Travel Essentials › Qatar
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type G, 240 V. Emergency: One number for everything 999. Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge; round up taxi fares. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in Doha; many people prefer bottled water.
Type G, 240 V
| One number for everything | 999 |
Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge; round up taxi fares.
Greetings. Men shake hands, and close friends may kiss on the cheek or touch noses. Wait for a woman to offer her hand, or place your hand on your heart with a nod. "As-salamu alaykum" is the standard greeting. Greet elders and hosts first.
Dress code. There's no legal dress code for tourists, but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected in public; hotel pools, beaches, and gyms are more relaxed about swimwear and fitness attire.
Public behavior. Public displays of affection (even between opposite-sex couples), swearing, and rude gestures can lead to fines or legal trouble; alcohol is only served in licensed hotel venues, and public intoxication is illegal.
Ramadan etiquette. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, including non-Muslims.
Qatar has a very low crime rate and is considered one of the safest countries in the world for tourists; the main things to manage are strict social laws (alcohol, public conduct, dress) rather than crime.
Unmetered taxis. Some taxis and ride-share drivers may not use the meter or quote inflated fares; confirm the fare or use the Karwa taxi app/meter.
"Stranded traveler" appeal. Someone claims to have run out of money after driving from Saudi Arabia to help a sick relative and asks for cash near mosques or supermarkets; offering food rather than money avoids the scam.
Souq overpricing / fake bookings. Souq vendors may quote tourist-inflated prices (haggling is normal); book tours and accommodation only through reputable, verifiable platforms.
Women travelers. Solo women travelers consistently report feeling safe, even after dark; unwanted attention is usually limited to staring rather than harassment, though dressing modestly is expected and appreciated.
Death penalty
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized: non-Muslims face fines and up to 7 years' imprisonment, and the law technically allows the death penalty for Muslims under Sharia, though this has not been applied in practice for consensual same-sex acts; there are also documented cases of transgender people being arrested and mistreated. LGBTQ+ travelers should avoid any public display of affection or identity.
| Coffee (café) | QR 20 | $5.50 |
| Doha Metro ride | QR 2 | $0.55 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | QR 140 | $38 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | QR 130 | $36 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | QR 500 | $137 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | QR 550 | $150 |
2026-09
November through April is by far the best window, with mild, sunny days; avoid May-September, when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C.
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