Moving to the Middle East can be a pretty big step if you are not originally from the region. So here is the lowdown on what basic things cost in Qatar in Qatari Riyal ( 1 USD = 3.65 QR)
House Rent:
Rent varies among different areas in Doha. It also depends on what type of accommodation you require.
A respectable 1 bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood is for around 4,500 QR a two bedroom will cost you around 6,000 QR.
Weekly Food:
Here it really depends on your eating habits. If you prefer to eat out more than to prepare food at home you will obviously spend more. I'll list below some prices of food items.
6-pack bottled water (1.5L) = 12 QR
5 baguette bread loafs = 6 QR
200 grs. smoked turkey breast = 17 QR
3 pieces of tenderloin steak (1 kg) = 90 QR
Big Mac = not pretty sure but I think its for 20 QR
Alcohol (per glass at pubs) = 45-70 QR
Shawarma Sandwich = 10 QR
Casper and Gambini's burger = 45 QR
Utilities
In summer (AC's 24/7 on), the median utilities bill for a 2 bedroom apartment will be in the range of 200 QR. A villa however, will cost you around QR 500. In the cold or mild season, your bill will be around 150 QR in a 2 BR.
Internet
You can visit www.qtel.com.qa they are the providers of Internet in Doha. They have a lot of plans so check out which one suites you.
Mobile
Also available on the Qtel website, but I have a plan that gives me 700 minutes to talk local and international + 250 sms + 250mb + free 1gb BlackBerry service for 300 QR per month.
Transportation and Petrol
You simply can't rely on public transportation here. I'd advise you to purchase a car. You have to check if your Australian driving license can be converted to a Qatari one though. Go to the Classifieds -> Cars section on this website and take an idea of car prices (usually you have a bargaining range of 3,000-5,000 QR). Petrol is the cheapest thing you can buy here. 1 Liter = 1 QR :)
Hope this helped! You can PM me if you need more clarifications! Good luck with whatever you end up doing.
Any company in the Gulf should provide you with these in addition to your basic salary:
Accommodation allowance
Transportation allowance
At least 1 air ticket per year
Child education subsidy
So you'd better be expecting such allowances to be able to save money and make the stay here worthwhile!
Cheers,
Personal tip: Bring your family with you because it tends to be boring here.
Hello!
Moving to the Middle East can be a pretty big step if you are not originally from the region. So here is the lowdown on what basic things cost in Qatar in Qatari Riyal ( 1 USD = 3.65 QR)
House Rent:
Rent varies among different areas in Doha. It also depends on what type of accommodation you require.
A respectable 1 bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood is for around 4,500 QR a two bedroom will cost you around 6,000 QR.
Weekly Food:
Here it really depends on your eating habits. If you prefer to eat out more than to prepare food at home you will obviously spend more. I'll list below some prices of food items.
6-pack bottled water (1.5L) = 12 QR
5 baguette bread loafs = 6 QR
200 grs. smoked turkey breast = 17 QR
3 pieces of tenderloin steak (1 kg) = 90 QR
Big Mac = not pretty sure but I think its for 20 QR
Alcohol (per glass at pubs) = 45-70 QR
Shawarma Sandwich = 10 QR
Casper and Gambini's burger = 45 QR
Utilities
In summer (AC's 24/7 on), the median utilities bill for a 2 bedroom apartment will be in the range of 200 QR. A villa however, will cost you around QR 500. In the cold or mild season, your bill will be around 150 QR in a 2 BR.
Internet
You can visit www.qtel.com.qa they are the providers of Internet in Doha. They have a lot of plans so check out which one suites you.
Mobile
Also available on the Qtel website, but I have a plan that gives me 700 minutes to talk local and international + 250 sms + 250mb + free 1gb BlackBerry service for 300 QR per month.
Transportation and Petrol
You simply can't rely on public transportation here. I'd advise you to purchase a car. You have to check if your Australian driving license can be converted to a Qatari one though. Go to the Classifieds -> Cars section on this website and take an idea of car prices (usually you have a bargaining range of 3,000-5,000 QR). Petrol is the cheapest thing you can buy here. 1 Liter = 1 QR :)
Hope this helped! You can PM me if you need more clarifications! Good luck with whatever you end up doing.
Any company in the Gulf should provide you with these in addition to your basic salary:
Accommodation allowance
Transportation allowance
At least 1 air ticket per year
Child education subsidy
So you'd better be expecting such allowances to be able to save money and make the stay here worthwhile!
Cheers,
Personal tip: Bring your family with you because it tends to be boring here.