American family moving to Qatar

I would like to thank you all for enlighten us

Cheyenne

The Offer is quite low for sure

If the company doesn't do tax equalization, you could be in trouble. Everything over $85K-I think is taxed. Including kids education, housing and other allowances. At the high rate, I think. 18K is too little, even if it is USD. He should go to the interview and offer up what is a comparable+better wage for himself.

Doha is hard in a lot of ways, but I like it here. But I wouldn't take a pay cut to come here. Make sure you understand how much things will be before you even consider a move. Our co. pays nearly $$$ a month for our villa, and it isn't a mansion or anything. Also keep in mind that the political tensions are higher than just a few months ago. I feel very safe(except when driving) but I know that would impact many peoples' decisions about coming here.

u are saying u have better paid then why do u wanna move?

:)

Chances are that he applied for a lower grade position than his experience qualify him for. If so, then it was a decision he made and the company cannot go beyond a pay level for that grade.

That said, is money the only reason for you to move? why applying for work in this part of the world when he is already working and getting paid? My point is that you as a family of arab origin is perhapse looking for a cultural element in that move. If so, then you may have to trade that for a lower pay, it is your priority which decide that.

If he is going for interview in Qatar, then he implies that he is semi-accepting the offer. Even if he negotiate, he will not move far from that figure. Best if he negotiate before going.

18k in USD or in QR? If in riyals, then better stay in the states.

everything except gas

is more expensive here. If you are making more money in the US, why in the world would you accept less to come here? This is an extremely extremely low offer. My husband works for a major oil company and the rule of thumb is that we are making 1 1/2 times more basic salary than we did in the US. Then we have added bonuses on top of that.

Unfortunately, he may be being offered less simply because he is of Arab origin. Racism is alive and well in the GCC - and although he holds an American passport and is an American citizen - his "name" might be lowering the offer someone else with the name of Smith or Jones might get with similar qualifications and experience.

I don't know what position he is going for or his education or experience but I would say 18000 is low - very low if he is an American university grad with a degree in engineering or similar. I don't know about being paid double his US salary though - one big advantage is there is no income tax here (but I understand US citizens do have to pay some US taxes if they earn more than a certain amount outside the US)

Be especially careful about education allowances for children - is it per child or a set amount for any and all children? Schooling can get quite expensive here depending on where you send your child - and the American curriculum schools tend to be among the highest - they also have long waiting lists, you won't be able to just drop in and register the same day.

55000 for the furniture allowance is not bad, be aware that furniture here is not of a very high quality (how I long for IKEA - at least it's fairly sturdy for the price) and tends to be overpriced for what you get IMHO.

Hope that helps

Be satisfied with what you have now. Living here in Qatar

is difficult. Eighteen thousand Qr is not enough for western expats. Enjoy living there in USa.

thanks!!!