RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 14:02
I arrived in the us last week. I got a prepaid Microsim for my iPhone 4s from t-mobile. $60 got me unlimited calls/text within the US, plus Internet access via edge (not 3G). A bit slow, but fine for emails and such. My son got a prepaid sim for his 4s from At&T for $50/month for unlimited texts/calls but no data, so he's limited to wifi. You should be able to find shops for either carrier in any city. No need for converters as iPhone chargers are dual voltage. Only adapters if it's not shaped for US outelts. Safe travels... <em>edited by RachelA on 28/07/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 02:03
Would it be possible through a hotel with a reservation? I did that not long ago for an Egyptian relative who couldn't get a tourist visa. Let me know and I can give you the info of the hotel we used.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 July 2012 - 04:27
Tee do you have the new chip id card? If so, there is a guy by a kiosk on the ground floor of the immigration bldg who will sort out adding th e-card feature. Took me all of 5 minutes. If you're not traveling before I get back I can go with you if you want.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 09:32
It's worth it to see if these courses are actaully conversational, or Modern Standard Arabic which is more formal (spoken in news reports, but not used in daily conversation). VCU used to do a "survival Arabic" course as part of its community courses. I assume they'll have a new set of courses starting up after Eid, with the new school term.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 July 2012 - 09:51
Sad to report back that I didn't get it. I went just over the minimum, but it obviously wasn't enough this time. Oh well -- at least that's more $$ for me to have on vacation.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 July 2012 - 20:30
I've done it. They have 2 different versions -- 1 for under 40 years and one for 40+. I did the 40+, and it included a whole series of blood work, obgyn exam, mamogram. I don't remember exactly, but I do know that they were quite flexible. My insurance only covered up to a certain cap, and the team at Al Ahli worked with me to customize exactly what I needed. I get routine blood work done for an ongoing condition, so they did not include that in my package. I did not do all of it on one day. The mamogram had to be scheduled in advance, and it was not on the same day as the obgyn exam. Not a very comprehensive answer, but hope it helps!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 11:34
Essentially it lets you bypass passport control on your way out of or in to Doha airport. Instead of waiting in line, you go right to the e-gate machines (on the left as you are leaving Doha, on the right as you are entering). You pass your card over the machine, then it does a fingerprint scan to verify that you are the owner of the card, and voila -- you're done!!! I used mine last night, and was literally at baggage claim 1 minute after getting off the bus. In a word, brilliant!! Note, kids under 18 not eligible. So if you only travel with kids, it might not be worth it (I think the cost is QR 100/year). Great if you travel without kids, travel for business, etc.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 09:51
You need to go to the main immigration building just off Gharaffa Roundabout. Take a look at this map -- zoom in to really get a good look: http://www.dohamap.info/map/?q=immigration%20roundabout You need to have the new "chip' ID card in order to add the e-gate on to it. There's a machine on the main floor and a guy there who walks you through it. It was really (and I mean shockingly) easy. They don't issue the e-gate as a separate card anymore -- they add the function onto the ID card. I used to have a lot of problems with my e-gate card (sometimes worked, sometimes didn't) but since I got my new ID and activated e-gate on there, it's been smooth sailing.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 19:41
I thought I knew street names pretty well, but I haven't got a clue where these are. :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 18:01
BEDH, where exactly is Al Fardan 6? Didn't know it was in the works.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 19:15
Sandy Dogg, a prepaid iPhone sim in the US is a bit more difficult. AT&T is the only provider for the GSM iPhone (Verizon works on a different system apparently). You can get a pre-paid SIM from AT&T, but most of the time it will not work with a pre-paid data plan. That means that for internet access you are limited to WIFI rather than 3G. I've heard rumors that since Apple in the US is now selling unlocked iPhones that aren't locked to a contract, it might be possible to pre-pay for a data plan. But officially according to AT&T it's not possible. Not sure about the access through other GSM networks in the US.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 08:59
How many bedrooms and what size villa? That will help folks to make some suggestions.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 08:57
I have similar size/width, and have had great experiences with Asics. Definitely worth it to be fitted by a professional - I overpronate and have low arches, and used to suffer from planters fasciitis. The right shoes, and in my case orthodics, made a world of difference!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 04:42
I don't know the requirements in Abu Dhabi as I live/work in Qatar. But generally here both partners in a marriage will not receive benefits. At my work, I was required to provide documentation that my husband is not receiving these benefits (housing, education, flight allowance) in order for me to receive them. Would it be worth sitting down with the head of HR at your work and explaining that your husband (to be) does not receive these and asking if you could document this with a letter from his employer in order for you to continue to receive them (and to remain sponsored by your employer)?
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 04:20
Tyrone you should re-post your question on the Qatar forum. This is the Dubai forum, and it's unlikely that anyone here would know about the availability in Doha. I happen to be in Doha, but have no idea about baby formula. Repost and you are sure to get some replies from Doha.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 23:05
I'm getting excited! I bid a bit over the minimum, and it sounds like there's hope! I'll definitely report back on my (fingers crossed) success!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 21:03
I'm flying on Etihad next week for the first time - to Chicago. I got email and just put my bid in for an upgrade. Fingers crossed!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 23:30
When I renewed my son's RP a couple of month's ago I was told that he doesn't need one this year (he's 15) but he'll probably need one next year. So I'm assuming (a dangerous thing to do, I know) that the requirement kicks in at 16.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 22:42
See GutenMorgen? You really CAN go home again! Sounds like you enjoyed your visit, in spite of the low visibility...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 18:17
US vs UK curriculum is a big consideration. Which system is he coming from? Which is he likely to continue in? Both have good reputations.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 09:25
Clarins is definitely available! I live in an apartment tower in the West Bay (near city center). Our fully furnished 3br is 15000/month. A friend in the same building pays 13000 for the same unit unfurnished. In our case the AC costs are covered, and our electric/water bills are about QR 150-200 per month. Just to give you an idea.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 10:13
Don't think it can be done. There are a few browser apps that claim they can stream, but I've yet to find one that actually works. If you do find one, make sure to come back an share! I dowload onto my laptop and then convert the downloaded shows/movies to iTunes and put on my iPad this way. Not an ideal (or easy) solution.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 10:07
Same here (in Qatar). I usually buy a bunch when I'm in the States, and then use them throughout the year. It's actually better than using a credit card in IMHO -- cuts down on the impulsive $20 movie purchases, or TV seasons.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 09:57
If you google "iTunes without a credit card" you will find ways to have a US iTunes account without a US credit card. This does require you to have a pre-paid iTunes gift card for the US store.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 08:36
I'm assuming that LailaH106 is talking about one of the malls in Dubai -- Mirdif or Diera City Center? People posting on the Qatar forum with answers from Dubai? Oh, it's been known to happen... ;) But I wouldn't be sad if, when City Center Doha does finally reopen, we were to discover a Boots inside!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 01:34
What did you do when your husband was at work before you moved to Qatar? If you worked, what kind of work did you do? Working from home is not legal. Some people do it, but there are definite risks involved. There are community courses that VCU offer - I think someone posted about those. Also things like photography courses, and of course Arabic language courses. There's a woman who runs silk painting classes -- I have a few friends who have taken them and loved them.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 23:00
The one by Rainbow r/a is also a bakery - no dates. I have a vague memory of seeing the dates somewhere else, but of courses can't think of where! They do make lovely gifts - I've brought them many times. Not this year I guess...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 22:55
@Dan Lou I think that Hilton has already started...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 17:58
Riviera is a bit steep -- they are asking QR 20k/month for the 3 Br villas. There are a lot of smaller compounds in that area, close to the Lagoon and Pearl, relatively speaking. Unfortunately I don't know their names, but as you are already in Qatar a drive around there (near CNA-Q) would be worthwhile.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 10:18
I used to do highlights/lowlights in the salon. But for the past year I've gone with a single color (in my case dark brown) to enrich the color and to cover the greys. I've been doing it at home using Loreal Preference, and I'm 100% happy with it. Costs less that AED 40, is easy to do, and between the conditioner that comes in the kit and good quality shampoo and conditioner all the time, my hair feels is in fine condition. For what you are describing I'd think you'd be fine to do it at home.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 10:02
I have a friend who owns a business in City Center and one in Villagio. From the perspective of the business owners and the staff, it's a complete and utter disaster. And it seems they are getting very little information from the mall management (who themselves may not have much information either, to be fair). Of course everyone wants the buildings to be safe -- no question. But if policies and procedures had been followed as they should have been, there would be no need for these prolonged closures. For those of us who like to shop at these places, it's an inconvenience. For those who have lost loved ones, and those who are losing their steady source of income, it's so much more than that.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 23:47
salsB I don't think any of the apts or villas on the pearl would have a fully furnished 3 BR for this price.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 21:37
Many of the towers in the West Bay will have FF 3BR units in this range. Al Areen Tower Al Fardan Tower Al Aamal Tower Beverly Hills Tower (I think is in this range - not 100% sure) There are plenty. Many will allow you to lease directly from the management w/o going through an agent -- which of course saves the agent fee! Worth approaching the buildings directly.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 21:34
Well, we have the exit permit in hand for my 15 year old DS, but no clue if we actually need it. My PRO brought it to me this afternoon, and when I asked him what he learned about the requirement, he said "I didn't ask. But it's no problem, now you have it." I said "Thanks - that's great. But say next year when he's 16, or the following year when he's 17 -- it'll be good to know if we need it, or if he's actually fine until he's 18" to which he replied "No problem. Every year before he travels just let me know and we'll get him one." Spinning in circles anyone? <em>edited by RachelA on 24/06/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 21:28
Let her get out and network! I have a friend here (an EW poster actually) whose daughter got a job here as a fresh graduate, and it was all about the networking! If she's already in Qatar have her to to tomorrow's monthly QPWN networking evening. Keep in mind that there are plenty of non-Qatari fresh graduates who are already living here -- many graduates of Qatar University and the Education City Universities are non-Qataris. They have the advantage of local knowledge, and in many cases of family sponsorship. And of being bi-lingual English/Arabic speaking. <em>edited by RachelA on 24/06/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 16:18
The requirement for 18+ boys is a given. The question is... has this recently been amended to apply to boys from 15 years? Since no one has commented on this having been applied (other than the question from the OP) I'd put my money on no -- and that it remains an 18+ rule. But as my DS is 15 and is traveling in a few days, I'm going with the "rather safe than sorry" route...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 21:06
Not sure I'll be much help. My PRO is going to submit the exit permit form on my behalf on Sunday - without actually having confirmed tha my son needs one. So DS will have one but that won't actually tell us if he NEEDS to have one. Unless the immigration folks say "no need" and p then perhaps we'll know. In any case I'll update you. :\:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 20:48
I think some of the time they do the multiple packages just so they can tape them together (with WAAAAY too much tape and plastic for sure) and hide the "sell by" dates.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 17:37
Yes, the Georgetown library is open to non-Georgetown folks, for a nominal annual fee (forget how much, but it wasn't much). And I second katcall's Kindle recommendation. It has been a total life-changer for me and many of my friends who are avid readers.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 17:37
Yes, the Georgetown library is open to non-Georgetown folks, for a nominal annual fee (forget how much, but it wasn't much). And I second katcall's Kindle recommendation. It has been a total life-changer for me and many of my friends who are avid readers.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 17:37
Yes, the Georgetown library is open to non-Georgetown folks, for a nominal annual fee (forget how much, but it wasn't much). And I second katcall's Kindle recommendation. It has been a total life-changer for me and many of my friends who are avid readers.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 20:40
I've just been for a swim at one of the large public pools Where are there large public pools here? I know that most of the changing rooms I've been in had private changing booths, and so it's quite easy to avoid being nude in the open area. While for many of us expats being naked in a changing area feels perfectly normal, for many local women it not normal and can be very uncomfortable. Likewise with the photography. Many local woman will not allow themselves to be photographed -- this is definitely a cultural issue -- and so taking photos in many places (especially near pools) is prohibited so that they are not photographed even inadvertently. I think we should differentiate between "odd rules" -- and I agree, no skateboarding on the skateboard halfpipe is definitely odd -- and those rules which are about sensitivity to local culture.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 19:30
Festival City is a bit far -- this is the Doha forum! And would that we had an Ace here... :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 19:30
Festival City is a bit far -- this is the Doha forum! And would that we had an Ace here... :(
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 14:43
I don't think this is new -- but we need to confirm the age. I think it has been 18 years of age all along, and perhaps it still it. I have a friend whose 18 year old son traveled this morning and he needed one. So between that and CHS's experience with her 17 year old, my guess is that it still only kicks in for 18 years and over. I have a question pending with my PRO -- will let you know what I learn once he's back in the office. ETA: My PRO at work is so helpful that he didn't actually answer the question. Instead he has prepared the forms for my signature (I am the sponsor) and said he will take my son's passport and the forms and will process the exit permit. When I asked him (again) if he actually needs one, being only 15, he answered "no problem. Let's prepare one just in case!" <em>edited by RachelA on 17/06/2012</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 09:24
Based on how things work here it does make sense that this applies to boys but not girls. Just like a wife on her husband's sponsorship doesn't need an exit permit but a husband on his wife's sponsorship does. So now the question is: does a boy need it at 15 or 18? Well at least that's MY question. I'll see what I can find out, and will come back and share.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 23:35
Thanks amy77. Assume that came from the Qatar app store? Will be on the lookout!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 23:32
It's Al Fardan 1 that is near the airport, and it's among the best Doha has on terms of compounds. We loved there previously through past employer and would go back there in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 20:59
I know that a few years ago husbands who were sponsored by wives needed exit permits - although it was applied pretty inconsistently. Maybe the teenage son thing will be similar. My 15 year old son is traveling on his own later this month. I'll check with my PRO on Sunday -- I am the sponsor -- and will let you all know what I learn. If he does need one it's easy enough to sort out - but certainly better to know in advance than be caught by surprise at th airport when he's ready to travel.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 00:15
Thank you thank you thank you Jill for sharing!! I drove past a while ago (before it was opened) and have been waiting for this news! I'm a buritto fan big time, and my DS and DH are taco fanatics! I know what's for dinner tomorrow night!
 
 
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