GinaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

GinaM

GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 09:50
My car was gone for 90 minutes yesterday (and its 7 years old so not an automatic pass car) - I was very impressed! :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 09:48
Aren't you a member of AAA Rachel? If you are a gold member then part of the service is that they come and pick up your car and take it to get registered for you. I've got them coming this morning to take mine. Much easier option! I also had a fine with points - not sure about the kiosk though - I just went into Madinat Khalifa yesterday and paid - went about midday and found parking easily. I was in and out in about 5 minutes.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 10:31
There are a few places that rent out short term although it is a little limited at the moment. Ezdan apartments (bit old now but ok) and Merzam (http://www.merzamhotels.com/index_files/MerzamResidence.html) both spring to mind. Merzam is quite nice. Both are in good (but different) locations. I'd make him wait till you arrive. You want to make sure that you like where you are living and men and women do tend to have different prerequisites! ;)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 10:28
They are in the UAE Ausgirl but Justy probably wants some feedback from people who are now in Doha just so that she can get a comparison with what she/they know over here versus what is over there.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 07:42
Perhaps the law is that children have to sit in the back if they are aged between 10 and 12 but any age younger an they are welcome to bounce about the car as much as they want! ;) I was talking to a Qatari a couple of weeks ago and he said to be quite disbelieving "do you know that in the UK its law for children to wear seatbelts"....I said "do you know that its law here!". <em>edited by GinaM on 11/10/2012</em>
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 13:28
I've heard similar to Niggly. I also was talking to someone who went to the 'posh' Gordon Ramsey's restaurant there and they were very very disappointed - also the pricing was astounding - you wouldn't pay that much for a good meal in a top restaurant in london!
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 17:05
http://www.nelsonparkproperty.com/
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 17:03
Blue Salon is a department store on C-ring (just around the corner from Al Sadd). Is that where you mean? You would no doubt get good quality there but it is very high end so you would pay a lot too. I know that they have a watch section but not sure about diamonds etc.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 19:36
You might find it hard to get a reply Holly as its illegal to use someone who isn't your own sponsored maid or who you get through an agency on an hourly basis. Are there no other maid agencies out there? (Sorry - I have a live in maid so have no idea if there are or not). Good luck!
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 16:15
There isn't actually a "dress code law" in Qatar - the campaign that was held recently was an initiative of the Islamic Centre (Fanar) who were quoted in the paper as saying “We do not want to have a dress code law. We just want to educate people and then give them the freedom of choice." That being said you are in a culturally different place to home and the expectations here are different - while you might not be breaking the law showing lots of flesh you will possibly get lots of bad looks and maybe even be some verbal abuse (if you really get carried away). I am with Little Spoon however - I don't wear shoestring straps out in public without a wrap but I will wear sleeveless tops/dresses provided I'm pretty conservative on the lower half (I don't really have to worry about short shorts or anything like that as even the westerners would be disgusted if I did! :) And also there are more traditional places like the souk where I wouldn't even wear sleeveless.). Other than 6 years ago when I was a newby and got caught out having to rush into a shop in shoestring straps and no wrap I've never had a local or otherwise give me any grief on my clothes.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 13:20
We've just GAC and Runway in the past - both were excellent but Runway was about half the price. Their number is 44431529.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 13:19
Sometimes. It depends on the landlord and if they have anywhere to put the furniture.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:51
Trader Vics at the Hilton is lots of fun - dancing, live music and great cocktails, Belgium Beer Cafe at Intercont is good although no dancing there...ditto Admirals at the Ritz and Bubbles at the Ramada (Radisson Blu!) is fun with dancing upstairs (but it is a bar not a restaurant - the other three you can get meals at too).
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:49
I had all of my sons standard vaccinations done on visits back home so that he was automatically in the register in Australia, however I did get him vaccinated for both Hep A and typhoid at Doha Clinic and they were fine. Both of those vaccinations are recommended within Doha although neither my husband or I got vaccinated for Hep A - I guess it depends on where you tend to eat and if there is any major risk to you (for my son I thought it was just better to play it safe).
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 09:05
I mean that the whole thing about the court case, finding people responsible and holding them accountable will be forgotten. Of course what happened and the lives lost will never be forgotten - but I don't find it hard to believe at all that given the opportunity, real justice and accountability will be forgotten. The fact that these people didn't turn up at court and (to my knowledge) did not instantly have arrest warrants issued as a result of their blatant disregard of the law and the justice system is not a good sign!
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 07:49
How about supporting the poor families who lost their children and loved ones in the fire! I'm all for new beginings and feel very sorry for the businesses/staff who have been affected through no fault of their own but you do realise that the court case in relation to the fire was postponed the other week due to 2 of the 3 parties being held accountable not turning up in court? I think that if Villagio opens and everyone supports it then the whole thing will just be forgotten and the chance of justice being done will turn from slim to non existent. At least while Villagio is closed people want to know what is being done. And those children and their famillies deserve an answer to how this all happened and who was responsible (and to know that the correct punishment has been dished out in the hope that it will deter future tragedies like this happening).
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 14:17
They might not answer the phone Bright Side. I've never tried calling them (only the drs there directly) but most places in Qatar are DREADFUL at answering phones. You can just go in though - normally there isn't too much of a wait particularly if you go first thing in the morning - 8am, 8.30 ish.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 22:10
Go see Dr Abdul Rahman at Doha clinic - I'm sure he's written HRT scripts for friends of mine.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 22:07
I have a friend who has children at Loydence and she/they are very happy. Don't get too worried - it always seems difficult getting children in when you aren't here but I know of very few people who have had to home school and even those have only had to home school for a month or two. People come and go pretty quickly and places open up at all the schools. Just put your name down at all of them and you'll start getting options. :) ETA - I think Sherbourne still has vacancies for next year - not sure what years but probably worth a call. <em>edited by GinaM on 27/08/2012</em>
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 22:05
You can go straight to a ENT specialist. If you go to Doha Clinic there is one guy there who is really good - sorry, can't remember his name but he is older and roundish :) ! He gave me some really good tips for my son - like put a drop of olive oil in each ear before they go swimming - it lines the eardrum and stops infections.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 20:59
I'm pretty sure that there is a collection bin - in fact a charity headquarters just behind the mall (as you come off d-ring drive straight down that little road instead of turning into the Mall carpark and its right there in front of you).
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 22:23
Providing you realise that you will be seeing Qatar at its worse (Ramadan and 50 plus degrees don't mix well) then thats fine. But also realise that none of the schools have staff in over summer (including the local schools) so you wouldn't be able to talk to them/see the schools until the last week of August, possibly the first week of September. To be frank I woulnd't say don't come now, there are some advantages to summer/ramadan - the roads are quiet, and if you think its ok at this time of year you are going to be overjoyed in winter when it really is fun BUT if you can wait till September/October it will be much more fun for the kids and probably more productive. :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 14:31
They are a waterpark that opens from 10 till 10 but close for an hour for lunch!!!??? Now I've heard it all! :) What on earth are you meant to do for that hour if you are there (in the middle of the desert)!!??
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 15:35
Shops will be shut the first day of Eid (which should fall on the 20th but could end up being the 21st) but after that they will be open as normal. I'd suggest heading to the supermarket on the 19th to be sure.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 14:33
QR2000 electricity deposit and (if you get one) QR1000 alcohol licence deposit - both refundable (but make sure you keep the receipt from the grog shop as you need to give them that when you leave to get your deposit back).
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 19:02
Last time I was there Party Kingdom had a fairly good range of stuff - plates, table clothes etc etc.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 18:57
There is a second "sand" course down at Messaid. I know that you can play Tuesday evenings/nights at the Doha course without being a member. Membership is pretty pricey but I think they might be building another course...perhaps that will make it more affordable (although from what I can see why reduce the price when golfers are so fanatical that they will pay anything to play!) :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 18:54
Has died down a little bit. With a pair of socks though the house makes a great ice rink at the moment! :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 17:20
Generally semi furnished means that it has white goods in it and thats it. IKEA hasn't opened here yet and its been a running gag for a good number of years when it will open...I wouldn't be holding my breath on that one. Could be six months....could be six years! :) White goods and electrical stuff are easy to find but the furniture selection here isn't great. Apollo furniture has some nice stuff and there are bedding shops like Serta and King Koil.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 12:18
We've always lived in unfurnished places - we brought everything with us except for whitegoods. I'd probably get rid of tvs and stuff like that too if I was coming over now as those things are easy to get here, relatively cheap and the sockets are different so it saves adaptors (by the way - bring adaptors with you - the ones here are beyond dreadful! Cheap things that fry your goods!). There aren't really any expat areas as such - or more to the point there aren't many areas that expats don't like in. Most people live near work/school. I guess the main areas are around Villagio/Al Waab, West Bay/city, around the airport and around Landmark. Clothing - most of the shops are UK, European and US ones - like Next, Mango, Gap, M&S, BHS, Reiss, H&M, Top Shop and so on. If you're not familiar with them just google them - you get pretty much the same here as in the home countries. You'd be suprised at some of the clothing that you can get here...for the life of me I can't figure out why people would by some of the stuff since you wouldn't be able to walk out the door in some of it! :) I always buy bras and bonds undies when I'm at home...I'm not sure if us aussies are built differently but even the M&S bras just don't work on me! :) Lots of people complain about the shoe shops here...I'm a bit of a shoe fiend though and buy designer shoes at one of the local stores (Salam) during their twice a year sales - you can get the most incredible bargains (up to 90% off). Re phone and cable - cable TV is about QR220 a month for a standard package and it is absolute sh*t but what can you do! They just play the same things over and over. We ended up getting an Apple TV on top of the 2 different cables that we have (showtime and mosaic) and still don't have things to watch half the time (although my 7 year old is always happy!). Local phone calls are free, most people use Skype for international and my mobile bill is probably on par with what it would be in Australia. Hope that all helps!
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 13:17
Who told you you have to pay a years rent up front? Its illegal for company's/landlords in Qatar to do that and I don't know anyone who has ever been asked for pay a year up front. What happens is that they get a years worth of cheques (or for example with our last lease we signed for 3 years so had to write out 3 years of post dated cheques) which they then hold and cash each month. The rent is very expensive here. Not sure what you are looking for but say for example for a 3 - 4 bedroom villa you would be looking around QR15,000 plus as a benchmark. In terms of groceries - you won't get the variety (or freshness) of Australian supermarkets but it is no more expensive here. Some things are more but then some are way cheaper than Oz. When I go home (to Australia) I tend to get shocked at how much it costs me at the supermarket. Schooling (if applicable) - you can check on line - major schools are DESS, Doha College, Sherborne, Parkhouse. They tend to go from QR30,000 a year up to over QR70,000. Electricity/water - for us in a 4 bedroom villa with pool we pay from about QR300 a month in winter to QR1000 a month in summer. I've been here 6 years though and have acclimatised quite a lot so am not a huge user of ACs. Cars are cheap and petrol is cheaper than water! :) (QR1 a litre...makes my friends back home cry!). Eating out is probably pretty much on par with back home in terms of cost and grog (from the grog shop) is slightly more expensive (around QR170 for a case of beer, QR60 for an ok bottle of wine). When we moved here we brought everything that we had from home and it was the best thing that we did as it made here home straight away. I guess it depends on how long you are planning on coming for though as to whether that is a viable/sensible option or not (in saying that we didn't intend to still be here 6 years down the track!)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 13:06
No, not a QFC company Lalala. Its a public listed company. Perhaps they have some pull??
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 07:16
I've got a friend doing his RP at the moment and I asked him about the 6 month thing and he said that its not true. He's a lawyer so I'm guessing he has looked into it...although it is possible that its "true for some and not for others" as often happens here. You might find also that the amount of weight that your PRO can/is willing to exert might have an impact too. I find it very hard to believe that they are really doing this across the board otherwise they will be potentially seriously limiting the number of people prepared to come here. I know that as a family we would not have been prepared to spend 6 months apart/transiting.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 07:13
If you know the Al Messilah compound its at the petrol station just before you turn in to the compound. If you don't know it go to Sports roundabout from Al Waab, go around the roundabout so you take the 3rd exit (heading towards the new big overpass, opposite exit as if you were going down to white palace lights on C-ring). When you come up to the petrol station (not too far - maybe a km along at the most) take the slip road to go to the petrol station and its just on your right in amongst the shops there. Good luck. They had plenty yesterday but let me know if they are all gone and you need my packet! :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 14:42
There's an exchange counter at Landmark - downstairs.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 14:39
Just saw them at Megamart express so they probably have them at the normal Megamart too. :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 14:38
Luke (Australian podiatrist) at Aspetar is great.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 22:53
I had to go there a bit after 10 this morning and thought it would be a mad house but it wasn't too bad - got a park underground easily. I think the mass exodus of the country is well underway so its only going to get easier from here on in! :)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 22:48
Oh...my son loves cruchy nut cornflakes! Generally I can convince him with the honey and nut ones though! I have a pack of unopened crunchy nuts in the cupboard though - bought from megamart in the last 2 weeks but I'm not sure which one - I think probably the express one. <em>edited by GinaM on 03/07/2012</em>
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 22:42
I would get the blood grouping (pin prick test) done here - its no biggie and while one day they may accept from other countries another day they may not, It only costs QR30 and you can get it done at any medical centre/hospital. You don't need it done before you do your medical (ie. chest xray and blood test for HIV etc) but you do need it for your RP - the medical, fingerprints and blood group all need to be completed before you get your RP - medical needs to be done before fingerprints (but once you have done your medical they will send you an SMS a couple of days later to say that its fine to go for your fingerprints). Don't spin out if they make you go back for the medical more than once - for some reason we've had a lot of people have to go back a number of times lately - they all pass in the end though. I think their xray machine may need a service! LOL! ;)
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 12:22
How much do you currently earn and spend? If this isn't a significant increase for you I would not consider it personally.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 22:44
I think you will find Ramadan EXTREMELY quiet this year given its timing at the hotest period of the year - most people I know are leaving for Ramadan although in saying that some are staying to work shorter hours. Personally I'd rather leave and work longer hours other months! :) Most shops other than supermarkets close during the day and open up from sundown up to anything like 3am. People observing Ramadan tend to hibernate during the day and then eat and shop at night and like katcalls said, the last week can be challenging with people having had enough of disjointed sleep and (often) poor eating habits. Also, unlike Dubai, here is absolutely no alcohol served here anywhere during Ramadan and the bottle shop is closed for the month. A lot of places close down completely and use the month to refurbish/renovate.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 22:38
I used to live in Spanish Villas - the plane noise is OK - you really get used to it and don't hear it after a while! :) In fact, when you move from there you notice the noise of mosques!
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 22:36
Just recently the RE agents have started charging the tenant commission - it never used to be that way. You can talk to the compounds directly though and they will generally deal with you.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 18:05
I've got a friend who lives at Villa d'Este. she's very happy there and it seems a really nice friendly compound. Quite a few kids from what I've seen. Why don't you contact http://www.nelsonparkproperty.com/ - ask them for Simone's number and she'll take you around to a few places in the area.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 22:57
I know someone who won a car six years ago but since then nothing (not even a QR100 voucher)! I do know someone who won the car at the airport raffle a couple of months ago though - now that was a seriously good one to win!!
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 22:54
My husband was stopped riding his bike on the bike path at Aspire a year or two ago. When he pointed out the painted picture of the bike on the BIKE path to the security guard they said "Qatari says no bikes". I also know people who have been stopped for playing football, flying kites, eating (yes eating!), wearing skirts (and we aren't talking a short skirt here) at Aspire. Most people I know don't even bother going there anymore.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 22:47
I would buy the kids sunglasses over here - if you are going to put sunglasses on them make sure they are quality ones and there is a good range over here. The sunglass shop at The Centre regularly has good sales on.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 18:37
Apollo on Salwa Road used to sell tin sheds - very expensive though and I would imagine they would get VERY hot inside.
GinaM
514
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 18:34
Dr Todd Bruni (Canadian) at Family Dental Clinic is very good. I've had quite a bit of work done by him. He's quite fussy about his work too and wants to make sure things are right. I've heard that Dr Sarah's is very expensive.
 
 
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

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

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 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