Banking

There is a wide choice of local banks available, as well as a few of the global players (such as HSBC, ANZ). The retail banking sector is well devloped and most of the main players have extensive branch networks, ATMs and internet banking facilities.

There are no exchange controls, so money can be moved in and out of the country very simply. The Qatar riyal (QR.) is fixed against the US dollar at QR3.65 = US $1.00. The rates against the British pound and Australian dollar therefore fluctuates quite a lot due to changes in the US$ / £ (or US$ / A$) exchange rate.

The school banks with Commercial Bank of Qatar, which is where we recommend staff open their accounts. Visit the CBQ web site for more details.

Utilities

The electricity supply is reliable. The system is the same voltage as the UK/Australia, and uses UK-style plugs and sockets.

The water supply is clean and reliable. Some people drink the tap water, others buy bottled. Water usage is metered in a similar way to electricity consumption.

Note: While electricity and water supply are reliable, the billing system is erratic. Staff are strongly advised to record their own meter readings on a regular basis (especially when moving into or out of accommodation) to safeguard their interests.

Communications

Telephone

A good international service is available, but more expensive than the UK. Local calls are free, but line rental is QR. 100/- per month. For details of services, visit the Q-Tel web site.

You cannot have a fixed line installed until your residence permit is complete. In the interim, the school will loan mobile phones so staff can purchase their own pre-paid mobile cards.

Mobile phones

The country uses the GSM standard. If you own a GSM phone you can bring it with you and insert a local Q-Tel SIM card. A service using pre-paid cards is also available. Details are on the Q-Tel web site.

Post

Airmail from the UK takes around 1 week, while surface mail takes months. Post is not delivered to the door, and has to be collected from private boxes at the main post office. Staff are welcome to use the school's P.O. Box 5697 for private correspondence - those wishing to set up their own PO Box can do so once residency procedures are completed.

Email

Internet access is available through school, including access to email services such as Yahoo and Hotmail. There are also several internet cafes around Doha. It is possible to set up private internet access via your home telephone, either pre-paid, pay-as-you-go or with usage billed to your telephone account. Details are on the Q-Tel web site.