Flying out in Jan

Be careful which over the counter meds you bring in - some are not allowed here. For example, anything with codeine in it can get you arrested (not likely but possibly).

I don't know if the Min of Health here has a list of banned/regulated substances or not (the UAE Min does and it can be found on their website - I would think it would be similar here in Qatar)

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

The only thing I would suggest is that if there is a cold medication or any over-the-counter meds you prefer, you may want to bring a supply with you. There are great pharmacies here, but you may not find exactly what you're used to.

Also, layering with long sleeve T shirts and a light jacket will be sufficient for the "winter" weather here.

;)

thanks again for all the info..

"You only get out what you put in"

We brought a Skype Dualphone which is a landline and skype cordless combined, just a regular phone. Cost to UK is 1p a minute.

Yes we do have two mobile phones companies, that is:

-Qtel, main countries network service, it is more expensive than Vodafone, but better network (it's what I heard, but I use Qtel). I think they might decrease the cost of the international minutes, since they're competing with Vodafone, because Vodafone is way lower in price than Qtel. And Qtel wouldn't want to loose it's "first" position.

-Vodafone, cheaper, not that good network yet not dead.

In general to first purchase a mobile card, weither it's Qtel or Vodafone, it's cheap.

As for the cost of calling to UK, for Vodafone it's cheap, for Qtel (I can't tell if it's expensive or average) because it depends on your salary. But in general, calls aren't that expensive here.

And as JF said, Skype is the best way to get in touch with your family back in the UK. Most of my friends that studies in UK, are using Skype.

About the PAYG mobile, I am not sure if it's a good idea or not, it also depends on its validity. I am also not sure if it's used in Doha, I haven't met anyone using PAYG mobiles. But if you tell me how much does it cost and for how long does it last, I might tell you weither it's useful or not.

B.O.L

Loved by some, hated by many, envied by most, yet wanted by plenty!

Yes we do have two mobile phones companies, that is:

-Qtel, main countries network service, it is more expensive than Vodafone, but better network (it's what I heard, but I use Qtel). I think they might decrease the cost of the international minutes, since they're competing with Vodafone, because Vodafone is way lower in price than Qtel. And Qtel wouldn't want to loose it's "first" position.

-Vodafone, cheaper, not that good network yet not dead.

In general to first purchase a mobile card, weither it's Qtel or Vodafone, it's cheap.

As for the cost of calling to UK, for Vodafone it's cheap, for Qtel (I can't tell if it's expensive or average) because I depends on your salary. But in general, calls aren't that expensive here.

And as JF said, Skype is the best way to get in touch with your family back in the UK. Most of my friends that studies in UK, are using Skype.

About the PAYG mobile, I am not sure if it's a good idea or not, it also depends its validity. I am also not sure if it's used in Doha, I haven't met anyone using PAYG mobiles. But if you tell me how much does it cost and for how long does it last, I might tell you weither it's useful or not.

B.O.L

Loved by some, hated by many, envied by most, yet wanted by plenty!

unlike UK you dont have any choice over the home phone service. only home phone provider is Qtel (Qatar Telecom). for mobile you have choice between Qtel and Vodafone, vodafone is newly launched so await for better coverage. Qtel is safer bet.

use computer phone like www.skype.com free phone calls to teh UK on the right plan,

Rules are a guideline for intelligent people, but they must be adhered to by idiots.

Is it better to get a PAYG mobile and is it expensive to call uk? or... Fit a land line or can you get call cards from a mobile? what is best mobile network too..

Ta!!

"You only get out what you put in"

its gonna be cold when you get here. be sure to bring some insulating stuffs....

"I don't go back on my words, that's my way of ninja"

A decent pair of slippers - while there are those who use portable heaters, I don't like them because of dodgy quality standards for such appliances here - if your feet are warm (and you have a good fleece vest/jacket for January) you'll be fine.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

access to the cash to tie up till you able to open your bank account. As far as I know you wont be able to open your bank account till your RP is processed.

Alright you will need:

-warm clothes (but not so much though) it doesn't reach a low degree here like UK, but at the time you're coming it will be cold.

-lots of light clothes, it is mostly hot here than cold.

-mozzie net, I do not think you will need that, pest controllers are everywhere (I hope it's what you meant)

-sunglasses (the sun strikes toughly on this part of the earth) but again at the time you're coming things will be cool, that's for the after winter.

I am not sure what else, but once I think of other things, I will write it down; you still have till January.

B.O.L

Loved by some, hated by many, envied by most, yet wanted by plenty!

How about you ask any question, and they will def be answered.

Loved by some, hated by many, envied by most, yet wanted by plenty!

thank you for your help.. and continued infoif ya think of anythin else!!

"You only get out what you put in"

a million passport photos and copies of your passport. You will be asked for photos daily for the first few months. It's actually really important and make sure you get some white background and some blue, different things require different backgrounds