- Accommodation
- Transport
- Nutrition
- Entertainment
- Purchases
The popularity of this, until recently little-known, Gulf State is growing every year. Luxury beach holidays combined with the exoticism of the authentic desert, stunning modern skyscrapers and top-class entertainment complexes - this is what Qatar is today. The main thing that attracts tourists is a high level of tolerance, which is unusual for an Islamic country, and the same high level of security. In the richest country there is practically no crime, and the population is very friendly towards tourists.
One of the main questions when planning a trip to Qatar is what are the prices in the country, how much money to take with you and in what currency. The monetary unit of the state is the rial / riyal, which is equal to one hundred dirhams. The exchange rate against the dollar for December 2019 is set at 1 dollar: 3.6 rials. However, this course has been stable for many years. It is better to go to Qatar with dollars, which are convenient and profitable to exchange. In principle, they can not be changed - this currency is accepted for calculation almost throughout the country. There are exchange offices at the airport, in banks, in hotels. In the latter, the exchange rate is often not profitable. In Doha, you can pay with cards almost everywhere, but before leaving, it is better to find out the amount of the commission in your bank.
Accommodation
Experienced travelers are advised to take tours to Qatar. Many travel agencies have favorable pricing agreements with both hotels and Qatar Airways. A package tour is 25-30 percent cheaper than an independent trip.
But supporters of independent travel can also find inexpensive housing options here. Although there are more five-star hotels in wealthy Qatar than all others, there is also the so-called "affordable premium". And the high level of service declared by the country will make you feel like an honored guest in an economy-class hotel. And in a two-star hotel you are guaranteed a clean room with air conditioning, bathroom and breakfast.
- A bed in a common room for 6-8 people costs 25 riyals per day.
- Double room in a budget "deuce" - 300 rials.
- Renting a one-room apartment in the center - about 6 thousand riyals per month.
- Renting the same living space outside the city center - 4 thousand riyals per month.
- Monthly rent of a three-room apartment in the center will cost 11-12 thousand riyals.
And finally, for comparison: a double room in a five-star beach hotel will cost from 650 to 900 riyals per day.
Transport
Almost ideal conditions have been created for road transport in Qatar: excellent road conditions and strict observance of traffic rules. Railway transport is used only to service industry.
The first mode of transport for those arriving in the country will, of course, be a transfer from Hamad airport. For tourists with a package tour, it is free. There are two buses from Hamad to the capital. The final stop of one of the routes, numbered 747, is at the bus station. The second route goes through all the main areas of the city to the industrial zone. Travel on any of these buses will cost 10 Qatari riyals. A taxi from the airport to the capital can be reached for 20 riyals.
City buses operate in Doha on 35 routes and minimum prices - 3-4 rials in the capital and 4-9 rials when leaving Doha to neighboring cities. The high level of service also applies to public transport: all buses and taxis are air-conditioned, taxis are affordable and vary in occupancy, from a regular car to a pickup truck and minibus. The average cost of a taxi ride is from 15 riyals. You can order a limousine, it will be more expensive: a trip in a standard limousine costs 35 rials, in a luxury limousine - about 70 rials.
Car rental is very common and the registration process is quite simple. You can rent a car right at the airport, it will be slightly more expensive than at a hotel. The cost of gasoline is pleasantly surprising - 1-2 rials, the absence of toll roads and an absolutely orderly movement of transport. In Qatar, there is a very strict attitude towards observance of traffic rules, and it is at least unprofitable to violate these rules. But driving a car is a pleasure here: it is safe and comfortable. Daily rentals will cost from 84 riyals for a budget car to 120 riyals for a universal SUV or executive car.
Nutrition
Many tourists choose all-inclusive hotels in Qatar, because in a Muslim country alcohol can be found only in a hotel. Those who chose hotels with breakfast only were lucky. They will get acquainted with the most diverse culinary traditions of the unique Middle Eastern state. At one time, immigrants from India and Iran brought with them the customs of their cuisine, which exist parallel to the traditions of the Arabian cuisine of Qatar.
A modern, rapidly developing country attracts not only tourists and businessmen. Today, restaurants of world famous European chefs are open here. The choice of catering establishments is great. There are restaurants in which they will prepare food for you from the products that you choose on your own. There are cafes and ubiquitous fast food that helps out budget travelers. The average check for a combo set with a big mac is 19 rials, a big mac set will cost 22 rials, a cup of cappuccino in the same fast food establishment will cost 17 rials.
The usual bill when visiting a restaurant for tourists or for locals will be the same - around 150 riyals. This is the difference between rich Qatar and Asian countries.
The prices of groceries in numerous local supermarkets are quite acceptable for the locals, and expensive for us. Most of the products are imported - little can grow in the desert.
- A half-liter bottle of water costs 75 dirhams.
- A bottle of Coca-Cola of the same capacity - 1, 50 rials.
- A liter bottle of milk costs 5, 50 riyals.
- Bread weighing 0.5 kg will cost 5 rials.
- A kilogram of rice is 3 rials.
- You will have to pay 100 rials for a kilogram of cheese.
- A chicken carcass will cost 40 rials per kilogram.
- A dozen chicken eggs are worth 10 riyals.
- Apples and oranges are sold at 6 riyals per kilogram.
- Bananas are quite inexpensive - 3 rials per kilo.
- But a kilogram of tomatoes will cost 12 rials.
- Potatoes - about 4-5 riyals per kilogram.
Entertainment
It is believed that the history of the Gulf countries cannot be called rich and centuries-old. But their rapid modern development allows you to create and organize any kind of tourist entertainment, and keep a few attractions in excellent condition. And even the Arab markets stylized as authenticity look really old - the means allow. Therefore, any excursion in Qatar will be interesting and even exciting, but not cheap.
- Qatar is famous for its dunes, they are considered one of the largest in the Middle East. A four-hour trip to the desert on an all-wheel drive SUV through the dunes, getting to know the local flavor (food and drinks), a photo session will cost 330 rials.
- It costs 120 riyals to ride a buggy on the sand dunes along the Persian Gulf and take fantastic photographs.
- It will cost more than 270 riyals to visit one of the world's largest equestrian arenas, learn the history of one of the oldest stables from the time of the Ottoman Empire. For this amount, you can see the training of horses, their swimming in the pool, and even see the horse Jacuzzi. The main thing is to admire the beautiful Arabian horses.
- A trip to the very heart of the desert, a Bedouin camp with camels, hunting birds, tasting Arabic snacks and drinks, a photo session - all this will cost 500 rials.
- A desert safari to the inland sea of Khor al-Udeid with a stop at a Bedouin settlement, with traditional tents covered with carpets, will remind you of Arabian tales. It will last all day and will allow you to enjoy a stunning sunset while enjoying a delicious dinner. The cost is about 440 riyals.
- A tour of the capital of Qatar costs 90 riyals, takes three hours and covers four main attractions of Doha: the Museum of Islamic Art, the Souk Waqif bazaar, the cultural village, which is the center of national culture and the famous artificial island "Pearl of Qatar".
- You can opt for an extended sightseeing tour of Doha. In addition to the aforementioned attractions, a visit to the hunting bazaar where famous local hawks are sold, a fish market, fruit and vegetable markets are offered. It costs twice as much - 180 riyals, but the price includes lunch in an authentic restaurant.
- A trip to the north of the country will be remembered for a visit to the archaeological site of Al Zubar with a UNESCO-listed fort. The route passes by mangroves and Baladna farm. All this can be seen in 6 hours, paying 310 riyals for the tour.
These are not all interesting places in Qatar, but prices will help you navigate when planning other trips.
Purchases
The heyday of shopping in Qatar is yet to come, while it yields to neighboring Arab countries. But even here you can buy a lot of interesting, healthy and tasty things. Lovers of natural fabrics, especially silk and cashmere, will find many beautiful options for themselves. Luxury clothing can be bought not only in large shopping centers in Doha, but also in shops at Hamad Airport. For example prices:
- Levis jeans cost 200-215 riyals.
- A Zara dress can be purchased for Rial 200.
- Sneakers Nike / Adidas - 350-360 riyals.
- A pair of men's business style leather shoes will cost 335 rials.
As a keepsake and as gifts, local craftsmen are brought from here: Arab lamps, hookahs, brass coffee pots. All this, as well as spices, coffee, incense and sweets, are best purchased at local bazaars or in small private shops where you can bargain. For reference: spices cost from 10 rials, local jewelry - from 200 rials, oriental carpets - about 300 rials.
If you count to a minimum - an inexpensive hostel, two bus rides and two meals at a fast food-level cafe - the daily budget in Doha could be 100 riyals. Everything else - a luxury hotel, excursions, shopping, tasting of all the world's cuisines - is at the discretion of the tourist.
