21K QAR Monthly Salary; Is it enough

I do not have children, however, if you visit expatwoman.com and go into the qatar section you will find lots of Moms. They will be better able to tell you about schools and such. But the biggest issue is location as in, how close are you to the school. I see children being picked up by school bus as early as 0530 hrs. Another big issue is can you get your child enrolled in the school of your choice - there are long waiting lists for most of the best schools.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

Mary,

I am pretty confident for the employer as I have worked for them in Cyprus for 3 years so I know them already. You are right though, I do need something in writing as so far I have already made so many arrangements and it is scary.

Can I ask Mary, do you have kids over there? do you know any good areas to look for accommodation where there are a lot of english kids? This is something I am concerned for as I know my son will be happy as long as he has people to play with.

You won't get a contract until you get here and pass the medical/police checks (you and your husband and child if he is old enough). You should get a letter of offer that outlines exactly what is included in your package - I would ask them to forward one to me so that I can make an informed decision.

I would strongly advise you not to come before you see something in writing or if the something in writing is contradicted orally. There are some unscrupulous employers who will promise a great deal but be reluctant to back it up with the written word.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

if you said that he will not be working, check it out with your sponsor how will he be sponsored here? Although they already passed a law allowing women to sponsor their husband, clear it out with your prospective employer!

But 21K is enough if you live a simple life! I don't know the price of a flat in UK or Cyprus, but I doubt you can save to afford one. MAybe in Manila?

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Hi Mary,

Well, I have been living in Cyprus for 8 years now and in the beginning had some pretty dire accommodation as it was all I could afford. I am not concerned for myself as I know I am adaptable, but for my son, accommodation close to other children is important. We live very quietly and dont spend a great deal on goign out (normally stay in and watch TV). We are hoping to have enough to buy a cheap car outright when we arrive and until I see a contract I dont know if it includes a ticket out of the country or not, I would have thought so.

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I would carefully check out the costs of your chosen schools and to be aware of the "extras" that are often charged on top of regular school fees.

If you just need a 2 bed apartment it could cost as much as 10k or as little as 3k per month depending on whether you need something that is actually livable.

I gather you're from the UK originally so be aware that some of what may be acceptable living conditions to one ethnic/cultural background may not be acceptable to another (just not what they are used to or are expecting).

You will need a car - there are plenty of used ones but even those are more expensive, relatively speaking, to say the UAE. Not outrageously so, but not cheap either. Check the ads here and be aware that for used cars it can be difficult to get a loan especially when you first arrive.

Don't know your lifestyle, so can't comment on how much you might spend on food, entertainment, utilities, etc. If you package doesn't cover annual tickets home - that's another expense you'd have to consider.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

lucky!!!!

Gated (compound) villa, the cheapest one will be 6-7 thousand semi furnished. That is unless you can find a subdivided villas inside a compound.

International schools is 40 K plus per year.

I don't think the public bus system here is suitable for a 12 yr old to go by himself daily. You may need to put him in a school bus, get a taxi service or take him in and out of school yourself. In any case you will want to get a car to have a 'normal' family life.

Cheers

SK

in this salary pakge you & oyur family will live a royal life..

"War is not fought to determin who is right, only who is left".

I don't think your 12-year-old son will to go school by bus! You will see the situation by yourself when you will be here. So your spouse needs one car. Children can play freely only inside walled/fenced gated community. That means you need to rent an apartment/villa inside compund....Normally there are pool/gym and service, and rental is more expensive than single apartment. Check the website of american/international school, then you will have an idea of tuition....COSTS!! If your target is to have your son play safely with other kids, then the only way is gated community!

Put all together, if you have to pay rent and school and to keep the life decent, 21K is far from enough. Forget about saving something from 21K..

I dont know if me, my husband and my son can live on 21kQAR a month AND save, thats the key here, I want to save for a property in a few years time.

21k very less.. you should negotiate for 25k .. unless it will be hard for your to survive in Doha by 21k .. :P

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'' Live for Nothing or Die for Something ''

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Salary Package is workable and you need not to ship your furniture stuff here, they are in plenty here & cheap too.

It's good time to be here as house rents are really down.

Thanks for all the comments. I am not a well established individual that can command more than 21k, but am hoping to progress in my career so that I may be eligable for a higher salary during the project. I dont want to rent anywhere fancy but am concerned about areas for my son as he will be 11 and a half and he is very independent so I want somewhere he can travel on buses alone (as he does that already in Cyprus) and can socialise with other children. Our aim is to be able to save enough money to buy a small flat in the UK or Cyprus as an investment.

I am hoping to get my son into the Qatar International School or the American School of Doha as they look to be the best. Is there a good community spirit over there for parents of children who go to international schools? prefered residential areas? I am not concerned for myself as I could live anywhere but for my son to settle down well.

Is any amount of money ever enough?

**** Aal Izz Well****

21k is a good salary.

I would have accepted it if I were you

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21K as a basic salary would be more than enough for MANY...as you said...you guys dont go out so often...I believe you can save a lot. No need to bring in furniture and other belongings...you may have a furnished residence...or if not...better buy it here

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Are in your country peanuts sold for diamond's price?

excluding schooling and housing! if it means that the company will pay your son's education , fully furnished accommodation and you have a basic salary of 21k! you don't need to bring your stuff... only your personal things like clothes, laptop etc...

21K is not enough. Negotiate for 30K.

Here lots of houses/villa/apt are fully equiped, so no need to ship your posessions.

http://www.qatarliving.com/answers/cost-of-living/how-much-should-i-expect-to-save-in-20000-pm

Regards!!

Depends on which school your son will attend.

My friend sons: 9 year-old son about 17,000 dollar/year. 15 year-old son about 23,000$/year.

Rent is high here. You may spned a lot for a decent house for your family.

Car/gas CHEAP!

u allready know the answer so why even asking?

peace :)