? any advice on a good DVD player and where to buy it? Thank
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 22:44
Hi Peace, That was the first thing that caught my attention too! Because I, too, was expecting it to be as expensive as the one in UAE. I'm not sure what the reason exactly is but we intend to go to one of their open house events and tours. As you said, I'm just glad my son has a place there. He's going into 1st grade. Let's hope things go smoothly and we can get this headache out of the way :)
khokha2
66
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Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 19:36
We got an email from them today and these are the fees they included in their message: KG1: 32400 KG2: 32400 Grade 1: 38100 Grade 2: 39500 Grade 3: 39500 Grade 4: 42100 Grade 5: 43400 <em>edited by khokha2 on 21/08/2014</em>
khokha2
66
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 01:46
Dear UET, I just moved to Qatar about a week ago after living in the US for 15 years. My advice might not be the most accurate but I hope it helps. I think for housing you would need somewhere between 10,000 - 15,000 QAR per month, depending on size and location. And schools here range between 30,000 - 70,000 QAR a year per child depending on the location, curriculum, popularity, and seniority (these rates go up every single year). I can't give you a number on how much you might need for groceries because as I said we just moved here, but from what I've seen so far, if you are willing to adjust and try different foods then you should be OK, but if you insist on eating the food we are used to eating in the US then be prepared to pay about 8 dollars for a box of chex cereal and about the same amount on turkey bacon. I'm not telling you not to come here just make sure you do the math right. We moved here because honestly my husband got a generous job offer that was hard to say no to. Hope that helps and best of luck.
 
 
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