Hi, here are a few answers based on our experiences...
Probably the best way to find a villa is to work with a real estate agent. Unlike in the US where you generally choose one agent and work with him/her, I suggest you work with 2 or 3 here (although they don't like it) in order to find something. West Bay is more expensive than many areas, so I think you'll pay a minimum 15,000QR a month for a small villa in a compound. Check out www.gulf-times.com for their classifieds to get an idea. That might be unfurnished though. Your answer to #2 might be found in the answer to #6... We have made many friends through church. As for clothes for the winter, probably similar to what you'd wear in Florida for the coldest months. 70 feels a lot colder when summer is 100+, but you won't need any heavy coats.
SUV prices are comparable to the price in the US. When you get here, go to the grocery stores (Mega Mart and Family Food are best for this) and look at the postings. You might be able to find postings for used cars of expats leaving Doha. If you want new ones, you can go to dealerships. Most stuff here is not online, you have to go in person.
As for the container, you can find most stuff here. Personal items you can't live without are good to bring. Let me know if you are debating about anything specific...
Churches usually meet on Friday mornings since that is when almost everyone has time off-- I think the Catholic Church meets Sunday PM though. There are 2 protestant churches that Americans tend to go to, a Episcopal and a Catholic. Ours (protestant) is moving to west bay in a few weeks, not sure where yet, if you are interested I can send you the info.
We've been here 2 1/2 years, so feel free to send me a private message if you have any other questions... Enjoy your move!
Hi, here are a few answers based on our experiences...
Probably the best way to find a villa is to work with a real estate agent. Unlike in the US where you generally choose one agent and work with him/her, I suggest you work with 2 or 3 here (although they don't like it) in order to find something. West Bay is more expensive than many areas, so I think you'll pay a minimum 15,000QR a month for a small villa in a compound. Check out www.gulf-times.com for their classifieds to get an idea. That might be unfurnished though. Your answer to #2 might be found in the answer to #6... We have made many friends through church. As for clothes for the winter, probably similar to what you'd wear in Florida for the coldest months. 70 feels a lot colder when summer is 100+, but you won't need any heavy coats.
SUV prices are comparable to the price in the US. When you get here, go to the grocery stores (Mega Mart and Family Food are best for this) and look at the postings. You might be able to find postings for used cars of expats leaving Doha. If you want new ones, you can go to dealerships. Most stuff here is not online, you have to go in person.
As for the container, you can find most stuff here. Personal items you can't live without are good to bring. Let me know if you are debating about anything specific...
Churches usually meet on Friday mornings since that is when almost everyone has time off-- I think the Catholic Church meets Sunday PM though. There are 2 protestant churches that Americans tend to go to, a Episcopal and a Catholic. Ours (protestant) is moving to west bay in a few weeks, not sure where yet, if you are interested I can send you the info.
We've been here 2 1/2 years, so feel free to send me a private message if you have any other questions... Enjoy your move!