Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by some disclaimers. I am a Pakistani born American citizen now about to ask a question in a British forum for expats. I hope you will bear with me as I have had some connection with the United Kingdom at different times in my life . My schooling was O and A levels in Pakistan and then I went to the University of Glasgow for my masters degree. That has to count for something .

Anyway, coming the point - Due to the fact that my mum is old and does not have too many years of life in her, I have been wanting to move closer to Pakistan (Pakistan itself is a wee bit challenging to live in at this time ). I managed to get a transfer (for 3 years) from my company's office here in the US to their office in Doha. I got an offer from them that I am not too thrilled about but I can make it work and wanted to get your take on it.

Its a mid level manager role at a financial services management consulting firm and here are the numbers.

Basic: 220,000 QAR
Housing allowance: 110,000 QAR
Transport (including yearly tickets): 30,000 QAR

Total package 360,000 QAR (Monthly 30K)

We are a couple with no kids. My wife also works and will not be coming with me immediately. She will probably join me in 4-6 months but only if she has a job and the chances of that are pretty good. Her Alma-mater in the US has a campus in Doha as well as an affiliated think thank. She may find opportunities at the Qatar Foundation. She works for a non-profit with a focus on Africa.
My office with be in Al Dafna so I want a decent 2 bedroom apartment nearby. Not that hung up on West Bay or the Pearl. Any thoughts on which areas I should be focusing on? Newer construction would be a preference. Do consider that I will really be a single guy at least for the first 6 months and then it'll be the 2 of us with hopefully a little bit more money to spend. The net per month in the Qatar offer is 17K USD/yr more than what I get here after tax in the US. Considering that the Qatar offer is 99K QAR per annum, I will probably not be paying anything to uncle Sam in taxes.
What are your thoughts on the package and how much more should I ask for?

Appreciate your help and time.

Cheers!

I thought Mericans had to pay uncle Sam irrespective of where they were in the world? UK citizens have it a little bit easier depending on how often they're back in UK.

No Sir - we do get some relief from the IRS. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (applicable only when US citizens file their taxes) for the year 2014 is USD 99,200 of taxable income.

Hi PKUSQA,

I would love to help you out. I have a similar origin background as yours and I moved to Doha last August. I am unable to send you a personal message right now but if you can send me your email address via personal message, I'll contact you back.

Thank you for the offer to help. I just sent you a PM with my email.

PM services are restricted for less than 3 postings. I'll be able to respond after another post.

Let me check now.

It's ok, assuming you have no taxes in USA pay, and you have no kids whilst you're out there.

It's ok. There's not much to spend your money on out there, and flight connections back to Pakistan are reasonable, so if money is not your main incentive, then it's ok.

the offer looks good