Questions from a Visitor...
Hello to all!
I will be traveling to Qatar from the US in mid-April to visit friends. I'll only be in Doha about a week. I have a bunch of questions! Please forgive me if they seem ignorant; I'm still learning, and I want to make sure I am being as respectful as possible!
1. Regarding the tourist visa, can I purchase a visa before my trip, or should I just wait to do it in the airport? I am not staying in an American hotel, nor am I flying Qatar Airways, so neither of those institutions can assist me with the visa.
2. I'm a caucasian female traveling by myself. Once in Doha, will I be relatively safe walking the city streets by myself and will vendors in the souqs treat me fairly (ie: I know there's bartering; I just don't necessarily want to be taken for a monetary ride)?
3. I'd like to purchase an abaya (I apologize if I've spelled that horribly incorrectly!) while I'm visiting. Is it frowned upon for a non-Muslim outsider to buy one?
4. I'd also like to smoke a shisha while I'm there. Is it unusual or frowned upon for a lone female to do that?
5. When I've traveled to England and Ireland, ATMs provided the best exchange rate. Is that true in Qatar? Also, I have both a Visa and a Mastercard. Are they accepted in most places, or should I just carry cash? I assume the souqs are cash-centered.
Thank you in advance for your help and any advice that you can offer! I very much appreciate it and hope I've not offended anyone by my questions! I'm very excited to visit and I know I'll find my stay enjoyable.
Thank you!
Thank you all so much for your very helpful answers!
I am absolutely planning on dressing very respectfully modest. I love diversity and culture different than mine and will always approach it with reverance. That's part of why I had so many questions--I want to make sure that I'm being respectful at all times.
I'm *so* very excited to fly in to Doha--I wish I was leaving today instead of April!
Thank you again for all of your advice! Feel free to add more if you think of anything!
Peace and goodwill to all!
just check!
they have recently changed the law and hotels, who have traditionally sponsored visitors, have to report people who are not staying there!
Better to get a visa in advance as there would be not be a problem.
Qatar has always been leary of single women under 35 years in case of visiting "immoral" people being allowed in! as if they couldn't be immoral at 36!
You should have no probs here as most people are very law abiding, as a man I feel safe taking thousands of dollars from an ATM machine. Women if dressed "provocatively" may attract unwelcome attention but generally it goes no further than that.
Come and enjoy Doha! Just buy your visa at the immigration queue at arrivals (with a credit card only) good for 30 days. Feels free to wander and certainly try wearing an abaya! The only time I really dicker here is over gold and the gold salespeople here are so awful I haven't bought any, I wait until I'm in Dubai. Fabrics are nice, spices are wonderful, food is good. You should have no trouble at all. If you are bothered by someone who is attracted to a single woman just ignore them. Enjoy the souk certianly but don't miss the malls. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern is always irresistable to me. And don't forget the museum!
Yes, Americans can get visa on arrival at the airport.
And yes, cash for the souqs, but you can use your credit cards at the malls and restaurants.
Welcome to Qatar
I'm new here so i can't answer most of your questins.I just want to say that Muslims are happy to see a non Muslim lady buying Abayah.
Enjoy your time in Doha
A lot of your answers can be found by search QL, but I'll do my best;
1. I think as an American you can just buy one at the airport, though I'm sure an American QLer will be able to confirm. Sometimes they ask where you're staying so you'll need to give an address.
2. Yes you'll be fine. Just practise normal precautions as you would in any city.
3. No problem buying an abaya.
4. No problem smoking a shisha.
5. Not sure where the best exchange rate is I'm afraid.