Moving to Qatar
By missmeg1970 •
Hi, we are moving to Qatar in September and would love some advise on what to bring with us, our accomodation is fully furnished so thats taken care of. I guess we would like to know what to expect, we are very excited and want to make the most of this adventure
Thanks
Meg
Hey,
you can find almost everything in Qatar; baby food, clothes, drinks, medicine, furnitures, international school........if you can carry in also the FUN will be better. Unfortunately no fun at all!!! Work, work and the same 6 Shopping Mall with same shops, same stuff, few clubs where can move your body.
We were here for a total of almost 6 years and decided to take a break and to live normal/happily for sometimes.
Good luck
my daughter and me just arrived 4 weeks ago and carried with us mostly baby stuff: vitamins, prescribed to her, good for at least 2 months, formula (as backup) but just 1 can since i breastfeed her, her skin cream as she has sensitive skin.
as for me, just a couple of clothes to survive the summer heat (good time to shop now since shops are on sale).
just carry with you the stuff you think might be an "effort" to look for, say, special creams for sensitive skin, eventually, you can find a relatively good alternative here, if not available. note that most major and popular brands are available here, too.
good luck and enjoy QL, this site is truly useful on all whatsups here in doha.
Meg,
No worry you can find (nearly) everything you like here so the most important is maybe to bring personal staff to remember your home / friends / family.
Just a few things that you may want to take with you :
- any special medication your family is taking (you may not find exactly the same here and need some time to check with a doctor to find the equivalent). Plus if you have Blood group cards I think you will not be requested to do the blood group test (to be verified but anyway it is always good to carry those cards with you)
- ID pictures : you will need a lot for all the papers/formalities. Instead of running in Doha to find a place to take pictures it is easier to bring minimum a dozen with you (I do not know if the same amount is needed for kids)
- September will still be hot but do not forget some small jumpers for the mall/office where it can be cold due to the AC + clothes according to the dressing code (not to short...) and of course swimming costumes for everybody!
- driving licenses from your country. It will be valid for some days until you do the necessary tests to get a Qatari one. I think that if you make before leaving an International driving license you can use it until you get the residence permit and it can be useful if the paperwork takes more time (to be checked : do a search in Qatar Living but anyway very little cost to make an International one)
- and do not forget your sense of humor and a good dose of patience :-) and you will love the place :-)
Welcome!
Clothes, books and toys, electronic items such as laptops, some non-perishable food that your kids can't do wihout until you find it here, patience and a sense of humor! See also expatwomanqatar.com
You are coming from London, we came from Australia.
WE came here with 25 Kgs Lags and 7 Kgs carrying bag.
That is morethan enough for us.
Sept will be start cooling so you don't get any heat in this year.
We all come here for teaching.
What are you going to teach and where?