Can I bring it over?

Sorry, but spandex/lycra should be limited to Olympic Athletes not the general public - the general public (like firearms, liquor and explosives cannot handle those materials safely) LOL

You can probably wear the shorter type shorts safely (out of spitting distance, literally) on more remote beaches or very early in the morning (say 0700 hours at the grocery store in and out) or on the corniche - not in shopping malls.

And yes, I do know people who have been spat on by both men and women for their attire - try complaining to the police as this is not specifically categorized in local law, just by what whoever felt was proper attire or not at a given place/point in time (and that is the police, not the general public).

It's hard to say about a communal/compound pool - you have to worry about that one Idjit who takes offence (not only about your attire but anything else they take a fancy to) better not to rock the boat until you are here for a few months and are little more savvy about your neck of the woods.

Will it happen to you? Most likely not, but better to err on the side of caution until you get a "feel" for the place.

don't forget it is not only women who have to dress modestly in the malls, men do, so no short shorts a la Magnum PI and no string vests, loose t-shirts and longer shorts are ok.

You can wear shorts in public, it's not a problem. I wear shorts all the time as do most male ex-pats here. Nobody gives a toss, seriously.

Swimwear is fine although Mandilular is right about Banana Hammocks. They're not actually banned here, just a crime against fashion.

Depending on what beach you go on though, you may be asked to stay in a specific area, away from the families. I mean god knows what would happen to those families if they actually saw a man with his top off. I think they melt and die or something.

No speedos!!!

Mandi

Thank you gents. Very useful info and much appreciated.

So no shorts in public. How about beaches? Can i do some sunbathing there? I don't want to like a twat having brown face and arms and the rest of my body white.

Are there any beaches so I could wear speedos and enjoy some sunshine and swim in the sea at the weekend??

What's the situation If i share a property with an outdoor pool? Can I wear a little then?

It may sound blunt but I'm a bit confused about it all.

You would be missing your blowupdoll here if you don't bring one..:)

There are lots of magazines on sale here with ladies in swim suits - just look at the fashion magazines.

For winter, you'll want a decent pair of slippers for around the house (all floors are tile and they keep the cold). In my place this past "winter" it was as cold as 18C in my front room when I woke up (and it can get down to 10 - 12C outdoors at night) but it only lasts a few weeks to a month.

Bring a sweater, or a fleece jacket, a light jacket, shoes and socks. If you plan on doing any camping during the cooler months you'll want warmer clothes, it gets cold at night.

- as for shorts, while some men wear shorts in public, most try to respect cultural sensitivity and wear those longish sporty trousers that end a little bit below the knee. However, that said, where people do regular exercise (walking or running on the corniche or at one of the garden areas) generally men can wear running type shorts if they're not too short. Women not so much.

A sincere warning : as in any other country, if you declare all your items, you will not face any fines, or prosecution. If you fail to delcare those items and the customs officers find it, you will be fined, item confiscated, and possible prosecution

You got a lot of good information here, but I wanted to add, pornographic material is not just limited to Playboy magazines. Even a muscle car magazine with a bikini clad girl on the cover is pornographic to them.

T-shirts and flip-flops may not be the best work clothes and shorts are generally not well-accepted for men.

Mandi

Black toy and customs were not amused!!!!!

oh, you will need a lot do flip flops and t-shirts, don't worry... when it's +52 outside, no warm clothes comes in handy..

and yeah, romantic night in with a bottle of wine and nothing to open it with.. tell me about it... lol.. you will have to push the cork inside.. very romantic.. :)

I'll defo bring warm clothes Redtreble, thanks for a tip! Everyone so far told me to bring flip flops and t-shirts and i was literally going to listen to them.

JJJ75 is right too. I once went to Gambia in Africa for a few weeks and gave away most of my clothes to locals. Landed in UK in February with a pair of shorts and jacket on - it was a painful experience.

Qatarisun - i'll bring the cork screw. How embarrassing would it be to have a romantic night in with a bottle of wine and nothing to open it with :)

Toy wise i had to trash my fleshlight a while ago to play cool in front of a girl who found it, so nothing to bring over :(

It's all very helpful guys. Many thanks for your participation!!!

Oddly, it gets bloody cold here during the winter. I was shocked. So bring some warm gear if you're going to be here that long. Seriously. I don't know who told you not to bring any warm clothes, they must never have been to this country.

The other problem with buying a laptop here is that it's almost impossible to find one that doesn't have Arabic Letters squeezed onto the keyboard as well, so definitely buy that in the UK.

hmmmm... what do you mean by any "toys". hehehe! anyway, you can bring a jacket if you want.

you can bring pork and any movies, no problems, as well as any "toys". NO alcohol though.

It is hard to find here the wine bottle opener (the spiral one). So bring it with you.

Protein shakes and supplement r expensive here its better u bring from there or order online once u r here in Qatar

you can get a drink in the bars in hotels until you get your permit for QDC - pork is sold there but not really good quality/expensive but you cannot bring it in either.

coming from UK summer clothes only is wise but bring a light jacket just in case. And remember, you may find yourself returning to UK on holiday in winter only to realise you have zero warm clothes and end up freezing upon arrival back in UK

lol buddy you'll be fine just get on that plane

Thank you very much guys!

I've not got any health problems so no need to carry any meds but very handy to know that.

Proteins are available there so brilliant - more space for other things :)

I thought things are cheaper there in general but it proves to be otherwise.

I'll have to look around and see if i can get my new laptop sorted prior to departure.

One more thing. I've been told to bring summer clothes only. How about cool periods? Is it warm enough to wear t-shirt all the time? Also regarding sand storms - do i need any special gear to survive those??

Yeah, I wouldn’t bother with the whiskey ;) But alcohol and pork/bacon can be bought here once you’ve got your resident’s permit (and then you need to get a permit for the purchase of said products).

Nobody is going to bother going through your HDD so I wouldn’t worry about that.

I’m not sure I’d bother with the protein shakes, might be more hassle than it’s worth and will take up a lot of your luggage space too. You can buy that stuff here.

Everything bar petrol is more expensive here than in the UK. On average, I’d say most things are at least 25% more expensive, so take your pick of stuff you want to bring with. Shopping here is generally good but expensive. Dubai is way better though, although still pricey.

I had 1000s of movies/tv programs/songs on my HDD. No issues with that.

As far the items you may miss(edible or personal stuff), do what marycatherine says.

You are bound to miss few items, eventually you would get used to living without them until your next trip home!

Good Luck

All i know is apple product is cheaper in US. not sure the price in UK.

Any medications that are banned - which is tricky because there isn't a published list. Codeine is a big no no and funnily enough poppy seeds for baking (which you didn't mention). If you do have prescrip meds you are bringing with you, bring the script from your doctor and check with the Qatar Embassy in your country to see if it is banned (some items are classed as narcotics and are banned and you might possibly be arrested - it has happened in the UAE in the past).

You can buy booze here once you have an RP and a letter from your employer allowing you to apply for an alcohol permit.

As for things we miss, that's very individual, maybe come up with items YOU can't live without and we can advise if they're available here?

I'm just having a laugh Clown fish :)

I've got to get a new Macbook as my old Pewerbook is about to RIP.

Any idea if I can get it cheaper there (since there's no tax) or is it worth of getting one at duty free here in the UK??

lol... so your favorite is porn or alcohol. hehe! you cannot bring but you can buy.

Oh no! All my favorites :'(

I can give up pork, no problem but not sure about the rest...

Any other don'ts??

Shopping wise is it like UK/Europe?

a big check for Mandilulur.. so whiskey is out and porn movie is out. but since you will compress them, they cannot see it. hehehe!

No alcohol, pork or porn. That's about it!

Mandi