Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | QAR 120–250 | QAR 350–700 |
| Food | QAR 50–100 | QAR 150–300 |
| Transport | QAR 10–30 | QAR 40–80 |
| Activities | QAR 0–50 | QAR 100–300 |
| Drinks | QAR 10–30 | QAR 50–100 |
| Daily Total | QAR 190–460 | QAR 690–1,480 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa-free on arrival for 90+ nationalities (30–90 days depending on passport). No advance application needed
- Hamad International Airport (DOH) — consistently ranked world's best. Metro connects to city centre in 15 minutes
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Keep your boarding pass for potential hotel check-in requirements
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe (desalinated) but most people drink bottled. Medical facilities are excellent
- Qatar is extremely safe — one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Very low risk for tourists
- Summer heat (Jun–Sep) is extreme: 40–50°C. Limit outdoor time, carry water, wear sunscreen. Winter is ideal
Getting Around
- Doha Metro: 3 lines covering major areas. QAR 2 per ride (standard), QAR 10 (gold class). Day pass QAR 6. Clean and fast
- Uber and Karwa (local) taxis work well. Base fare QAR 10. Doha is compact — most rides within the city are QAR 15–30
- Walking is limited by heat — distances between areas require transport. Most attractions are metro-accessible
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar, QAR 55–100 for data packages with local calls
- Free WiFi in malls, hotels, the metro, and most restaurants. Coverage and speeds are excellent throughout Doha
- All international apps work without restrictions — no VPN needed. WhatsApp is the primary communication app
Money
- QAR is pegged to USD (1 USD = 3.64 QAR). Exchange rates are stable. Money changers in Souq Waqif offer good rates
- Cards accepted almost everywhere. Carry some cash for small souq purchases and taxis. ATMs are plentiful
- Tipping is not mandatory but 10% at restaurants is appreciated. Round up taxi fares
Packing Tips
- Light, modest clothing — cover shoulders and knees in public. Swimwear for beaches and pools only
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat, and a refillable water bottle. The sun is intense even in winter
- Smart casual for hotel restaurants and bars — no shorts or flip-flops. A light jacket for over-air-conditioned malls
Cultural tips
Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees in public — shorts above the knee and sleeveless tops are discouraged in malls and cultural sites. Swimwear only at beaches and pools. Qataris appreciate modest dress from visitors.
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering mosques. Women must cover hair, arms, and legs (abayas provided at major mosques). Don't walk in front of someone praying. Photography of worshippers requires permission.
Alcohol Rules
Alcohol is only available at licensed hotel venues. Being drunk in public is illegal. Legal drinking age is 21. Non-alcoholic beer and cocktails (mocktails) are widely available and genuinely good.
Ramadan
No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours of Ramadan. Restaurants close during the day. Iftar (sunset meal) is a beautiful communal experience — many hotels offer special iftar buffets.
Photography
Never photograph Qatari women without explicit permission. Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, or oil facilities. The souq and public areas are generally fine for photography.
Arabic Coffee & Dates
Being offered Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates is the traditional Qatari welcome — always accept at least one cup. Hold the cup in your right hand. Shake the cup side-to-side when you've had enough.
