Part 1: Survival

The answers to Doha’s most burning questions.

Where do I...
Get groceries?
Carrefour branches in City Centre, Villaggio and Landmark Mall are staples, but Lulu Hypermarket is also a firm favourite for good produce and high quality meats, as well as some harder-to-find imported items (most expats prefer the newer branch by Landmark Mall). Family Food is also a solid choice, and the branch near the airport is surprisingly well stocked for its size. Looking for a hard-to-get item? Check out Megamart: whether on the hunt for American snack food, Polish cookies or Japanese spices, this place has probably got it – for a price.

Get my dry cleaning done?
There are many options again, at various price points, but good advice is to test them out first. Our spies recommend the one by the Ramada Plaza. Wherever you get it done, most places will do other laundry as well – as a result, some expats haven’t turned on a washing machine in years. Some places even deliver or pick up.

Get things fixed?
You’ve got your favourite pair of shoes, your best handbag, or maybe you’ve just bought a washer and are excited about doing a load of laundry (we won’t judge). And then, horror of horrors, it breaks. Try Souk Laqta (near Garrafa interchange and the Immigration Building). There’s a row of shops that repair everything from shoes to luggage. For anything to do with electronic items, such as mobile phones, head down to the so-called ‘Electric Street’ near Souk Waqif, where numerous small shops can fix it for you. And don’t be above just asking for help – the workers, security guards and maintenance people hanging around often know how to fix things and are willing to do so for a few riyals.

Get a taxi?
Some people can go years without driving in Qatar, instead hiring a driver, or (slightly harder to find) travelling cheaply by cab. For safety reasons, stick with Karwa taxis (mint green and hard to miss). While you can flag them down on busy streets, it’s easier at taxi stands – at Landmark Mall near the Carrefour entrance, at City Centre by the main entrance, and at Villaggio they can often be spotted hovering by the entrance nearest the cinema (this used to be a dedicated taxi lane, however in recent weeks it’s been cordoned off). Alternatively, Fox Limo has a stand set up near the information desk in Villaggio, with prices on par with Karwa. There is also a taxi stand outside Jarir on Salwa Road, and they tend to congregate outside the Ramada Plaza Doha and the Doha Marriott – if you have no joy there, the hotel cars from both are only slightly more expensive. Just remember to ask the driver to switch on the meter: many will ‘forget’, and you’ll find yourself guilted into a higher fare.

How do I...
Move house?
If going with a moving company, be sure to negotiate the full price, in writing, before moving day: we’ve heard one too many tales of people who suddenly find additional fees, sometimes up to hundreds of riyals, added to their bill. If you want to move on your own, you’re in luck! At least some of your new friends are sure to be in possession of giant SUVs that are absolutely ideal to haul your worldly possessions. Not feeling like lifting boxes? Cleaners, security guards, maintenance personnel and passing workers are all easily drafted to help schlep your stuff: just make sure to tip them well. Looking for boxes? Many moving companies will supply them, or you could ask at one of the local grocery stores.

Hire a maid?
One of the big perks of living in Qatar is the ability to hire help. A full-time maid can even live with you, for between QR900 and QR2,000. Single men, however, are not allowed to employ a female maid to live with them. If hiring full-time staff, however, you may be responsible for sponsoring them – check Hukoomi, the government’s online portal (http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/frontpage). Many people opt for part-time help instead. Most maids will cost QR25-40 per hour, and may ask for extra money for transport fees. Some companies offer cleaning services, or you can go the independent route. It’s possible to find ads for maids on local job boards and websites, but one of the best ways to get a reliable person is through word of mouth: recommendations from friends and coworkers who are pleased with the service means chances are you will be too! Companies that come highly recommended are Gulf Energy Technology & Projects (3351 2349), Al Mannai Cleaning Co (4435 6424), Rose Services & General Cleaning Co (4469 7711) and Qatar Cleaning Co (4466 2695/9735).

Board my pet?
One of the big perks of living in Qatar is the ability to travel – but what do you do with Fido or Mr Fuzzy Paws while you’re away? Many vets will board animals for the short term, including the Qatar Veterinary Clinic, which is particularly good at boarding older or infirm animals (www.qatarvet.name.qa). The Qatar Animal Welfare Society also boards animals (www.qaws.org), funds from which go to support their animal shelter – also a great place to get a new furry friend. Or check out one of the newest, with custom-built cat condos, the Parkview Pet Centre (4417 1560). With a veterinary clinic, pet hotel and even a salon, they also support the 2nd Chance Rescue, an organisation that looks after stray and abandoned dogs in Qatar – at last count they had almost 50 dogs in their care.

Make friends?
The good thing about Qatar is just about everyone has been new at one point or another, and since it’s such a small city, new people are like shiny new toys we can’t wait to play with. So there’s no fear you’re going to end up on the Isle of Misfit Toys all alone; people will be eager to make friends. Don’t get put off if, after a party or gathering, you’re greeted with a slew of new Facebook friend of BlackBerry messenger requests: this is normal for Qatar. Want a little help? Check out www.couchsurfing.com; in Qatar it’s a social group with loads of inside information, or the monthly DohaTweetups. Or check out our Community listings (p36): taking a class, joining a club or volunteering is a great way to meet people.

Find out the rules?
Qatar has laws, and the government has been making it easier lately to find out what they are and answer questions. Check out the government online portal Hukoomi for all sorts of links to everything from legal issues to employment rules at http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/frontpage. Included in that is useful information about visas, sponsorship and more, including information on what to do when you’re ready to switch jobs or leave the country.

Expat tips

‘Get involved in charity: Cats in Qatar, QAWS and Qatar Red Crescent are all looking for volunteers’
Sabina

‘When tipping, the standard is 15 per cent. For other things, it’s QR10 for each person who helps you’
Mike