Qatar Travel Guide

Qatar — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

Qatar is a tolerant country but visitors will avoid giving offense if they observe a few courtesies, especially with regard to dress. Cover knees and shoulders, except within hotel grounds where more casual clothing is acceptable. At business and social functions, traditional Qatari coffee is served as part of the ritual welcome. Guests are served in order of seniority - a few drops are poured before topping up the cups of the remaining party. Cups must be held in the right hand: accept two cups - taking only one cup will embarrass the host; taking more than three will embarrass everybody else. Never pass or receive items with the left hand.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

Qatar Airways (QR) (website: www.qatarairways.com) is the heavily promoted national airline of Qatar.

Departure Tax

QR20, usually included in ticket price.

Main Airports

Doha (DOH) (website: www.dohaairport.com) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (journey time to city center - 15 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city with official rates displayed. Facilities: Car hire, banks, ATMs, restaurants, coffeeshops, handicraft/book shop and a duty-free shop.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Doha and Umm Said. The traffic is mostly commercial.

Getting There By Road

With car insurance for both countries, the Qatar-Saudi border is open to residents of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Others must have a Saudi visa or transit visa in advance. The same applies for those traveling by bus. The main international bus operator is Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co (Saptco) (tel: 454 5000; website: www.saptco.com.sa); bookings can be made on line. A new causeway linking Bahrain and Qatar is under construction, due for completion in 2012.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Qatar without incurring customs duty:

• A reasonable amount of tobacco and perfume for personal use.

Prohibited Imports

No alcohol, narcotics, pork-related products or pornography may be brought through customs and goods conspicuously originating from Israel may pose problems if you are stopped by customs. Firearms can only be imported with a license obtained in advance from the Ministry of Defence.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Road

The road system is fair but the local driving is often fast and reckless. Driving is on the right. Areas of sabka (salt flats) make leaving the road to access the coast a hazard in many parts of Qatar, even in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. It’s best to stick to prior tracks.

Bus: A new fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses now reaches main towns. Contact Central Bus Station (tel: 458 8888; website: http://www.mowasalat.com/) to check on progress.

Taxi: There is a choice between the old orange and white cars or newer, slightly more expensive sea-blue taxis. Both have meters. Taxis can be hired on an hourly basis, but in this case it’s better to negotiate the fee in advance. Taxis are the main source of public transport within Doha.

Car hire: Available from local and international companies at the airport and hotels. The minimum age for driving is 21 years. Seat belts must be worn. Large on-the-spot fines are issued to anyone not wearing one or not carrying a driver’s license.

Emergency breakdown assistance: Police (tel: 999).

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, but a temporary license can be obtained on presentation of a valid UK license.