More Family Living Costs and General Queries from potential British Expat
I have read much on here about the general cost of living in Qatar, but wondered if anyone could answer the following more detailed Questions I would appreciate figures monthly in QAR.
1. What is the cost of employing a maid (live in) and what is expected of them and their employer (Time off, duties, etc) are there any particular nationalities that are plentiful/recommended ?
2. What is the cost of employing a driver and what is expected of them and their employer (Time off, duties, etc) are there any particular nationalities that are plentiful/recommended ?
3. Is driving in Qatar as dangerous as I have heard, with people trying to deliberately hit you to claim on the insurance and what is the cost of insurance/the vehicle/maintenance etc. (Land Cruiser/BMW525/Corrola) wide variety I know, and is there a good dealer second hand market ?
4. In a 3 bedroom company provided house what are the utilities for water/power/phone/mobile/broadband/TV etc, and anyone know the cost of calls to the UK ?
5. What clubs are best for British Expats, and does anyone know the cost of these and anything on waiting lists ?
6. Are there any really good schools for 3-6 year old's that anyone would recommend along with the cost of these and anything on waiting lists ?
7. What is the cost of membership to golf clubs/swimming clubs and the waiting lists for these ?
8. What is the cost and limitations associated with the liquor licence ?
9. What sort of cost is it likely to be for setting up a 3 bedroom part furnished house to turn it into a home ?
10. Do standard British plugs and appliances work ?
11. Can one bring ones own Book/DVD collection over without problems or are these seized by customs for 18 rated or whatever the Qatari government may consider lewd or inappropriate I had heard about a Winnie the Pooh book in a shop having of the pictures of Piglet blacked out ?
12. Apart from Emergency Medical insurance, is there any for of medical insurance to take care of standard doctors/dentists bills and what does it cost ?
13. Does anyone know if family or friends come to stay what is the length of time they can stay without a pre-arranged visa (British Nationals) and can this be extended easily without a Dubai/Bahrain visit at regular intervals ?
14. Are pork and ham inpossible to obtain, or is there a licence that will allow this ?
15. Anyone know anything about the withholding tax for contract staff, and whether it gets refunded ?
Alot of questions probably only a few what I wanted to ask but enough to be going on with, any help would be appreciated, I suppose overall I should also ask is it a good place for a family with young kids to live ?
I know it was alot, and I know some have been answered before (some in 2005), but I understand everything is rocketing, so I wanted up to date info.
If you shorten the list you may get more of a response.
Many of the questions have been asked previously and answers are obtainable from the search facility on the left column.
I have read much on here about the general cost of living in Qatar, but wondered if anyone could answer the following more detailed Questions I would appreciate figures monthly in QAR.
1. What is the cost of employing a maid (live in) and what is expected of them and their employer (Time off, duties, etc) are there any particular nationalities that are plentiful/recommended ?
Every family have their preference about maids nationality. You can filipino, indonesian, srilakan, indian, or eithopian maid. And employer normally give friday off to their maid. The agent will cost you around 6.000 to 7.000 QR, and maid's salary will be around 1.000 QR and above.
2. What is the cost of employing a driver and what is expected of them and their employer (Time off, duties, etc) are there any particular nationalities that are plentiful/recommended ?
Driver will cost you about QR 1.500 to QR 2.000 live in.
3. Is driving in Qatar as dangerous as I have heard, with people trying to deliberately hit you to claim on the insurance and what is the cost of insurance/the vehicle/maintenance etc. (Land Cruiser/BMW525/Corrola) wide variety I know, and is there a good dealer second hand market ?
Yes driving here a bit challenging ...
4. In a 3 bedroom company provided house what are the utilities for water/power/phone/mobile/broadband/TV etc, and anyone know the cost of calls to the UK ?
We pay around QR 700 for water, and another QR 700 for electric (thats for summer time, winter will cost a lot less).
5. What clubs are best for British Expats, and does anyone know the cost of these and anything on waiting lists ?
There are no british expats club. You can go to Garvey's for european club who own by Garvey's brother (they are irish not british), or you can go to any hotels for that.
6. Are there any really good schools for 3-6 year old's that anyone would recommend along with the cost of these and anything on waiting lists ?
If you british expats, try to take your kid to DESS, but it is long waiting list. Having a british passport will put your kids on the priority in the waiting list.
7. What is the cost of membership to golf clubs/swimming clubs and the waiting lists for these ?
No idea.
8. What is the cost and limitations associated with the liquor licence ?
To get the liquor license cost you QR 1.000, and the limitation will be the percentage of your monthly salary.
9. What sort of cost is it likely to be for setting up a 3 bedroom part furnished house to turn it into a home ?
Hard to answer, depend how 'posh' you want to furnish the house. Furniture down the souq will cost you alot less than furniture from The One.
10. Do standard British plugs and appliances work ?
11. Can one bring ones own Book/DVD collection over without problems or are these seized by customs for 18 rated or whatever the Qatari government may consider lewd or inappropriate I had heard about a Winnie the Pooh book in a shop having of the pictures of Piglet blacked out ?
12. Apart from Emergency Medical insurance, is there any for of medical insurance to take care of standard doctors/dentists bills and what does it cost ?
Recommended you apply health card for your family
13. Does anyone know if family or friends come to stay what is the length of time they can stay without a pre-arranged visa (British Nationals) and can this be extended easily without a Dubai/Bahrain visit at regular intervals ?
British passport can get on arrival visa. But i have no idea for how long.
14. Are pork and ham inpossible to obtain, or is there a licence that will allow this ?
No
15. Anyone know anything about the withholding tax for contract staff, and whether it gets
If you r british... are you not suppose to be earning free tax as far as you out from the UK for at least 1 yr? I am not too sure you need to contact otheers re about this.
Good luck.
Anyone coming over who asks first the cost of a maid, driver and a BMW should not worry about the cost of joining the golf club or medical bills? good to see that your family question was saved till the very end.