expat2b | ExpatWoman.com
 

expat2b

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2016 - 13:26
The cost of renting a house in Doha How much does a rental of a house in Doha for 2 adults and 3 children? Thank you:idea: Please check one of the real estate websites. propertyfinder dot com is a good place to start.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 17:10
Fatou11, if you have already been offered a job, these details should be in your contract. The facilities vary from department to department and level to level. The HR dept should be able to answer your questions.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2016 - 12:22
Hi SheeMIA305! Barwa City is actually quite nice. The accommodation is good, especially when you compare it with what most houses/ apartments are like here in Qatar. The bathrooms are clean and simple. Kitchen is decent. Plus a storage room, which comes in very handy! The apartments have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. There are lots of green areas here. Also, there are 2 schools, and I think a couple of pre-schools as well, a grocery store and a department store, a pharmacy, some basic eating places like McDonald's, KFC, papa John's, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and a food court. Unfortunately there is no pool or gym. Let me know if you have any more questions :) Best of luck with the move.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2016 - 20:24
Hi Pinky1991! Sorry if this reply is a bit late, but I hope it helps. I have been to the Al Sadd accommodations and they are quite spacious. The one I saw had 3 bedrooms, all ensuite, a powder room, and a maids room with attached bath. Also a small storage room and a separate laundry room. The living and dining rooms are decent size too. I think the apartments only have a gym, and maybe a party hall type place. The location is quite central so you are close to everything. I hope this answers some of your questions.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2016 - 01:12
Hi everyone, My husband starts his type rating on B777 in September and we're wondering what to do about joining him. We're relocating from Yorkshire and have two kids (6 & 2). Obviously we'll be too late to join the September academic intake for my eldest and not sure if he qualifies for the education allowance immediately or not? We'd be hoping for a January start for her, I think. Any ideas how long it takes to get family visas sorted for us to join him?? Thanks for any help you can offer, it's the total Unknown!! X Dear Tabathoo, I would recommend that you get in touch with the schools you are interested in and get an off site assessment arranged so that your kids get in line for a place in your school of choice. Getting places in schools is the toughest so do not take it easy :) The visa process does not take long and is quite smooth especially since QA has a dedicated MOI office dealing with these issues. You can always come here on a visit visa and then convert it to a resident visa which is what we did. The education allowance kicks in as soon as your husband joins. Hope that answers a few of your questions.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2016 - 19:20
Hi Rose9! The rules have recently changed and yes I have heard the same thing about GCC license holders, that they can take a direct test. I have years and years of driving experience, yet I need to enrol in a course to "relearn" how to drive! I haven't mentally accepted that! So far, I have been using the services of a driver combined with my husband's. Perhaps after this summer I can enrol in the driving school :cry:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2016 - 23:48
I haven't had mine sorted yet :( Dreading the process! So far I have been using a private taxi.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2016 - 23:11
Hi Queenie and Rose! Barwa City accommodation is all apartments. They are quite nice, especially by Qatar standards! 3 Bed 3 full baths plus a storage room, fully furnished. Its a nice family type compound, with a grocery store, starbucks, papa john's, a salon, laundry, and a few restaurants. So for day to day needs you don't need to leave the compound. Unfortunately, there is no pool or gym :( However, lots of people conduct private boot camps and yoga classes. Depending on where you are from, getting a driving license can be a breeze or a nightmare. If you are not from one of the countries that have a license conversion agreement, you have to go through a long process of taking driving lessons, and then a test. It doesn't matter how long you have been a driver in your own country :( I hope this answers some of your questions :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2016 - 15:44
Hi Queenie! I am a wife of a A330 FO and been here for a year. We live in Barwa City which is nice for family living. Life here is generally quite peaceful, minus the occasional crazy traffic situation. Since your kid is still a baby you don't have to worry about schools which is a nightmare. The weather has now started to get crazy hot, but come October it should start cooling down a bit. for the 6-7 months that the weather is nice, there are lots of fun outdoor events taking place to keep you entertained. Let me know if you have any specific questions you need answered. Happy to help :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 08:39
Hi Myles1 Semi-furnished in Qatar generally means kitchen appliances and Air conditioners. In some cases, it can also include window treatments.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2016 - 18:48
Hello hkhan! My son rides the bus for school, but he is at ASD and not DESS. which bus service have they recommended? ASD uses Trilogistics and I am quite satisfied with it. Every bus has a bus monitor. They have a whole book of rules and implement them strictly, which includes no fighting, no bullying, no eating on the bus, etc. They always answer phone calls and are very helpful. My son has not reported any issues with the bus so I am happy :) Not sure if this helps, but i just waned to share my experience.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2015 - 15:18
Barwa City only has apartments, but they are quite nice and spacious. 3bed 3 bath. My kids both go to different schools. There is a Newton British Academy here in Barwa and a lot of the people living here have kids attending that school. There are several other schools here following the British curriculum, with Doha British school being the most popular. I would highly recommend you apply to these schools now before seats are taken. Best of luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 21:06
Yes I like the company accommodation, and plan to stay here for a bit. Its quiet and safe, and my 2 boys can easily play outside without me having to worry too much :) My husband is on 330 too. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 14:16
Pinky1991, I am sure your RP will not be an issue. My husband is a first officer as well. I am living in company accommodation at Barwa City.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 00:00
The process for RP is not lengthy and especially as happy_feet said, provided he is at or above a certain grade. However, just make sure all your documents are attested/stamped/verified from the right authority in your home country. You can use either route, and either come here on a visit visa and then convert it to an RP or arrive on an RP itself. Best of luck with the move! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 16:58
Living in Barwa City too. I know how you feel. But I am starting to like the peace and quiet, and not having to fight traffic to get to a grocery store or Starbucks :) There are a couple of Facebook pages that can help you meet people. Barwa city mums is a good one. Hope to see you around there ?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2015 - 12:59
Hi! Welcome to Qatar! Sorry to know that you are having to struggle, but don't worry. There are plenty of nice people on this forum who will definitely help you out! :) For starters, which area are you looking to move to? What is your budget? what are you looking for in a villa? I am sure you will find leads here once you give specifications. Best of luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 21:42
Pinky 1991, Yes, my husband is working for the airline. We are still relatively new. Arrived here in June, and still learning the ropes :) All the best for the future!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2015 - 01:56
Hi Pinky1991! My advice would be to start applying to schools asap. Most schools start accepting application in Dec/Jan for session starting in Sept. so keep checking websites. I have learnt that you choose accommodation based on where the kids get admission, and not the other way around. I hope this helps :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2015 - 00:20
Hello Pinky! You will initially be placed in company accommodation, which can be one of various locations depending on availability. Most people wait for their training to be over before they start looking to move, since the training is hectic and leaves little time to go look around. There are many family friendly compounds here. Most people choose to live close to where the children's school is. Let me know if you have any other concerns :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 19:30
I am also looking for someone for waxing, but preferably someone who can come home.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 13:32
Romain, there are several Beverly Hills compounds, so if you specify which one, I am sure you will find someone living there on this forum :) I have been to a couple of the BH compounds and they are quite nice, with large club house, a good size swimming pool, grocery store, etc.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2015 - 16:40
Glad to be of any help :) Let me know if you find a place you like. We will probably be ,moving out end September too.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2015 - 00:24
Dear Ediop, We are in the same situation as you, with the same budget (I am guessing probably same organisation too :)), and miserably failed to find our "dream home". We have looked at some compounds around the villagio area which were 3 or 4 bedrooms for about 14-15k. You might want to check beverly hills compounds. They are actually not bad. Good family type compounds, with lots of kids and nice facilities. Al Hilal is another area with nice smaller compounds. I can almost become a real estate agent, considering how much research I have done! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 13:31
Good to know I am not the only one with a depressing house hunting situation! :P
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2015 - 00:28
Dubizzle and Qatar Living are good places to start.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 07:33
Hi Aus, I am in the process of moving as well. From what I have researched, You can get: a) A fully furnished place which includes kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, furnishings, etc b) semi furnished, which only have kitchen stuff like fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, and perhaps washer/dryer, or c) unfurnished, which is basically just the house So it all really depends on what type of housing option you choose. I will be moving in less than 2 weeks now, and start house hunting so maybe I can be of more help once there :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 16:35
Expat1983, I just came back from Qatar after a visit with the schools as well. I don't know what grades you are looking to apply for, but Doha British School Wakra campus had some vacancies last I spoke to them. It is still a bit of a distance from Westbay, but maybe another option for you?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 18:18
Thanks expat1983! It sounds reassuring that your son felt confident. Please keep me in the loop if you do hear from them. Are you from one of the organisations that is a sponsor? My husband is with QA so we only get a chance if there are leftover seats. Hope you hear back from ASD soon. Best of luck! :cool:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2015 - 21:26
Thanks tulip327! I don't think the kids are nervous at all. Wish I could say the same about me!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2015 - 21:24
Hi Jerez, My husband joined QA a couple of months back, and he was only provided temporary housing, until we find somewhere on our own. I don't know if it will be any different for you, but so far we are waiting to hear back from schools, and then decide where we want to live based on where the kids get in. I would recommend that you immediately start school hunting, because in my experience that is the toughest part. Don't know how old your kids are, but there are still a few schools that are considering applications for certain grades. Hope this helps! :) Best of luck with the move!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2015 - 14:21
Hello all! Does anyone have any idea about entrance test for grade 3 and 4 at ASD? What does it include? How tough is it for a child who is fluent in English? Any help will be greatly appreciated :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 13:33
Hello all! I need reviews for Newton International Academy and Newton British Academy, both in Barwa city. Does anyone have kids going there? Are you happy? More importantly, are the kids happy? Feedback and responses will be much appreciated :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 12:39
@cats45 I hope things get sorted soon. It sounds like you've gone through a rough patch. Lets hope you have seen the end of it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 07:59
@purpleviolet, How has Doha been for you so far? Did you move with your husband, or did he move earlier and you joined him later? My husband will get to Doha in Feb, and kids and I will join him in June, once school year ends. That will also get us out of his way while his training is going on :P Thanks for the school recommendation. I will definitely look up SEK. @Cats45, has the company said anything about the cause of the delay? Our visa process has not even started yet, so I can't comment on it. But I can only imagine how tough it must be for you all!! I hope it all gets sorted out for you soon and you guys can be together again as a family. <em>edited by expat2b on 04/11/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2014 - 10:31
Thanks for the reply Tilgate. How long have you been in Qatar? How old is your child? Are you happy with Doha College? (too many questions!! sorry ;))
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 10:49
It is so good to know that QR families stay connected. I have sent you an email so you can now delete your email address from the post. I will definitely get in touch when I come to visit. Still waiting to hear from the company about how we can manage a trip before hubby's going date.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2014 - 15:51
Thanks MTPSDoha! Good to know you guys have been around that long and like it there :) I have already started contacting schools. We are now trying to figure out about how to make a trip to Qatar before joining, so that we can make some campus visits and maybe get a general orientation about where everything is. The Pearl looks like a nice place to be. I read somewhere it is mostly a ghost town as most places are still empty. Is that true? That may have been an older post though. What is company accommodation like?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 12:46
I read in another post that it is a closed group and you need to know someone in it to get invited.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 17:48
Wow thanks for all the responses! I am already feeling better knowing so many wonderful, helpful people live there! Ok so looks like for schooling I need to get in touch with the schools I have shortlisted, which are ACS, ISL, DBS, and Qatar Academy so far. Now, how about housing??? I have spent many million man hours searching on the internet, but it looks like houses there are mostly very dated? Is rent negotiable? Or the advertised rent is the final price? We would prefer living in a villa was we have never lived in an apartment, and our kids are used to some outdoor space for cricket/football/ etc. Weather permitting of course! Where do most pilots live? Too many questions, and there are more where these came from ;) <em>edited by expat2b on 13/10/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 16:13
expat2b I'm guessing from the 'QR' rather than 'QA' reference that your husband is commercial rather than a pilot Actually he will be a pilot with "QA". Sorry for the confusion :) Thanks for all the responses!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2014 - 08:46
Dear Ladies, My husband is considering a job offer with QR and I am stressed about the move! Need some positive reinforcement from all you lovely people :) How do people make friends there? I don't know ANYONE in Qatar!! Also, I have read on several posts about employers reserving seats in schools for children of new employees. Is that the case with QR?? I have 2 boys, 8 and 6. I would like for them to attend an IB school preferably, but I understand that in Qatar, admissions are tough and I may have to compromise. We still have some time on our hands as my husband plans to move end of this year or early next year, and kids and I will join at the end of the school year ( June-ish). Looking forward for some responses...