JENMANC

Hey, I'm new to Doha & was just wondering if everything here is such hard work or is it just in the initial few months?! Managed to hire a car which I am sure I am being ripped off with but seems like it's a must as the taxis are rubbish & so unreliable!

Seems expensive too especially for decent accommodation (currently looking to move from company provide accommodation if I can!) does anyone have any tips/recommendations for a newbie? Areas to look/rental companies etc? 😊

co durham boy

Yes it is hard work it's always hard work . Doha is a difficult place for some people to get settled quickly . Everything here is below par and takes forever. Standards are shite and don't expect them to change anytime soon .

The key point to Qatar is knowing people , the more people you meet , socialize and get to know the better it becomes over time . People will tell you the best cars to use , the best places to eat and places to rent and where the cheap booze is !!!

Use the usual websites and social media and get out there and you'll crack it eventually . Remember Qatar is not going to change , you've just got to find a way to get through all the shite before you go mental !

Lots of stuff going on check out

Home - Qatar Happening
Time Out Doha - City Guide, Information, Events, Reviews & What's On in the City of Doha
Doha Rugby Football Centre - Home

JENMANC

Thanks for the info... I worked in Saudi before coming here & if I am honest I'm finding it harder here! 😳 really struggling to find decent accommodation which isn't London prices! Would like a home from home... Somewhere cozy & preferably a good gym to join with a pool which doesn't cost the earth to join! 😩

Johnnyboy11

"Standards are shite and don't expect them to change anytime soon ."

+1

co durham boy

Stick with it as you know the form . Qatar is a hopeless case so you've just got to plough on and get through it . Accommodation is a nightmare , piss poor and expensive . There still is some decent stuff out there but it aint cheap .

If you're looking for a decent priced flat then look at Al Saad / Abu Hammour and even up near An Khalid and Al Azizyia . Try the Qatar Facebook pages such as 'Buy It Sell It Swop It' and 'Where How and What Doha' . There's usually a lot of expats that post on there .

Keep away from Qatar Living as it's just full of shite and dodgy hombre's . Also have a look at Garveys , they've got a club / gym /pool / yoga and accommodation plus a restaurant http://www.garvey-properties.com/club.php

JENMANC

Thank you all. I'll plod on for now I guess see what happens.

Couple more questions ... Do they have alterations places here (tailors for clothes?) also how easy is it to transfer jobs here, is it at the discretion of your current employer whether they provide a NOC?

co durham boy

You'll find tailors all over town , they're cheap and common place . The NOC system here is archaic .

Work on the premise that you will not receive one and it's a 2 year ban .

Big_Show

The Qgym at Al Sadd stadium is very good and has a 50m pool too, I think it's free entry on a Friday if you want to go have a look to try it out first.

JENMANC

Thanks shall take a look, all the nice hotels want 250QR to spend the day by the pool on a Friday 😳

co durham boy

50QR at Garveys plus you can use the gym

primularossa

Join the Doha Sailing Club in Katara, near the St Regis Hotel.
A wonderful place where to meet nice people and socialise!

JENMANC

Can anyone advise if they recycle at all in Doha? Where to take things if they do?! 😳 I can't bear the thought of throwing all these plastic bottles into a bin! My place of work doesn't recycle anything seems to be the norm here!

cdn3

No recycling.

Also how much are you paying for your rental we'll let you know if you're getting ripped off. I've basically dealt with one person and I've referred many people to him and the prices are good, if you'd like I could refer you to them.

Also a member on this forum also rents out cars.

primularossa

it is not true that there is no recycling. Slowly but something is moving in this direction. See my post before

cdn3

Your post in this topic? It doesn't mention recycling but that's exciting news, it will be some time though until we see blue boxes in offices I'd guess.