Organize your stay Qatar
Money Qatar
Currency. The riyal is divided into 100 dirhams, centimes that should not be confused with the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). So 100 Qatari dirhams are worth around 1 Emirati dirham. In short, for the euro, you're roughly in a one-to-five ratio with the riyal: 100 QAR ≃ €20. Banknote denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500.
Exchange rate in October 2024: 1 € or US$ = 4 QAR - 1 QAR = 0.25 € or US$.
Banking. ATMs are available everywhere. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. You can also pay by card in cabs.
Budget & Tips Qatar
Small budget. Expect to pay between €40 and €80 per day per person, including accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels, meals, cab fares and sightseeing.
Medium budget. Allow between €100 and €150 per day, including car rental, accommodation in 4- or 5-star hotels, restaurant meals and sightseeing.
Large budget. Count on more than €200 per day, with accommodation in ultra-luxury 5-star hotels, sports, meals in chic restaurants, car rental and excursions.
Haggling. It's tradition to haggle for 30-50% of the price of souvenirs at the Souq Waqif!
Passport and visas Qatar
You don't need a visa to travel to Qatar as a citizen of France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland or the Schengen area. Presenting a passport valid for 6 months after your arrival date and a return ticket (in theory, as they never ask for one) will allow you to stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Driver's license Qatar
As a tourist, you can rent a car for up to 15 days with your French driving license.
Health Qatar
Very hot weather from June to October is compounded by high humidity. July 14 generally marks the peak, with temperatures reaching 52°C and humidity of around 80%. To avoid the risk of dehydration, it's essential to drink even when you're not thirsty, especially during periods of extreme heat and high humidity (mid-May to mid-October).
Mandatory vaccination Qatar
No mandatory vaccinations. It is recommended to update the DTP diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis vaccination. Other recommended vaccinations (depending on hygiene conditions and length of stay): typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B. For long stays, vaccination against rabies may be recommended.
Security Qatar
There are few problems of delinquency in Doha, where crime is severely punished. In the city's residential districts, however, we are beginning to record cases of theft, but without break-ins. However, it's safe to walk alone in the city center, even in the evenings. This is one of the major attractions of the destination, for tourists and expatriates alike.
Time difference Qatar
UTC/GMT +3, in the AST (Arabia Standard) zone. Doha is at +2 when Paris is on summer time. When Paris is on winter time, Doha is at +1.
Spoken languages Qatar
Arabic is the official language, and the language of law, since all administrative and legal documents are written in Arabic. English, however, is spoken and understood almost everywhere in the city. It is the language of business, shopping and tourism.
Electricity and measurements Qatar
Electricity: 220 volts on all floors. Adapters are available in hotels and USB sockets in rooms for cell phones.
Weights and measures: in liters and kilometers.
Luggage Qatar
Pack light and airy, because in hot weather, tight-fitting clothes make you sweat. Especially since tight-fitting clothes are taboo and frowned upon, and it's customary to dress "gently", especially for women: no cleavage, miniskirts and heels. Take light cardigans and sweaters indoors - the air-conditioning is often polar and you catch a cold quickly - and for windy evenings in winter. If you want to swim on public beaches, make sure you're dressed for it. In hotels, bikinis are perfectly normal.
