There are buses, and their numbers are growing. They are, however, not perhaps as frequent as you will be used to, and are used predominantly by male workers (although will be wholly safe, I'm sure).
Walking anywhere is difficult: pavements are broken/disrupted by constrution/obstructed by parked cars. Walking to/from anywhere normally results in dusty, orange shoes, hot feet and a sweaty brow!
As as been noted, you will not have to buy a brand new car the moment that you arrive. Cars can be rented short-term from the usual companies (Avis/Hertz/Sixt/etc) as well as local companies for rates that are reasonable, if not cheap. The rates decrease (per day) if you commit to a longer priod (i.e. a few months) although this is best negotiated in person. My partner drives a good small European city car for approx 1800 QR/month which, on a teacher's salary and with accommodation provided, is a comfortable expense. She rents from one of the above-mentioned and has committed to 6 months, paid monthly.
There are companies such as SelectQatar that operate longer term leases (1,2,3 yrs) which offer attractive rates for new or used cars if you take it for the longer term.
Your first stop should be to head to City Centre and get a limo car from the front desk, and take the driver's card. These limo taxis are much cheaper than hotel limo;s and will do local call and collect runs also. Plus, the driver will know in which building you live, so he will find you again! This will help you get your bearings, and allow you to have a taxi number in your phone 'for emergencies'. You can then start taking the Karwa taxis that operate. There are not enough of them on the road to hail down at will (unlike in the UAE, or other major world cities etc) but they have proved reliable when booking in advance. They are cheap and efficient, if not easily available. You can then consider buying a second hand car once you have some savings.
And tell your father not to worry! It is very safe over here, thank goodness. The police are effective, and people are friendly. There is a vibrant expatriate commnity and you will settle in just fine. There is little opportunity to 'roam the streets' as you'll be too busy at parties and bbq's and having fun, and likely travelling everywhere in a taxi! In any case, I drove home from work at 1:00am this morning (don't ask...) and the Corniche was still fairly busy with men and women walking along it, enjoying the last few weeks of pleasant weather.
There are buses, and their numbers are growing. They are, however, not perhaps as frequent as you will be used to, and are used predominantly by male workers (although will be wholly safe, I'm sure).
Walking anywhere is difficult: pavements are broken/disrupted by constrution/obstructed by parked cars. Walking to/from anywhere normally results in dusty, orange shoes, hot feet and a sweaty brow!
As as been noted, you will not have to buy a brand new car the moment that you arrive. Cars can be rented short-term from the usual companies (Avis/Hertz/Sixt/etc) as well as local companies for rates that are reasonable, if not cheap. The rates decrease (per day) if you commit to a longer priod (i.e. a few months) although this is best negotiated in person. My partner drives a good small European city car for approx 1800 QR/month which, on a teacher's salary and with accommodation provided, is a comfortable expense. She rents from one of the above-mentioned and has committed to 6 months, paid monthly.
There are companies such as SelectQatar that operate longer term leases (1,2,3 yrs) which offer attractive rates for new or used cars if you take it for the longer term.
Your first stop should be to head to City Centre and get a limo car from the front desk, and take the driver's card. These limo taxis are much cheaper than hotel limo;s and will do local call and collect runs also. Plus, the driver will know in which building you live, so he will find you again! This will help you get your bearings, and allow you to have a taxi number in your phone 'for emergencies'. You can then start taking the Karwa taxis that operate. There are not enough of them on the road to hail down at will (unlike in the UAE, or other major world cities etc) but they have proved reliable when booking in advance. They are cheap and efficient, if not easily available. You can then consider buying a second hand car once you have some savings.
And tell your father not to worry! It is very safe over here, thank goodness. The police are effective, and people are friendly. There is a vibrant expatriate commnity and you will settle in just fine. There is little opportunity to 'roam the streets' as you'll be too busy at parties and bbq's and having fun, and likely travelling everywhere in a taxi! In any case, I drove home from work at 1:00am this morning (don't ask...) and the Corniche was still fairly busy with men and women walking along it, enjoying the last few weeks of pleasant weather.
Good luck with the move.