What Brilliance, What Regret??
By progressions •
As I prepare for my move to Qatar from Canada, I am certain that the users of Qatar Living have ideas to share. What did you bring with you to Qatar from home that was a brilliant idea? What did you bring with you that you now shake your head at? What was your biggest surprise about Doha life? I am excited about this new adventure and thank responders in advance!
If you like honey or you use it for treatment while being ill and if it is common in Canada so take some with you coz personally I haven't seen it in Qatar. There is some stuff called "honey" brought from Kuwait but it's not honey at all and even didn't stand next to real honey.
Again IMHO, I'd suggest you to take some good quality shoes and clothes coz the choice here is ...how to say...very poor..I mean good quality clothes. Even if you find some good stuff so it's pretty much overpriced..and again..variety..Especially if u're coming with a baby, take everything he/she can need, coz here it is mostly..I'd say quite dangerous Chinese quality stock. (when you come and stroll around u'll believe these words).
Thanks God some American and European famous stores are soon to be built here.
As for other food..I think you're gonna find everything u need.
And I totally agree with nadeem1970's post.
PS. If I recollect smth else I'll add.
Just completed my first 6 months after moving here from the US. It's not too shabby actually but it is different out here, to say the least, for the crowd migrating from North America and Europe. Some of the basic things you would usually take for granted are missed dearly here, like human rights, decent traffic system, public services, common sense, customer service, etc. If your employer is paying for your container, bring everything you own. If not, you have a choice to make because the 'cost of living' is pretty high and 'quality of life' is very low compared to the US. People generally say everything is available here, but that's not entirely true. There is hardly any variety and you pay at least twice as much for something half as good. My biggest surprise was how expensive this place is to maintain the standard of living I migrated from. I don't think I regret it, take these as nuisances. While in the beginning, it is a bit shocking but eventually this place humbles you down to a level that you can't help but laugh it off. So one thing you gotta bring, which you can't do without out here, especially in the beginning, is patience. Bring a boatload of it :) Welcome to Doha.
Qatar imports most of the consumable items the country needs. You will find products from all over the world. For a westerner coming in from a cold country, you will find the winters pleasant. The summers are extremely hot with temperatures averaging around 45C. Qatar is a country where crime rate is almost zero. Doha is currently the only major city of the country. You will not be able to find Pork, which is banned. All food items are Halal. Alcohol is restricted, and driving while drunk is a crime.