Information about cost of living in Doha, Qatar
Hello friends,
I am trying to gather information about the cost of living in Doha Qatar and will be very thankful if someone can help me in this regard.
Some of the questions that I have in mind (and there are many more) are:
1) How much is the rent for a 2 bed-room apartment in a nice location?
2) Does the rent have to be paid in advance for the full year or are there any variations?
3) How easy/difficult is it to get a driving license?
4) How much do the utility bills cost of a monthly basis (Electricity, Water, Cable TV)
5) Is the Visa process quick and fast in Qatar as compared to KSA (where it can take many months before getting the visa from the employer and then another couple of months before getting the work permit called Iqama)
6) Any additional and useful information will be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
1) Well, for a nice location, you'll have to pay at least 7500 QR. note that it will not be furnished.
2) it depends, some people might ask you to sign on 12 cheques in advance. some will let you sign a paper that you will leave the accomodation in one year since he can only raise the rent 10%/yr which he can force you with the apaper to pay more.
3) if you have any european or US license, you can easily switch it without any exam. if you have a driveing license from another country, dpending on the origin, they will either ask you for a driving test or to go to school for 12/24/ hours
4) Well, it's the gulf, AC should be on 24/7. so you have to plan for a 1000QAR plus minus including Cable TV subscription
5) Well, it depends on the nationality as well, but in a worst case scenario, it will take 3 months. note that some nationalities are not allowed in the country such as plaestinians; you never know who is allowed and who's not... it varies from time to time...
6) Ask for a Medical insurance and Air tickets as if you went to the public hospital for aregular check up, you'll have to wait for sometime. Qatarairways are expensive. really expensive and cheap flights are not always available.