gailmcphail | ExpatWoman.com
 

gailmcphail

gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 14:00
Yes, had to do this last year. We were told everyone should do it but they had started enforcing it for RP,it took a long time & was expensive but as our PRO took care of it, I can't help with the how-to
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 15:55
Not heard anything about a holiday, would be nice tho! Is there an occasion that makes you think it might be a holiday?
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 14:25
I got kindle covers from ebay (UK) and shop n shipped them & even with the shipping they were much cheaper than anything here or on amazon. There may be some sellers which ship here direct from china.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 11:14
Join the Buy it sell it swap it qatar kids Facebook group - you may find something for sale on there & you can post a wanted ad as well.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 10:07
Desert princess in Ain Khalid. You can find them on Facebook
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 10:01
Safy, I have heard different things about whether & for how long an international licence is valid for. Tbh, I think it's safer to get temp licences (bit of a pain as they need to be renewed every 30days with visa) until you have RP as i wouldn't want to risk them deciding the licence I was driving on was not valid. You definitely need to get a Qatari licence once you have your RP. It's pretty easy to get the temp & permanent licences from the traffic dept at Madinat Khalifa.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 10:53
I know for sure where you can get these things, but for formula I think mega mart stocks the biggest range of non-standard ones, so try there. Pharmacies are in every mall, at petrol stations & elsewhere so your husband could try in them. For the bath seat, he could try Babyshop at City Centre or Centrepoint malls. Mothercare is in landmark, city centre & hyattbplaza. Mamas & papas is in Villagio. Good luck!!
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 10:42
I heard a rumour of Creme Eggs in Carrefour but didn't see them in Landmark today. Any recent sightings? Mega mart at the Centre & LuLu Gharaffa (on the counter where they sell loose nuts etc) had them in the last wk.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 17:06
This seems to be the holy grail and akin to finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Good luck!!!
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 17:04
Yeah, visa runs are a pain. I have heard someone talk about a 'family visa' which I think is valid for 6months. I know nothing about it and never had one, but perhaps ask your husband to ask his PRO if that might be an option for you since you have a baby to consider on the visa runs as well. Although the new rules for the RP state 6months of bank statements, I do know people who have got theirs in month 5, so you might get away with just 2 visa runs.....
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 10:50
Yes, you can alternate extending at airport & doing a visa run. When you enter you get 30days, you can extend this for 30days & then you need to leave the country & start the process over.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 10:28
http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=197962
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 17:28
I wouldn't live here unmarried, especially with a child. It wouldn't be worth the risk for me, if anything went wrong or they simply had a crack down then it would prison/ deportation.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 09:16
I am not sure you can buy them here. Glow is your best bet to try. You may have to order online & get them shipped.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 09:41
The Entertainer book has vouchers for beach club day passes at some hotels as well as for some kids activity places, so might be worth checking that out. Sometimes the MIA or Mathaf (modern art museum) have kids activities so you could check their websites. MIA park hires out bikes & has a play park & cafe. Oh & I think they hire pedalos too.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 15:25
I am just back from ikea. Got there for 11am, outdoor car park was less than half full & there were loads of guys directing the traffic. Was told that a Sheikh was visiting & therefore the opening was delayed til 12noon. We were all kept waiting in the undercover car park where they had seats & were giving out free refreshments. Think I was inside by 11.45am, first bit felt crowded as everyone was being funnelled in the same way but it did thin out & the marketplace did not feel busy at all. Great stock, including quantities & prices seemed similar to UK ikea. Car park was full by the time I left. As at home I would avoid it at weekends but don't think the anticipated opening day chaos has happened. There were staff at every turn & they were v helpful.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 10:33
Qatar Tourism Authority website says it's on 28-31 march
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 10:32
C4 sell their own Bio brand of organic Quinoa, it comes in a brown box, have got some fairly recently in Villagio store. It was out of stock for months until recently. Megamart also sell it but it's double the price.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:09
You can buy extra cases on BA - first one is around £35 & 2nd £70. Just an fyi, I only jut found out & it's great value if you have a lot of stuff to transport. No recommendations for courier or shipping cos i'm afraid.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 15:37
Online you should look at Qatar Living, Qatar Sale and Oasis. There is a row of cars for sale parked on Al Waab Street - heading from Vilaggio towards West Bay they are on the side road on the right hand side just passed the Aspire signal (pull off as soon as you are through the intersection) - they have signs with price and contact number in the windows.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 11:15
Contact the bank. They will be able to tell the money was not released when they reconcile the machine.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 11:07
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Distilled-Water Tutorial on how to make your own
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 18:24
I'm worried that they will figure out I'm in qatar and I'll no longer be able to get books delivered to my kindle. I have been in a long-running exchange with their customer services for almost a fortnight now trying to place an order and they are fast going WAY down in my estimations.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 11:09
Directions: from Salwa Rd heading away from the Ramada intersection, turn left at Wholesale mkt intersection. Keep going straight, you will see Mesaimeer Health Centre on your right. Aramex is on the right shortly after this. Parking is not easy, I tend to park in front of the Blue & yellow building that reminds me of ikea and walk a hundred metres or so to the Aramex office rather than battling with all the cars trying to park right outside the door. I didn't think Aramex accepted liquids, so my guess is that your parcel is at customs because it's liquids.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 19:55
Thanks BEDH, I sometimes drive past the bit that's on Haloul Street from which people are leaving with pick-up trucks full of veg & figured it was only for real bulk buyers. I live quite close so will stop by one day to explore.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 18:17
Another Doha Day! Off topic, but intrigued to know where wholesale market actually is. I'd like to check it out, I assume you buy in bulk but it's much cheaper? And it must still be open in the afternoon?
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 10:58
End of feb is latest I've heard
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 18:23
I meant to write and tell admin that the info on here was inaccurate, but after weeks of frustration I was just happy to have the cards and kind of gave up. I never tried the woman's hospital, so not sure if it's possible there. There is some sort of office at the main Hamad hosp, but I think that's only to pay for and collect the cards. Perhaps try again at the health centre and see if you get someone else....
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 17:50
This was not an easy process for me! I went to what I thought was my local health centre, based on fact it's really near my house, first time I didn't have my electricity bill so had to go back, only to be told that my health centre was actually miles away in the middle of the industrial area. So I decided to try and get the health cards from the health card office at Rumailah hospital - but it seems that does not exist. Someone there told me I could apply online, I swear I looked at every page of the Hamad website and could find nothing about applying for a health card. Eventually, I got my DH to come along to the original health centre since I was reluctant to have to travel so far to the industrial area, and all of a sudden the lady at the health card desk was practically flirting with him and got us all signed up and we had to collect our cards within a couple of days from Hamad hospital. So, I guess my advice is take your husband! We haven't actually had to use the cards, just wanted to have them.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 13:20
No Cath K in Doha, not sure where you can get charger.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 09:05
They posted that they are open 3.30-5.30pm every day for ppl to collect items from their recent auction, so I assume they will be able to accept their donations at this time too. Their number is 5539-6074 so you can call ahead to check.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 18:48
I think they all need to be taken with a healthy pinch of salt. The ones published by UK newspapers routinely change the methodology on which they rank unis and, for example, may bump up the value of student feedback, so unis/ departments offer (sometimes cash) incentives to complete the survey. The weight given to teaching / research changes & can be manipulated to get a higher score. The Shanghai Jiaotong Index is one that some unis covet a high ranking on, but it's possible to buy your way up the table by e.g. appointing Nobel laureates as visiting professors. Older, more established unis tend to have overall better reputations, but some newer ones will excel in a particular area. I'd look at ranking/ reputation for the subject area of interest as much as the uni overall.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 20:30
QAWS have been running an online facebook fundraising auction recently and may be able to sell your items in a similar way if you were to donate to them.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 17:33
I heard it's due to be closed for a few years
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 14:03
I have the celeste for our bed & v happy with it a year on., they didn't have the Riveria or Renaissance when we bought. Have either the oasis or supreme for spare room and had good reports about it too. I believe they can have one made to order if you want the 210cm size. I wouldn't put a 200matress on a 210 bed frame, I think the gap would be annoying. Homes r us do beds that fit origins mattresses. I think ikea are non-standard size, but perhaps worth checking in case you can wait to buy frame from there.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 17:48
I went to immigration at Madinat Khalifa. You will be pointed in right direction for E-gate - first stop is far side of room from entrance for photo & fingerprints. Then you get a number and queue to pay at a desk and get your new ID card. Once paid you then go to a machine nr the entrance to activate the card. Relatively simple process which took about 30mins. Can't remember cost 200qr?
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 13:34
http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=197612
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 13:33
Home centre beds/ mattresses are a non- standard size. I bought a bed frame from homes r us (Hyatt plaza) which does standard sizes and got a mattress from origins where their 2nd top quality one was about same price as cheapest one at home centre.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 18:11
Doha Mums is a great resource for info on all your questions, but you need to attend an event to join, so you won't be able to join until you are here. Al Ahli & Doha Clinic are the two main hospitals for private care. Apparently Al Ahli is swankier & more hotel like but I have heard that the waiting times even with an apt can stretch to hours. Doha Clinic is less swanky but I have heard that there are a few good doctors who deliver there. There are a number of doulas/ lactation consultants here for pre & post natal help/ care. There are lots of private clinics that have paediatricians, ob/gyn etc or some ppl use hospital clinics. The Aspire Ladies Club gym runs pregnancy fitness classes & ante-natal classes.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 23:00
Doesn't help immediately, but the Dubai Organic Cafe has signed a franchise for Doha and is due to open within the next 6months, not sure where, but I shall be keeping an eager eye and ear out for news of its opening!
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 16:17
I would have thought you would need to buy gluten free bread/ products to ensure they are wheat free. Megamart has the best selection, in chiller cabinets at the back. Lulu were stocking livwell & warburtons gf bread but supply was sporadic & I haven't been for a while so not sure if they still do.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 10:00
Is the golf course in it again?
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 09:58
We bought a 2nd hand car that was advertised on Qatar sale. It was not an easy process separating the wheat from the chaff but when we found a car that seemed like a good option we took it to the German Auto Centre on Salwa Road (opposite side from quality hypermarket & a bit further up) who gave it a full check for (i think) 250qr. They seemed thorough & as they don't have a garage for repairs we trusted that they were not inventing issues that needed fixed. There are a few garages along a strip (some with similar names) that all offer this service & if buying 2nd hand, I'd definitely recommend getting the car checked out.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 23:04
You can just come in and get visa on arrival. They may ask where you are staying at immigration, I just said 'with my husband in a villa in Al Aziziyah' and they didn't ask anything else. Or you could just name a hotel.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 22:51
You can get a temporary driving licence before you get your RP, it needs renewed every 30days like your visa which is a bit of a pain but lets you drive if you'd like to rent a car initially. Hey, girls, I don't know what you are speaking about? European passports holders can make an international driving licence at home before the departure and it lets you drive here till you don't get the ID. Why do you ask for temporary one??? I was not able to get an international driving licence before leaving the UK & I could only drive on my UK licence for the first week of my visa so I had to get temp Qatari licences. RPs for spouses are now taking 6 months so I had to have temp licences for 6 months before getting my RP & permanent licence
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 19:58
There's a choice of 2- Qtel or Vodafone. I think Vodafone used to be pay-as-you-go only but have now launched post-paid. I use Qtel, started with a Hala card sim (payg) which you can buy all over the place, just need your passport. Now switched to a contract which you can get once you have residency.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 09:50
You can get a temporary driving licence before you get your RP, it needs renewed every 30days like your visa which is a bit of a pain but lets you drive if you'd like to rent a car initially. Join Doha Mums, there are lots of activities going on & you can meet ppl & get to know the city a bit.
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 10:23
Shop n ship don't ship liquids
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 20:30
They hadn't when I was there 2 weeks ago. Looks like they are building a multi-storey so it could take a while....!
gailmcphail
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 16:14
Originssofas.com have western style sofas, you can choose style/ fabric/ colour etc.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa

A Restful and Luxurious Getaway in Bali, Indonesia

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing