tamieg1 | ExpatWoman.com
 

tamieg1

tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 09:41
Apparently it's always been the case, they just weren't enforcing it before. I don't know anyone that has got around it in the last few months, sorry...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 11:59
I have some Unisom you are welcome to have if you like. [email deleted '> <em>edited by tamieg1 on 11/03/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 17:18
I can't help on the schooling/nanny/day care, but in regard to a car loan, you will most likely need to hire a car to start with. It depends on what bank you will be with, but they will mostly require your RP to be in place before lending money. You should also be aware of the intricacies of borrowing money in the ME, and particularly about bank accounts being frozen if you leave your job. There are lots of really helpful threads on here regarding both borrowing money and car rentals - however the search function is a joke, so you will have to wade through Dubai info as well. Just as an indication, we hired a Tiida (small 4 door sedan) through Eurodollar for 2100/month. I would also stay away from Zig Zag if you can. Most of the schools are a good 30+ min drive away (although there is one near by, and ACS I think is fairly close). If your husband works as well, you will also need to work out how the 6 year old will get to and from school. Zig Zag is also on the edge of a major construction site (Lusail) so be prepared for noise. I'm sure many people are happy there, but the ones I know are not.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 15:44
I've been looking for them for a while but haven't tried Megamart yet. Has anyone seen them there?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 00:20
Hey Chizz I have a 30 cubic foot storage unit in Woolwich that I have been thinking about shipping over, but have so far left it in the too hard basket. ETA: Email removed <em>edited by tamieg1 on 26/02/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 14:57
I love their powder foundation! I also used it to cover blemishes/dark circles by using a different brush. I only stopped using it when I moved out here as I needed something with SPF coverage.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 12:10
Advice I was given before getting a spray tan done: - EXFOLIATE EXFOLIATE EXOLIATE. Even though you are getting a body scrub the day before. Pay particular attention to knees, ankles and elbows. - Have a shower just before going, but do not put on deodorant or any kind of moisturiserm, or the spray tan will not stick - Whatever you do, do not get it wet for a minimum of 12 hours afterwards. This includes splashes from getting a drink of water or attempting to do the washing up. If you have time, I would really recommend doing a trial run, so you know what works for you & what not to do the next time.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 13:43
What would have helped me is if my friends had asked if there was anything they could do. It might be looking after the children or cooking a meal, like Green-ish say or in my case it would have been accompanying me to the hospital or collecting me afterwards. Whatever you do, please do not say "it was for the best" or "everything happens for a reason", no matter how much you may be thinking it!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:19
I think Frank Provst in the Four Seasons might... they definitely have Kerastase
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:18
We lurrrrrve Spice Market, especially for Friday brunch. We also tried their Sushi night last Saturday (QR 220 pp, not incl drinks) which was a Japanese set menu (edamame, miso soup, chicken/beef/salmon/teppanyaki, followed by as much sushi & sashimi as you can eat) and they were really helpful with dietary requirements.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 17:05
Boots didn't have any when I was looking - ended up picking some up in Oz after I couldn't find it anywhere (although didn't even think to look in Sephora!!)
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 08:45
To give you an idea of the cost, I paid QR 40 for an organic cucumber in C4 a few weeks ago... Locally/Regionally grown ones sell for QR 6-7/kg.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 08:56
It's do-able, but be aware that while it has improved in the last few years, stations with wheelchair access are NOT the norm. You will be able to download a map from www.tfl.gov.uk that will show which ones do. Buses are legally only allowed one pram/stroller on them at a time, and they won't let you board. You may end up waiting quite a while. Saying this, I would still go, especially if you can put the baby in a sling or backpack.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 12:51
Congratulations! As Dan Lou says, we've all been in that situation so don't worry too much. When I moved, someone helpful recommended to bring any particular bras that you like from home, especially if you are a larger size. Other things I've stocked up on when back home are shampoo & hair products (ie salon products like KMS - don't worry they have all the supermarket brands like L'Oreal/Dove/Pantene), food colouring and vanilla products. I also bought adults' rashies and board shorts this trip home, because of the greater choice. You mention that housing is provided. Do you know if it is furnished or unfurnished? If unfurnished, you will want to bring your furniture - and also stock up at Ikea on anything you could possibly want. The choices here are somewhat...limited... and at present you have to go to Abu Dhabi or Dubai to go to Ikea. I would also bring winter clothes. This winter has been colder than usual, and houses generally are not heated. Also if you decide to travel to Europe in winter (only 6 hours flight away), or escape home to Oz during the summer (and therefore winter there), you will be glad to have warm clothes to take. Anyway good luck with the move and getting it all done! If you have any other questions just ask. <em>edited by tamieg1 on 27/01/2012</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 07:32
Both are fully furnished. BHT will not remove furniture. Sara may but make sure you get it in writing after negotiating it.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 04:04
Agreed, absolutely yes!! Just check the fine print that you are covered while overseas. Mine is with Fortis (for about the same price) and is still valid as I was resident in the UK when I opened the policy. Not sure if it's tax resident or physical resident they use though. HTH.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 13:13
Hi, in my opinion there's nowhere really "special" like that, but the Grand Hyatt & the Ritz Carlton are my favourites. Time Out reviewed most of the brunches in their January issue (we only get it monthly!) - link here (sorry can't work out hot to shorten it) http://www.timeoutdoha.com/gallery/29120-dohas-best-brunches?image=1
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 12:41
Anth a lot of the posters are referring to residence permits, which are a whole other Doha experience once you get your work visa sorted. 6-8 weeks is entirely possible, but as MC says it depends on any number of factors. In your favour is that there are no major public holidays coming up. From memory I think you're Australian too (apologies if not) so it is possible to get a visa on arrival which is valid for 30 days, then re-enter the country from Dubai/Bahrain etc on your work visa if necessary. If you are going to be sponsoring your husband/kids as well, you will need your visa to be issued first.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 10:22
Could you buy the fare from Dubai to NZ and book a separate ticket to Dubai (ie on Fly Dubai)?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 15:47
Hi KMT Just to let you know we found a hardback Children's Encyclopaedia in I Spy today - although it was in the business section rather than in the children's section.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 23:03
Yep same for British passport holders - must be paid by card though
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 10:05
How are you settling in GM?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 13:31
As far as I'm aware you only need a health card if you go to a government clinic/hospital. If you have insurance, your question may be answered by checking which clinics/hospitals it covers. We have Bupa and I know that not many are covered, but Doha Clinic is. Sorry I've realised this isn't particularly helpful, but it might give you somewhere to start.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 16:25
I would also double check that your apartment isn't fully furnished already. Many in West Bay are, and it can be a pain to find storage...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 12:56
M&S may be worth a look as well. I don't know how much it they will import here, but they always have a "party" range at this time of the year, and the sizing is generous.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 11:23
TM Lewin Online & Aramex. There are usually discount codes floating around the internet as well.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 10:17
I'm pretty sure I've seen Total brand Greek yoghurt in Spinneys, but you might want to post this on the Qatar board as well
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 12:48
Bilal have quite a few properties but most are in the 11k-14k range. Their "Bilal Studios" by Jaidah Flyover are 1 bedroom apartments which go for 9k and I believe they have a number of studios as well (ie no separate sleeping area) which are a bit cheaper.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 12:41
The Steinway store in the Pearl has some beautiful pianos for only QR 765,000!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 15:15
Hi Rachel, I thought I'd add my two cents as well, having just moved to West Bay a few months back. We found that rather than using agents, it was easier to approach the apartment buildings directly, with the exception of Beach Tower who use DTZ. All the 3 br apartments we saw had maid's rooms which were slightly smaller than the maid's rooms I had seen in compounds. We were really keen on the city-facing Al Areen apartments until we went for a viewing during construction hours. The apartments looking out towards Education City were a lot quieter. Also in mid-September Beverly Hills Tower did not have any 3 br's available as they had rented them all to a gas company, but you know how quickly things change here... Prices ranged from 14k to 29k (44 West Bay), with most around the 17-18k range. Any questions let me know!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 16:05
Baffled thanks for sharing the details. Hope you are settling nicely back home!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 18:04
Hi, I'm guessing you are looking for apartments in the Airport area if you're after a club there? You might be better off changing your search area - the apartments in West Bay all have decent pools & gyms. Alternatively an apartment in a compound (such as Beverley Hills Al Rayyan or Samrya Gardens) could be better. Otherwise I believe you can get membership to pool at Sharq Village but it's very crowded on weekends and right under the flight path. <em>edited by tamieg1 on 11/11/2011</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2011 - 14:02
Has anyone found out when the camel racing is on?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 13:21
There's an expensive ceramics shop in City Centre, although to me it seemed more Moroccan style than Gulf. It's just by the entrance to the Marriott.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 18:40
Good luck Baffled!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 18:39
Weirdly I looked at this thread last night as my psoriasis is playing up at the moment. Many dandruff shampoos (eg Selsun) tend to strip hair colour... which is a problem for me. Neutrogena T-gel is supposedly quite gentle. In the threads I read yesterday some of the Dubai ladies were recommending Nizoral shampoo. I bought some hydrocortisone from the pharmacy in City Centre, they had Nizoral (cream rather than shampoo) next to it...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 16:29
Pennyhill Park in Surrey is also lovely but pricey
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 14:43
BH is managed by Al Asmakh - http://www.alasmakhrealestate.com/ We used a girl called Ezra who was very nice
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 18:52
These are Marycatherine's directions which I found very helpful: For the restaurant supply place coming from the Corniche on B- ring road (heading in a general Airport direction) go straight through Jaidah over pass and the next set of lights. It is on your right hand side (we call it the platter store because so many are displayed in the windows) but the real name is New House Complex. It is usually easier to pull into the first street after the store and park somewhere along that street.
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 10:34
Thanks. MC is right, those are the hours on the website, but I also tweeted them and that was the response. I've been down there on the weekend before - just thought it might be worth checking given how often things change!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:08
Sorry to hijack but has anyone been there in the past two weeks? Looks like they have changed their opening hours to 9-6, Sun-Thurs only...?
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 17:36
No they make you pay another QR 100 when you re-enter
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:34
I can't live without Aerogard... although there are probably too many chemicals in it for your liking Amy! For the Aussies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Mz0Cgr19w&NR=1
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 12:20
I thought that may be the case! I have a friend who works in insurance so will ask him next time I see him :)
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 12:17
Is the Torch definitely dry? I had heard they were still waiting for the licence while they're doing their soft opening...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 23:25
Hi EssexGirl I'm not a pilot's wife but happy to meet up for a coffee if you like? Email me [email removed'> :) <em>edited by tamieg1 on 25/10/2011</em>
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 23:23
Hi Katcalls Are you working for a local or foreign company? Just asking as most North-American based companies will offer some sort of disability insurance as part of your overall compensation (although you may have to dig through the employee handbook to find details about it)...
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:09
Agreed! We took the in-laws around Katara this afternoon and the weather was fantastic!
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:08
La Cigale too
tamieg1
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:00
There's a walking group on FB that I've "liked" but not yet done anything about - they walk around the Pearl at 7:30 on a Wednesday I think
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

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