Money :
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which divides into 100 dirhams. The Riyal exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at QR 3.65. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, the airport and exchange dealers. To avoid additional charges it is best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. The main bank branches are on Grand Hamad Street in Doha. Banks are open Saturday to Thursday 8am to 1pm and some are open into the evening. ATMs are available on the main streets of the cities and towns, at banks and in shopping malls and most shops, hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards.
Time :
Local time is GMT +3.
Electricity :
Electrical current is 240/415 volts AC; 50Hz. Round pin plugs with grounding and rectangular blade plugs are in use.
Language :
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used.
Health :
No vaccinations are a requirement for entry to Qatar, but it is recommended that visitors be up to date with routine vaccinations. Modern medical care and medicine is available in Doha. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for medical services, and treatment is expensive; it is advisable for travellers to hold comprehensive medical insurance. Traveller's diarrhoea is a risk, therefore visitors should drink bottled water and avoid under-cooked food and unwashed fruit and vegetables, particularly outside of the hotels and resorts.
Tipping :
A service charge of 10% is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills in Qatar, in which case tipping is not necessary. However if there is no service charge a 10% tip is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is good to round off the amount due.
Safety :
Most visits to Qatar are trouble free, but the country, like most in the Gulf region, is rated as being under high threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks against Western interests. The most recent event was a suicide bomb blast in Doha in March 2005, in which a British national was killed. Visitors should therefore be vigilant in public places. There is a low incidence of crime, but women are advised to take care when travelling alone at night.
Customs :
Qatar is an Islamic state, which prohibits drinking alcohol in public other than at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking in public are forbidden by Muslim law. Intimacy between men and women in public can lead to arrest, and homosexuality is illegal. Visitors should dress modestly and respect local customs. The right hand should be used for everything, including eating and the giving and receiving of things, as the left is considered unclean. The import of pornographic material, non-Islamic religious material, alcohol or pork products is prohibited.
Business :
Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world, and has had good trade relations with the West dating back to the 19th century. However it is still advisable to abide by the cultural practices of the locals in business. In Qatar a personal style of business is favoured and relationships are built on over time. The Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' is appreciated and politeness helps to build strong relationships. Shaking hands is the norm between men. Men and women are to dress appropriately in suits, with particular attention paid to conservative attire for women. The giving of gifts is appreciated and often reciprocated, but unnecessary. Business cards should be printed in both English and Arabic on the alternate side. Dates in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the Hijrah date. Maintaining eye contact is important. Patience is a virtue in all meetings and often the meetings will appear to be quite sociable events with the potential for unrelated interruptions. Business hours are generally 8am to 7pm Saturday to Thursday with varied times taken for prayers throughout the day and a long lunch break. Friday is the day of rest, but some offices may also close on Thursday.
Duty Free :
Travellers to Qatar do not have to pay duty on tobacco products and perfume for personal use. Alcohol may not be imported under any circumstances. Prohibited items include wild birds, without an import authorisation from Ministry of Agriculture and Municipal Affairs (MMAA).
Communications :
The international access code for Qatar is +974, and the outgoing code is 0, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not necessary. There are numerous Internet cafes in Doha. The country is well covered by the Q-Tel GSM 900/1800 mobile phone network.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 999/118
