Travel tips · Doha · Qatar
Doha travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Qatar is a conservative Muslim country where Qatari nationals are a minority among a large expatriate population, so English is widely used in hotels, shops and taxis. Bedouin traditions of hospitality, falconry and camel racing remain important, and Friday is the main day of prayer. Visitors are welcome, but dress and behaviour in public are expected to be respectful.
Key facts
- Language
- Arabic and English
- Currency
- QAR
- Plugs
- Type G sockets (British three-pin) are standard, with some Type D; 240 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most people drink bottled water…
- Emergency
- 999 (police, ambulance and fire)
Things to know
- Cover shoulders and knees in public places such as malls, souqs, museums and government buildings.
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and families.
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond holding hands.
- Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving; accept Arabic coffee when offered.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight, and keep music low.
- Remove shoes before entering a mosque or a majlis carpeted area.
- Use the metro: it is inexpensive, air-conditioned and reaches most sights, and feeder buses and the Msheireb tram are free.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. About 10% in restaurants where service is not included, rounding up taxi fares and a few riyals for porters and delivery drivers is common.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| As-salamu alaykum | Peace be upon you (greeting) |
| Wa alaykum as-salam | And upon you peace (reply) |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| Afwan | You're welcome |
| Kam? | How much? |
| Inshallah | God willing |
What to wear
Loose, light clothing covering shoulders and knees is appropriate everywhere in public; women need a headscarf only when entering a mosque. Bring a layer for strongly air-conditioned malls and the metro.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G sockets (British three-pin) are standard, with some Type D; 240 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most people drink bottled water, which is inexpensive.
- Emergency number
- 999 (police, ambulance and fire)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is widely available in the airport, malls, metro stations and hotels, and tourist SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy on arrival.
- Time zone
- Asia/Qatar
Street crime is low, and the main risks are heat and road traffic. Drink plenty of water, limit midday walking from April to October, and cross roads at signals. Laws on public behaviour, alcohol and drugs are strict and enforced.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Qatar's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Doha?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. About 10% in restaurants where service is not included, rounding up taxi fares and a few riyals for porters and delivery drivers is common.
+Can you drink the tap water in Doha?
Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most people drink bottled water, which is inexpensive.
+What plugs are used in Doha?
Type G sockets (British three-pin) are standard, with some Type D; 240 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Doha?
Arabic and English.