feemackenzie

So I have an interview for a Primary teaching post potentially starting in August for 2 years. It is not confirmed yet however I'm thinking ahead:

- I take prescribed anti-depression medication (fluxotine, stable dosage). Should I take medication with me? Arrange for doctor appointment when I return? Or register with a Qatar doctor?
- banking. Do I keep my own Santander UK account or is it easier to set up a Qater bank account
- is uber the most effective way to travel around?
- jogging. I'm outdoors orientated 46 yr old. I've read on here cycling is potentially hazardous. Does anyone jog in the city? Running clubs? I can see the Promenade mentioned frequently

Family
- at 12 and 14 yrs my kids are club made. Does Scouting exist in Qatar? Karate? Football clubs? Or are all the sport-activities inside based
- are children easily accepted into International schools (yes it is an open ended question!!!) or can integration with Qataris be a slower process?

I'm thinking ahead to help me make the right decision. My wife has already secured a teaching post in Qatar from August.

Sabi Star

Just regarding keeping your UK bank account - others may know better - but I have known 2 people had their Uk accounts closed by the ''on-shore'' banks presumably because they were not resident in UK. One person had a rental in UK, the money went into UK account but then most of it went to France. But bank gave no reason for closure. Other person had UK account closed because they did not have working UK mobile phone number.

reddiva

I who have been in Dubai for 12 years and other half who is in Doha both have UK bank accounts as do many of my friends and the banks know we do not live there. We do everything online and the only ones i know that were closed were people who had let them lie domant for years ( no money in or out)

reddiva

Fluoxetine is on the banned list so if you are going to bring anything in you will need to get an attested Drs note and prescription from your home country
I cannot tell you if it is prescribed in Doha so hopefully someone will come along and answer that one. Yes it is easy to set up a bank account once you have your residence visa. All the other parts i cannot answer sorry

Sabi Star

Qatar may not the best place for someone with depression. Can you find out what other med. you can take - not banned there?

DXBtoDOH

Regarding medication, best to speak to a local doctor who should provide you with prescriptions. Beyond that I can't offer advice.

Banking - keep UK bank account. Open up local bank account. Your salary will be paid into your local account. You can use it for local expenditures and transfer the bulk back home or play games with an offshore account. Always keep both UK and local credit cards.

Uber is reliable. I take it most of the time (I don't drive here). Taxis are also commonplace. There's also Careem, which is a step up from Uber. Download the apps.

Jogging - a few places to jog. Most popular is probably along the corniche. Other areas include Aspire park. Air quality is iffy, however. Very high sand quotient in the air, many days are dusty. Corniche is preferable as it's along the water and has slightly better air quality. There are running clubs.

Sports/clubs - plenty of them. Almost always at a cost.

Schools - places much easier to find than just a few years ago due to the expat exodus.

Integration with Qataris - for adults this won't happen. Kids may make Qatari friends at school but eh. Don't assume it'll happen. Qataris are very insular people who have little to do with expats.

Sabi Star

I would say be sure to find out in UK from your doctor there what med. you can take as ''local'' (if meaning those in Qatar) will not know your history etc. and may prescribe something you may react badly too. (This happened to me at Moorfields, Dubai)

feemackenzie

Sabi, I'm sure you meant your words kindly; I haven't chosen depression!!!!! Yes, I will investigate alternative medicines before I travel.

reddiva

From what i read Fluoxitine used to be available over the counter to buy with a prescription ( Circa 2010 in Doha)
I am sure you will be able to get it there but you will have to try and find a DR who specialises in your condition and can prescribe it. Perhaps find a Western doctor

jam25mack

I think he meant it in a 'Qatar is a depressing hole' kinda way....