General information

Currency
The Qatar Riyal is set at QR3.64 to US$1. All credit cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted, as are US dollars, in the majority of five-star hotels.

Time
The time zone is GMT+3 hours throughout the year.

Courier services
Aramex (450 6611), DHL (458 7888), FedEx (443 4409), UPS (465 0606).

Business hours
Government offices: Sun-Thu 6am-2pm. Private sector: 7.30am-noon or 12.30pm, 3pm-7pm.

Shops: 8.30am-12.30pm, 4pm-8pm or 9pm.

Malls: 10am-10pm.

Banks: Sun-Thu 7.30am-1pm.

Some branches open in the afternoons, and some others open on Friday and Saturday.

Internet
Most hotels have internet access available in the rooms – or at least from the business centre, and there are plenty of internet cafés. Also, if you just want to read, send emails or surf the net, you can get free internet access at the General Post Office.

Postal service
The General Post Office,West Bay area, behind the Corniche (446 4228/4000). Open Sun-Thu 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-11am. Access to private boxes 6am-8pm.