RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 05:36
A PRO (officially stands for "Public Relations Officer" but actually the role has nothing to do with that) is the person at your husband's workplace who is responsible for getting visas and RPs processed, and often other support services as well. When I first arrived the PRO at my work assisted with driver's licenses, and even the process of maid sponsorship (although the associated costs for these were all mine). The level of support and competence varies tremendously from employer to employer. I commented a bit on the "hiring locally" question on another thread. If you can find a maid who is already here to tranfer to your sponsorship locally, that can save you the agency fees but still requires you to be eligible to sponsor a maid, which does indeed require 6 months at the moment.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 05:32
Sorry for any confusion -- my comment about hiring locally was actually referring to your own job. If you are recruited/hired from Qatar you would expect a much lower salary/package than someone recruited from overseas. For hiring maids, you have 3 legal choices: 1. Bring a maid from overseas, either on your own (very difficult) or through an agency. 2. Hire a maid who is already based in Qatar, whose current sponsor is ready to transfer her sponsorship. 3. Hire a part time made via an agency, on an hourly rate. For the current issues around hiring maids from the Philippines, I don't know how this impacts transfers for maids who are already in Qatar. Many people prefer when possible to use this 2nd option as you can get a referral directly from their previous employer. We have had 2 maids in the years that we've been here, and both were transferred to our sponsorship from other families that were leaving Qatar. That being said, I understand that this is not as easy as it once was (our transfers were done almost 8 and 6 years ago respectively. In order to sponsor a maid the whole family must have their RPs, and there is now a 6 month delay for family RPs (ie the main sponsor must show 6 months of local bank statements). That was not the case when we arrived, so we were able to hire a maid within a month of arriving in Qatar. Keep in mind that if you go with either of the 1st two options you will need to provide accommodation, usually within your own home. Some of the towers in the West Bay do have "maid's rooms" but not all do. If you are thinking of sponsoring a maid you will need to have one. I think you will have a tough time finding a fully furnished 3 br (plus maids room) in West Bay or the Pearl. Two bedroom might be more possible. I've not seen prices like that on the Pearl at all. Maybe in Zig Zag towers (very close to the Pearl) but the apartment standards are questionable, as per many people who rent there. Personally I think your expectations for savings are a bit high. Even if you find an apartment within your budget, you are looking at a net of 46,000/month. If you are planning on saving in the range of QR 30,000/month I think you might be tight on the remaining QR 16,000. This will have to cover your monthly groceries and utilities, plus car payments and/or school transport payments, buying clothes locally (if you are not going home for annual leave) and the like. After school activities often have associated costs, and then there are always those extraa unexpected expenses. Also keep in mind that if your apartment building doesn't have a pool, you might want to join a beach club because when the weather gets hot there are very limited options for activities for the kids - outdoor play is just not an option for almost 5 months of the year. While this is only my personal opinion, I think you should be able to live quite comfortably on the package you described, but probably won't be able to save to the extent you mentioned unless you find a decent paying job for yourself. But think of it this way. Even if you save 1/2 or less of what you mentioned, that's still more than you are saving today. And you are giving the family an incredible experience. Win-win!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 23:32
I'm not sure where you were looking, but there are quite a few apartment buildings around City Center that have fully furnished 2 beds for about 15k/month. You can find ones closer to 10K around Al Saad. Neither is too far from Education City (essentially driving against the flow of commuter traffic) and both are pretty good areas in terms of access to shopping. Villas tend to start at 3 BR, so you are probably better off sticking with an apartment search. Last year we made the move from compound villa to apartment in West Bay near City Center. In our case we were looking for a fully furnished 3BR, and found that we had more options in our price range with apartments -- which suit us fine now that my son is older.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 23:27
That's really an impossible question to answer. I'm from the US, and the standards of public schools varies tremendously depending on where you live, local property taxes, etc. A few years ago Oprah did a show comparing a public school in Chicago to one in the suburbs outside the city -- the differences were extreme! And that is equally true here. There are British Curriculum schools with excellent reputations, and there are also those with far from excellent reputations. More than the curriculum, a quality school is about the teachers. And the leadership. And the community. Etc... My son attended ISL for a number of years (grade 6-9) and I was overall very pleased with the school, and the quality of teaching. It is an IB Curriculum, and while that has a reputation for being much more rigorous than the US curriculum schools, he is now at The American School of Doha which we are finding to be much more rigorous. If I were you I would not limit your search to British schools only because the school situation is Doha is very tight -- spaces are hard to come by. I would recommend including a few others -- ISL (IB) or ACS (US). And I would also remind you that our childrens' education extends well beyond the classroom. Living abroad, exposure to cultures, people, languages and issues that they wouldn't experience at home, travel opportunities, etc -- these are all incredible experiences for expat kids that shouldn't be discounted.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 23:15
Are you expected to cover housing from that monthly 60K or is housing provided? It sounds as if you are hoping to save close to 1/2 of that salary every month to manage an average of $100K/year, so you are looking at QR 30K per month for expenses. You might have to top up the school fees (QR 75000 for two kids will cover some -- but not all -- schools in Doha). And if you have to cover housing from within that, that won't leave you with much for monthly expenses, vacations, etc. If schooling is covered separately you should be fine! I wouldn't worry about finding a maid until after you are here and settled in. Salaries for people who are hired locally rather than recruited from overseas tend to be quite low, so you might not find it worth it at the end of the day.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 December 2012 - 15:44
Or if you register for the "metrash" service you will get a text every time you have a fine (or your car reg is about to expire, or the RP of anyone under your sponsorship needs renewal, or if anyone under your sponsorship enters or leaves the country, etc). Essentially if there is any activity linked to your QID, you will get a text. It's a bit "big brother"-ish but at times very convenient.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 22:44
I take a few meds on an ongoing basis as well. As far as I know the doctors here don't (or can't) write renewable prescriptions. In fact my insurance company (QIC) usually has a 2 month max, but I usually get my doctor to write 3 months and then when the pharmacist calls it in the insurance tends to approve it. So I book appointments with my doctor every 2-3 months for the purpose of new prescriptions. If insurance isn't the issue, most meds can be purchased here over-the-counter, so no prescription needed. I prefer to hassle with the dr. appointment in order to get them paid for by the insurance, since mine come to a over QR 1000/month.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 22:40
The Jan opening was also confirmed to me by an "insider" at Festival City, so I'm letting myself believe it! :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 22:39
It is early -- but not surprising. Many schools have a 7am start, so busses are on the road quite early. My son has had pick-ups as early as 5:30, and more recently had a 6:30 bus pickup for an 8am start. In the end we've opted to go with a private driver -- the difference between the 6:30 bus pickup and the 7:20 car pickup is exponential. If the early start proves to be totally insane you can always look for a driver for the next term.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 20:02
`i used to get lash and brow tints at Dados in Seal Tower (West Bay). The technician who used to do them left a couple of years ago and I haven't been back since, but I think they still do them there. Glow also does them (Beach Tower) and I'm planning to book there soon, but haven't tried it there yet.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 18:20
Family food center on Mirqab is quite close - better than megamart for day to day grocery shopping.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 09:16
Well the page is back up -- but without the countdown clock. Worried...:\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 00:16
I can't access the home page at all for Doha Festival City. Hopefully it's a temporary thing and we'll be back to counting down tomorrow. I'm pathetically looking forward to moving from the 20s to the 10s to the single digits. It had better start off from where it left off when it does come back!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 16:16
I've found some great suits (pants/skirts/jackets all sold separately, so able to mix and match sizes) at Punto Roma in MCC. Not sure where else they are located in Dubai since I'm in Doha, but I know the branch in MCC has a much bigger selection than the Doha store does, so I felt like I'd hit the jackpot!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 23:35
Wifi or 3g -- I use it through either.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 23:25
Yesterday I was at Al Ahli and in the coffee shop they had a vending machine of bouquets. They had 3 different types, priced between QR 50 - 150. There was nothing particularly special about them, but for the fact that they were, as I said, in a vending machine! Made me smile. <em>edited by RachelA on 20/11/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 23:20
I renewed my licence at the kiosk on the ground flood of City Centre (by the car park under Carrefour) today. As everone said, very easy. They are open there from 9 until 1pm Sunday to Thursday. edited by mrsw2 on 20/11/2012 Wow -- I thought that Kiosk only did renewal for car registration. Driver's license too? This just keeps getting better!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 23:19
Between whatsapp and iMessage I hardly ever pay for SMS anymore. Even internationally -- a big plus!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 23:15
I second that recommendation. I have an Aramex "shop and ship" account and I order from Amazon US and UK all the time. Too often in fact, but that's a subject for another thread... :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 21:57
DEFINITELY worth checking out! A few years ago we lived very close to the Marriott and joined the spa there. It was one of the most reasonable rates for beach/pool/gyum memberships around. And in addition they gave a 30% discount off spa treatments to club members. From what I remember it didn't seem too have too many young kids about so I'm not sure how family-focused it is, but for couples and/or singles and/or families with teens, it was a really great option.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 10:08
Kindle?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 22:50
You might have luck looking for 2nd hand. I have 2 such sets exactly as the 2 you have described -- one on each of 2 small balconies in our apartment. I bought both of them 2nd hand from folks who were leaving Qatar. I have no idea where they bought them and I've not seem ones like them in my wanderings around town. Qatar Living is a great source for used items -- many "expat leaving" sales...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 09:08
Can't you have it shipped via shop and ship? Does that work for electronics on Amazon?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 08:36
I I drove over the Duhail interchange and turned right when I saw the big mobile phone tower - the police training place is easy to find, follow the signs. Hi -- can you just clarify which direction you were coming from when you drove over the interchange? Were you driving along the Shamal rd? I used to live right near there, and can't for the life of me figure out where it is. AAA did my registration last month and told me the size plates I need (the long thin one) is out of stock, and I should go to the Duhail site in a few weeks, so was planning to try next week. Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 08:32
We did this a few years ago. A few of the hotels offered it, but in the end we did it through the Golf Club as they had the best offer. i'm not sure you can do a single meal -- the packages usually include a turkey (maybe options for sizes) and then choices of sides/soups/desert. I'm planning to do it at home this year, if I can find a Butterball...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 18:03
That would totally drive me nuts! Pop-up blocker maybe?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 12:45
So glad to hear it! Exactly 1 year ago my brother had to have his beautifuly black lab put down while I was visiting him in the US. If you didn't find this one's home I was going to volunteer to adopt him from Doha!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 11:33
It's confirmed -- I'm a complete and total idiot!!! I was really happy to think that the good folks at Festival City saw my post and rectified the situation immediately. But the truth is it was there all along, and I hadn't scrolled down the page far enough. My only excuse is that it's the weekend and I've officially turned my brain off. :\: p.s. 38 days is giving me heart palpitations!!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 22:26
Lori_S I thought I had posted this earlier... I don't remember the exact numbers, but when I looked into this earlier I remember it being quite a bit cheaper to order from Amazon and Shop & Ship then in, even with the tax and shipping. Might be worth checking out. Plus there are a few different styles -- best to confirm which exact ones she wants to make sure she's as happy as she can be!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 23:22
As you had mentioned that a flat could be an option too, there are loads of towers in the City Center area with some really lovely apartments, in your price range. Closer to the Sheraton than the Pearl.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 00:48
You can use an apple TV also without paying the cost of a VPN and set it to watch netflix and hulu plus, you just need to change the DNS address and that's it, you can buy an apple TV here, but make sure you have a decent internet connection, I have 5mbs and is enough to watch netflix, but before with 1mbs it was useless Hi lolodoha, I'd love to have more info on changing the dns settings on Apple TV. I was watching Netflix on my laptop with a VPN for a while, but would be a very happy camper to watch it through the Apple TV. If you'd rather not post details here can you email me at rachelawad at gmail dot com? Thanks!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 October 2012 - 13:09
Great guide for things to do during Eid if you're staying in town. Wishing everyone a great Eid!!! http://iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?27%2C37465
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 October 2012 - 12:05
There are also sites where you can watch current shows streaming on the computer without the need for a VPN.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 23:43
You can use Shop and Ship through Aramex to ship books here from Amazon. We used to do it all the time in our pre-kindle days. Also I think that Doha Mums have set up a kids library -- you might want to check out their site to learn more.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 13:17
Perfect - thanks!! Guess I know where I'm headed this evening...:cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 00:11
Mine was picked up from my office and returned well before I needed to head out. I too was most impressed! Between this and a dead battery a few months back I have more than gotten my money's worth!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 00:08
Does anyone know if QDC is opened normal hours in Wed and Thurs (24th and 25th)? Thanks!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 09:58
Thanks Gina! I just called AAA -- I somehow didn't realize they would do the inspection as well. Hoping they can get me an appointment for tomorrow. I have to be at Landmark for a meeting later so will try the kiosk there, and if that doesn't work I'll go into Madinat Khalifa. Thank again. <em>edited by RachelA on 22/10/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 08:23
You really should check with your employer. There are very limited positions where women are able to sponsor their husband for residence -- and the number seems to be shrinking. You probably should still get the marriage certificate attested just in case. Is your soon-to-be DH planning on working in Qatar? He will then need his own sponsorship/RP from his employer, and in the event that you want to move to his sponsorship rather than your employers you will of course need all of the marriage papers ready for processing.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 20:38
It's time for me to re-register my car, and I'm being all organized (or so I think). Renewed my insurance, and went online to pay outstanding traffic fines. I paid all but 1 for QR 300 that I wasn't able to pay. I finally realized that since the violation has points on it (a parking viotation) I can't pay that one onlne. So my first question is: can I pay that at the CC Kiosk or do I have to actually go to the traffic police? Then there's the inspection question. The rules are that cars older than 3 years require inspection. The car is a 2009 model so this is the 3rd year. Does it need inspection this year, or would that kick in next year? Thank in advance!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 20:35
A friend who is staying at Ezdan send me the following rates: Studio (which includes a kitchen): 9500/month one BR (without kitchen) 4500/month one BR w/ small living room: 5000/month
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 09:57
No idea where you can get them locally (sorry) but you can order them online -- http://www.familystickers.com/ I saw them on so many cars in the US this summer...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 21:31
Fun! A lot has changed, but the color scheme has pretty much stayed the same! ;)
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 13:26
I've rented at Terminal 2 when I've flown in on FlyDubai. If you rent through their website its is sometimes cheaper than if you do it directly through the rental agency. I don't think you need a flight booking to book a rental car on the FlyDubai site.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 09:16
! Where can i find it???? 91.4 FM -- sometimes the signal is excellent, other times not so much. Mostly classic rock. :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 21:07
Love- Saudi Aramco radio ;) LOVE LOVE LOVE!! I've lived here 7 1/2 years and only discovered this amazing station about 3 weeks ago. It ROCKS!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 11:08
We're also heading to Prague over eid -- so excited! We've booked at the Savic hotel, based on Tripadvisor reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g274707-d641025-Reviews-Savic_Hotel-Prague_Bohemia.html
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 01:12
Once you have registered to vote overseas you can submit your ballot via the US embassy. I had written to ask about the process and they sent me the following info: The deadline to mail absentee ballots in time for election is on Thursday, 25 October 2012 promptly at 9:00 a.m. Ballots received after this will need to be mailed to the individual destination at the owners expense. Please ensure the official mailing address is properly placed on the envelope according to the individual state instructions. Our Consular Staff will only accept properly addressed sealed envelopes. If your states does not have a pre-paid postage label, please click the following link for a pre-paid postage mailing label. http://www.fvap.gov/resources/media/returnenvelope.pdf Consular Front Gate Window is open during the following times: Visa Services: Sunday through Thursday from 8 – 10 a.m. American Citizen Services: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 - 3 p.m. Foreign Passport Pick-Up: Sunday through Thursday 3 – 3:30 p.m. Please remember these timings are posted to drop off absentee ballots and not for any other service except the particular service mentioned above.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 00:56
I have moved 3 times with Runway in the past 4 years (don't ask!). We have been totally satisfied with the service every time, and I have recommended them with pleasure. Each time I worked with Roy and have no complaints! <em>edited by RachelA on 17/10/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 00:53
Love the incredible friends I've made here. Hate QBS Radio! And Lulu on a Friday morning.
 
 
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