Coming to Doha, need advice

sumazim
By sumazim

Hello all,

I will be in Doha for the first time since 1989.
I have a few questions if you could help:

- Are there private taxis or cars that can drive me around all day, to shops, drive around city, corniche area, etc?

- When I was there in 1989, Doha was very safe with no dangerous neighborhoods. Is it still the same?

- What local restaurants and buffets do you recommend? I want to stay away from American chains and looking to experience local foods and possibly good Indian or Persian foods.

Thank you in advance.

By sumazim• 21 Feb 2010 04:59
sumazim

Thank you for your response.

I've read on forums that Karwa is not reliable. Has that changed?

As for renting a car, how does driving license or driving permit work? Can I drive with a US driver's license or do I need to obtain an international license?

Thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it.

By deedee• 19 Feb 2010 06:46
Rating: 5/5
deedee

you MUST book a taxi several hours in advance. If you were to stand on the street in hopes of flagging one down, you would be there for hours. Try one of the limo services for better reliability.

Everywhere is still safe. Decent restaurants in all areas of town. Be prepared for a completely new experience. Doha has been trying to reinvent itself. Nothing much will look familiar to you.

By Colt45• 19 Feb 2010 04:22
Rating: 5/5
Colt45

Qatar has changed big time in terms of infrastructure, communication and transportation since you were last here. I came here in 2001 and it has changes a lot since I have been here too. You can either choose the "Karwa" (public taxi) or private limo's for your mode of transport, or better still you can rent a car from the airport with GPS and drive around.

Try the Khazaana restaurant (near the Irani souq), it's Indian and really good. There is also Tandoor (near the airport FFC). For pershian food you can try Shebastan (Al Saad), or visit the Irani (old) souq Waqif. That place has been transformed and you will like it there.

By Arabamerican• 19 Feb 2010 02:29
Rating: 3/5
Arabamerican

You will be stunned to see new Qatar. I left Qatar 1990 and came back last Aug. Let me know if you need help in here.

By azee• 19 Feb 2010 02:25
azee

Welcome in advance !

Yes you can use official taxi service named as " karwa"

- more improved in terms of safety

- restaurants guide is available on the QL , check it out..

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