Skype works great here and I highly recommend it. As for finding a place, the selection will probably be much better once these Asian Games are over. You could check the newspaper sites' classified pages (www.gulf-times.com, or www.peninsulaqatar.com) but I think an agent would probably be able to help you sift through the really crappy flats/villas since you're not here yet. If your company will be paying for your home then your salary and the size of your family will factor in to what you can get. At least it did with my husband. Good luck.