RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 15:21
I have a friend who used to work there and has since left Qatar. I've just dropped her an email asking her to check in here, so maybe she'll be able to offer some advice.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 18:52
There are 2 compounds across the road from one another (both are across the main highway from the Marriott) call Laffan and Zubara. They have enormous maids room which can also be guest rooms (no separate entrance). Most of the villas are allocated to government housing, but I'm not sure if they all are, so it might be worth checking them out.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 20:18
I think a fine might be an option too - but not sure how much it is per day. Guess it would be worth finding out, as flights + QR 100 for tourist visa might = more than fine x 30 days.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 19:35
Thanks! We ended up at The Mall this afternoon anyway, and DS totally fell in love with the Leatherman micro knives. So for the time being we're no longer in search. But great to know for future reference...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:09
You have 1 week to leave after cancellation. And I'm pretty sure that when his is cancelled, yours will be too. If you can obtain a visa on arrival, your best bet would be to leave once it's been cancelled and re-enter on a tourist visa for 1 month.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:35
I am under my employer's sponsorship, and in order to be eligible for housing, schooling and medical insurance benefits we need to submit a letter from our spouse's employer stating that he is not getting these. As DebK said, this is becoming more common, and maybe even the norm.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:30
Airport immigration is opened 24 hours. But I'm not sure you can do RP renewal there. I've only ever done exit permit things there - and I know people who have extended tourist visa's there. But RP renewal might have to be done at the main immigration bldg in Gharrafah, which I know is opened from 7:30-12noon. <em>edited by RachelA on 21/06/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 21:27
Amy77, you've got mail!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 17:56
iPod touch. The best combination of features and portability!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 17:55
Even when I forget to bookmark, I find the "search" feature on the kindle makes it really easy to "flip back" and then bookmark retroactively. And I know the US store has started a "book lending" feature, although I haven't found too many books where the publisher has enabled it, and also you can't share between US and UK accounts. Far from perfect. Still and all, I LOVE my kindle!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 16:38
My son was 8 when we moved here. He did not need the Medical or fingerprints, but did need the blood type certificate and had the RP stapmed in his passport. The schools will ask for a copy when the kids get registered.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 15:37
You can send PDF files via email to your "Kindle" email address and they will be converted to Kindle format, including the option to enlarge fonts, etc. I did this just yesterday with 4 files I have to read for an upcoming course, and now they are all happily loaded on my kindle!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 14:58
The DX is not ideal for keeping in your handbag while you're out and about. My dad has one but uses it primarily for reading newspapers - he preferred the layout on the DS for that. I have the wifi only one (regular, not DX) and absolutely love it!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 12:21
I'm pretty sure the electronics shop at Hyatt is another branch of Technical Care Center (TCC) that the OP went to. Years ago there used to be a few shops in Souq Al Ahmed that would "chip" consoles to play any regions games, and they were a bit cheaper than TCC - but since the souq was demolished no idea where those guys went. And to be honest, it wasn't a huge difference in price and I think TCC is a bit more reliable.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 10:01
I know Baffled it's SHOCKING isn't it? I mean about Megamart and Spinneys being cheaper. Guess there's a first for everything!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 21:39
Thanks Baffled! I didn't find them at Lulu, but did manage to find them at Spinneys - for QR 14. I try to avoid City Center like the plague, but as I live close to Landmark I'll check the C4 there. Oh the adventure!! :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 02:58
I've heard that Hamad personnel laws don't usually follow the rest of government HR laws - worth keeping that in mind...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:37
I second CSH's recommendation.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:34
Call QA. Or better yet, stop in to see them @ the Airport Rd. office. I've generally found that when I visit the reservation agents in person they come up with lots of solutions that I can't find myself or even on the phone.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:23
GoodMorning thanks so much for sharing that! For those of us who suffer with foot problems, a flight to Dubai is well worth it!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 18:55
Great to know Sam - thanks!! I didn't remember that you'd been, but now that you mention it its all coming back to me!! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 17:25
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Glen-Henderson/279973374968?sk=info Here is a link to another DJ who performs and works locally - this is his FB "Fan" page. There is no contact info on the page, but I'm guessing if you post on the wall you might get a response.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 08:29
Sorry - I'm posting from Qatar, where skype does work. Facetime is an apple app for free video-calling, that only works between apple devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 07:23
FFC in Al Rayan also has a huge produce dept!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 00:31
The iPads sold in the US are [i'>[b'>NOT[/b'>[/i'> locked to a carrier (unlike the iPhones, which ARE). They are configured to work either on AT&T or Verizon - which use two different types of systems for accessing the internet. If you get the AT&T version of a 3G iPad it will absolutely work anywhere in the world that uses GSM SIM cards. We have 3 iPads in our house - all wifi + 3G. Two were bought in the US, one in Qatar. Once we bought local SIM cards for them, all work perfectly here in Qatar. True that many of the devices - iPad or iPhone - sold regionally in the GCC do not have face time. And the ones that do cost about AED or QR 1000 more. We decided that as long as they can use skype - which they all can - we can live without face time. I don't know about in-store stock, but when you order online in the US there is still about a 2 week shipping delay. And the US Apple store won't ship to Shop and Ship addresses. We ordered ours and had it sent to my brother in the US, and he in turn forwarded it to my shop and ship box.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 20:35
Didn't someone post a link recently to an article in the paper saying the gum/candy option wasn't legal? I recently had an experience (can't remember where - maybe Lulu Gharrafa) where they didn't have coins, so rounded up on the change to give me QR 7 instead of 6.50.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 20:32
Sam so you just bring your empties to Woqood for top up? That sounds soooo easy!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 10:06
I know the new ones are dual voltage - I just got one. It doesn't say it on my plug, but it does say it on the box. It's one of the features they list on the website, but not sure if that's a new feature or not.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 09:42
Also a lot of the smaller supermarkets will deliver the water bottles on call. I don't use a set delivery service - just call my local little corner market whenever we are running low.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 21:41
Shoe Mart. There's a branch in City Center, and also one in Centerpoint. I have seriously problem feet - fallen arches, pronation - no fun at all. Ecco sandals are so completely wearable, I love them. I was in Dubai recently and was so excited to find an Ecco shop in Dubai Mall. A much larger collection that I've found locally. I found a pair that I loved, and then ordered another pair from Amazon. Same make, same style, same size. COMPLETELY different fit! When will I ever learn that shoes should NOT be bought online! <em>edited by RachelA on 12/06/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 19:46
Maybe it's just me, but seems that they don't quite understand what "optional" means!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:39
I made an appointment there a few weeks ago - but somehow the only number I have saved is the same one you posted. I think I called Al Ahli and got the number from them (before I remembered that they'd moved).
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 21:02
And the head of Internal Medicine at Al Ahli (more for the GP part of your request) is superb. Dr. Tarek Sheikh. Can't recommend him highly enough!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:13
I've got 2! We used to live in Al Fardan 1 (D Ring Road) and absolutely loved it. Full of kids, lots of dogs (on leashes) and with very few exceptions, lovely people (a few child-hating neighbors gave us a big headache, but they were by far the exception). Maintenance was great - but toward the end of our time there (about 1 1/2 years ago) they went to a centralized maintenance system for all of their compounds, so there was a longer wait time for service. We are now living in Riviera Gardens, and I absolutely love it. Villa's are a bit older but ours has been very well maintained, and we have found maintenance and general service to be excellent. The clubhouse isn't as lush as the one in AFG, and the lack of shading at the pool is an issue, but still and all, oh so liveable. And I LOVE having the supermarket on hand! Both have a lot more greenery than many comopunds, which I absolutely love. Having lived for years in the airport side of town, I am really loving living in Riviera. Close to City Center/West Bay, and so much less traffic than C Ring/Airport/D Ring area.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 19:05
I'm actually headed to Lulu Gharaffah in a few minutes - will definitely be checking! The box I bought a few weeks ago at Megamart was only QR 14! Go figure...! Thanks for the head's up kimmac!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 10:31
Isn't there also a step with the Ministry of Labor? Not for the transfer per se, but to issue permission to hire a maid of a specified nationality? From my recollection this step has to come before the actual transfer of sponsorship.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 10:27
I tried to renew my car insurance with QIC online a few months ago. I got to a point but then there was some glitch and I had to call them to sort it. Don't remember the exact details, but they did sort it out quickly and I finished the renewal and got a copy of my policy all without having to go into their office.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 20:57
Have you ever travelled in or out of the US? Longest lines in the history of time!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 14:22
I think you will find a mixed bag in terms of furnished/unfurmished. I have always had furnished acommodations here, and for us that has worked well. If you have a generous shipping allowance and would prefer to have your own things, that would be one big reason for going with an unfurnished place. To purchase furniture locally generally means high prices and very limited choices. And YES on living as close as possible to the school. My son used to commute close to an hour (sometimes more) in each direction. We have recently moved closer to his school, and his is now there in maximum 10 minutes! We all have an extra hour in the morning, and it's fabulous.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 09:55
Thanks - in the end that's exactly what I did. Was just hoping that there was a way to do it online (the way that my company can do it for me online). Single exit permits are always good for 1 week.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 16:10
Try http://www.lydiashawphotography.com/
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 00:36
I have a love-hate relationship with the AC. Can't live without it, can't toss it! I have finally put an extra blanket on my bed, because there's no middle ground between freezing and sweating!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 16:32
I have lived in 3 different compounds in Doha, and all had plenty of families with dogs. Dog walking was never a problem, although of course we were all expected to clean up after our dogs, and to avoid our neighbor's lawns! I have not heard of compounds where dog walking isn't allowed.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:39
Baffled I've been so tempted to do that, but never dared. When they say "do you have QR 0.50?" I have many times wanted to say "no, but I have gum!" Glad to know that someone was more daring than I was!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 11:24
So maybe those of us in Qatar should stop complaining that we don't have door-to-door delivery with shop and ship. So much less shame in picking up our packages at the Aramex office!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 19:35
Thanks CSH - very helpful! Yes, I'm registered for Metrash, so along with the unfortunate notices of speeding and parking fines, I also get "beeps" whenever there is any activity on my family's or maid's ID (coming, going, renewal, expiry) etc as I am the primary sponsor. Most handy indeed!! In fact, just today I got the "beep" that DH's RP has been renewed!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 12:20
There is a "Dogs in Doha" group on FB - someone there can probably guide you. Sadly no dog park here, but I know that some people take their dogs to the beach in Al Wakra. Sorry I can't help more - I have a small dog that doesn't seem to need too much excercise - a few daily walks around the compound, and the occassional romp through our small yard.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 09:04
Thanks Sophie. She's already done the contract registration at the Philippines embassy - this is required in order to depart again from the Philippines after her vacation. I just need to do her exit permit from Qatar - which I'm pretty sure I can do at the immigration department. But if anyone knows for sure, let me know. Thanks <em>edited by RachelA on 29/05/2011</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 09:03
Ours was a weight loss support group.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 23:27
EW is a good place to start. I did something similar a few years ago - posted here that I was wanting to get a support group going, got a few responses, we exchanged email addresses then took it off the boards to organize. Two and a half years later the group is still going strong! Good luck!
 
 
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