RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 22:57
*BUMP*
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 18:10
There is much more available through the US store - apps, music, movies, tv shows. Ranchesranger thanks so much for the link - that's incredible! Same cost as home - no surcharges? Seems too good to be true. You've never gotten a faulty code or anything? ETA I just noticed they have a $10 activation fee (at least of the $50 card) but still better than the markups I've seen locally! <em>edited by RachelA on 28/05/2011</em>
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 23:27
I just went into iTunes on my laptop. Here's how to find your password (or maybe get a new one, not sure as I didn't try it). From within iTunes, go to the menu bar at the top of the window, under Store. Select "view my account" and the first thing that will pop up is the box to enter your password. There is a "forgot your password?" button there. The same box also pops up if you try to buy anything in the iTunes store. You either have to enter your password or click on the "forget your password?" button.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 23:19
I never heard of Fabio's before this thread. I just checked out their menu on Dining in Doha, but there's no mention of location. Where is it? Is it delivery only, or also eat in? Thanks.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 23:05
You might be able to find some local vendors selling the US iTunes cards. I'm in Qatar, and a few stores sell them here - but at an awful markup. The other day I was in Jarir book/computer store, and they had them at a pretty decent price - only slightly over the actual price. Do you have Jarir in Dubai? Worth checking at some of the shops that sell electronics.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 23:03
I thought Karwa was state-owned?
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 23:02
Baffled I agree! I came out of Villagio at about 8:00 tonight, and my first thought was "OMG it's actually kind of pleasant outside!" I drove home with the windows opened!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 18:06
Same to you!! According to some forecasts it might actually dip below 40˚ - party on!!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 16:00
As far as I know the only legal way to have a live out maid is through an agency that charges by the hour. Maid's require sponsorship, and this generally includes accomodation. I have known of 1 case where family sponsored a maid and provided her with an allowance for her own housing, but this is, as far as I know, quite rare.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 14:52
I kept hearing great things about Yellow Cab, but was very disappointed when we finally tried them. Of the others I've tried in Doha, definitely think Papa John's is the best!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 07:36
I have never been to a Dr. in Qatar where I DIDN'T pay prior to the consultation. That's just how it's done.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 18:15
I spoke to a friend who had them done at Glow. She wasn't overly impressed, and said she was going back to Nails. Just passing along the feedback...
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 14:40
I think you mean long term? Short term would be under 24 hours - on an hourly rate. From what I recall from the old arrivals terminal, long term parking was quite pricey, and in general a taxi 2 ways to anywhere was a better option. Not sure if the prices have come down at the new terminal, but I'm guessing not. You would also need to take a shuttle from the arrivals to departures terminal after parking, in order to get your flight.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 12:37
nmt, I'm sure they are very good, but worth travelling all that way? We are in Qatar - satwa's not too convenient! :cool:
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 22:53
Now I'm getting all nostalgic since for me and you EW is where it all began...
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 22:36
School jobs would be your best bet. Assuming you're not a qualified teacher, you might look for TA jobs, or something in admin support. Not very high paying generally - but some might include a discount off fees, and certainly summer off (although generally without pay).
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 21:45
How long have you been here Baffled? This was definitely a milder winter than some in the past few years. Not seriously cold, but definitely chilly, and depending on the house or office, heaters helped. I remember a few years back when it was particularly chilly, and heaters everywhere were sold out - none to be found. GinaM I agree - the freezing ACs are sometimes hard to take, and we need to warm up!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 19:54
I don't think they will care in Dubai which passport she left SA on. My husband has dual nationality - Egypt and US. He leaves Egypt on his Egyptian passport and has entered UAE many times on the US passport.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 19:52
Sar, when I saw the title of this thread I was going to send you the link, until I actually read it and realized it was you!! Make sure to find a place with a spare room, cause you KNOW I'm comin' to visit!!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 19:29
When those of us who will be here all summer start looking forward to driving on empty roads and getting from any point to any other point in Doha in under 10 minutes!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 16:33
Definitely do check with your bank. Ours (Commercial) has an agreement with our bank in Egypt (CIB) whereby we can transfer online for a QR 10 fee regardless of the amount - and we are not charged anythings by the bank in Egypt.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 22:01
I have very different rules foer LinkeIn connections than I do for FB friends. On FaceBook, if they aren't an actual friend in real life, I never accept a friend request. But on LinkedIn if there is something in their profile that feels professionally appropriate, I have no problem adding them as a contact. I find that LinkedIn connections have proven to be quite adventageous for general networking and "can you introduce me to..." requests - especially in Doha where everyone seems to know someone who knows the person you are hoping to meet.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 21:56
I don't know which products they use, but a few different people have told me that they are very pleased with the facials at The Marriott Spa.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 21:52
Well the PRO came back to me saying that now that he's 14 he needs to get his fingerprints done. We're doing that tomorrow morning. Still don't know if he'll get an ID or not - but we took a new photo tonight just in case. Jill I"m about to send you an email - maybe see you on Monday?
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 16:24
The Aramex Shop and Ship service that CSH mentioned is the best way to get items in from US or UK: http://www.shopandship.com/default.aspx Most people traveling in won't have the extra luggage space/weight available to bring a stroller. If you'll end up paying them for excess baggage charges, you might as well pay to ship it in with Aramex. Good luck.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 12:02
A few years ago they sold the machines at Megamart, and I think the pods too. Haven't looked lately, but I remember it cause a friend was looking and we were comparing prices to the US.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 13:52
If it's drawn on a local bank it shouldn't take more than a day or two. That's been my experience anyway. Good luck!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 18:50
I'm thinking that if we are seriously worried about the insurance for bungee jumping, we'd probably better keep our feet planted firmly on the ground!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 16:15
Are you talking about checks issued overseas? I have twice deposited such checks to Doha Bank. Both times it took 3-4 weeks.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 22:56
Well I gave his passport to our PRO, and I signed the appropriate places on the form. PRO seems not to be concerned at all - he's planning on bringing it in to immigration to process on Sunday or Monday, so I'll let you know. BTW he also thought that at 14 years he'll be getting and ID card, but I'm pretty sure he won't. Anyone know at what age they issue Qatari ID cards? Just curious really...
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 21:17
Nuts and seeds, and baby carrots.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 09:16
I came on a 15 month contract - 6 years and 2 months ago!!!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 22:15
Thanks Gina - great relief!! Got more than my share of expenses this month, and I'm really glad to know I won't be adding this as another one! I'm really annoyed that I didn't get an SMS from Metrash about this - they have never failed me yet. Well until now that is...
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 22:00
...at the beginning of May, and I just realized it today! I'll be bringing it in to work tomorrow to have our PRO "do the needful" but just hoping that there isn't a fine of QR gazillions/day. To ease my mind, does anyone know WHAT the fine is for renewing and expired RP? Feeling oh so very flaky... :\:
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 12:30
I've just had it confirmed by someone in the Private Schools Office of the SEC that the ending date of 25th June is for Independent school (ie Qatari government schools) only. Private and international schools can stick with their original dates. Since Sherborne is here as part of an SEC program they might feel the need to comply, but I'm really not sure.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 12:30
Now I'm just blushing... Thanks! :)
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 20:12
That is an incredibly nice thing to say Silver6 - thanks! I rely on EW for so much info - it's nice to know I can return the favor.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 19:03
The airport immigration office is located behind the parking lot at the airport - or what is now the departures terminal. If you drive past the terminal, don't go into the short-term parking area. Continue around as if you were heading back out, and you will see a sign for long-term parking on your right. As you enter that area the immigration building is on your right. Hope that helps.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 19:00
I think it more likely refers to a copy of her cancellation. When you cancelled her visa, where there forms for you to complete or did you receive forms to verify it was done? I believe that once you have cancelled her RP and have evidence of that you don't need a separate exit permit. But if you do need one you can get it at the airport immigration office as long as the original sponsor (your? DH?) is there to sign the form.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 09:49
Thanks. I wonder if the number for Zai (the boutique) is different from the Nail salon. Guess I'll find out!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 22:12
Couldn't ask for a better endorsement CSM! Good for you - and thanks!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:44
Just yesterday I saw a great piece on the "Word in Qatar" website that explained the whole process. I meant to come on here and post the link, but then got busy and forgot. Hopefully this info is more or less current and accurate: http://www.thewordinqatar.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/215-everything-there-is-to-know-about-hiring-a-maid.html
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:24
I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, but managed to stop doing it after less than a week. Pathetic. It's a great workout that gets amazing reviews - think I might have to start it up again!
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 21:20
Excellent Jill - thanks! Do you remember what you had to bring with you? I am her sponsor, and of course I'll have my ID with me. Anything else that you can recall? Thanks. <em>edited by RachelA on 14/05/2011</em>
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 19:40
I'm no longer at the SEC, but I'll try to do some digging and see what I can learn.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 14:10
I bought my car with a loan, and on the car registration (car license) the banks name was listed along with my own. When I paid off the loan and then went to re-register the car I took the letter of clearance from the bank to the car registration place along with the new insurance, and the new car license mentioned my name only and not the bank. Soooo - if you have a car loan out on your car this will be indicated on the registration papers until you produce a letter from the bank stating that the loan has been cleared. That's how they would know.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 09:42
I think he did a few illegal things from what the OP wrote: 1. He told her he would not take her to her destination as it was too close. 2. He made up an inflated fare. 3. He refused to turn on the meter. 4. He threatened to take her far from her requested destination and began driving her in the opposite direction. I think you should report him to the police, and I don't say this lightly. He behaved in a completely unacceptable way.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 22:31
If I'm not mistaken, there is an outlet town somewhere close to Kennebunkport Maine also. It's been a while since I was there, so it may not be as close as I remember, but somewhere in day-trip distance. Lots of beautiful beaches along the North Shore and South Shore from Boston.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 11:45
I took a photoshop course earlier this year which covered a few different versions, including Elements. Check out: http://www.lydiashawphotography.com The course was 4 weeks (once a week, 2 hours per class) and personally if it had been twice as long it still wouldn't have been enough. She's an excellent teacher - there's just an awful lot to learn! Sometimes the VCU community classes also do photoshop - worth checking there too.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 11:42
Good question! A "Doha Day" is one of those days when things in Doha really get you down. Sometimes its the inefficient beauracracy, or the less than stellar customer service, the driving, and of course the heat. In this case she's of course referring to the living conditions of many of the workers here. When someone posts about a Doha Day it generally means that things aren't going so well.