al-muhanad compound in al-gharafa area
I know it's not as interesting a topic as dating in Doha, but has anyone heard of (or does anyone live in) the al-muhanad compound in al-gharafa? If so, what's it like?
I'm a little nervous about the idea that I'll be getting off of a plane in Doha and then be taken on a mystery ride to a mystery house where I'll be living for a mystery year. Some mystery is nice, but some advance intelligence is useful too, no?
And to encourage someone to reply to my question, here's a broader one.
When you moved to Doha, did you take too much stuff or not enough stuff?
Since someone has already asked what you wish you did take, what did you take with you to Doha that you wish you hadn't bothered to take?
Best to all.
Get your bedlinen if you like but there's plenty here, all kinds and all price ranges.
Doha is is a terrible place to find books, DVDs, music and computer equipment.
If you like corn nuts and beef jerky bring a supply. I order them through Amazon.
Once you're here you can open a Shop&Ship with Aramex courier service and they'll provide you with a US mailbox and get your stuff shipped here twice a week.
Aramex
You'll open a bank account here and get local credit cards. That's really the best option although you could use your Visa/Mastercard if youy like but I don't see why.
Thanks q-4ever. This is very helpful.
So what things did expats take that they wish they hadn't?
I'm not thinking about shipping any cans of beans, which I'm sure everyone is relieved to hear. I had heard that nice bedlinens are an item that some expats wished they had sent (and books of course).
How is the availibility of Arabic books in Doha?
What about paying bills? Do you expats pay local utility etc. bills using non-Qatari credit cards, or is it better to pay from local Qatar bank accounts? [this is my wife's big question o' the day]
I dont know much about that particular compound, but generally ghrafa is a very quiet residential part of town. Its not really that far away from the landmark mall and the major business district of the city. Some insane young drivers are out in ghrafa so be careful driving.
When you say stuff do you mean personal stuff ?? furniture ?? or cans of your fav beans ??
Id say if its a year try to limit things as much as possible. You'll probably end up shipping a whole lot of junk u purchased from doha back home.