TOURIST TIPS AND ADVICE
Are you thinking of going to Qatar for a vacation, or a stopover?
What a wonderful idea.
Let me give you some valuable tourist tips and advice for visiting Qatar.
_________________
When visiting Qatar, a small country located in the Middle East, it is important that tourists observe local customs and laws, to avoid offending people or getting into trouble.
I’ve been to Qatar a couple of times and wish to impart a few do’s and don’ts I have learnt which you should bear in mind when spending time in this Islamic country. It is a very conservative society and you should always respect their values and way of life, then you won’t have any problems.
Doha, The Capital of Qatar
When you visit Qatar, you will most likely stay in the capital city of Doha, a very modern and interesting city with plenty to see and do, which has developed immensely in recent years. There is a good selection of lovely hotels to choose from, some are very luxurious, and the hospitality is very welcoming.
In Doha, you can enjoy a plethora of attractions and activities such as, walking parks, world class museums, exciting desert safaris, traditional dhow boat cruises, pristine beaches and water sports, and an array of shopping for your retail pleasure.
When visiting Qatar
In no particular order, here are my do’s and don’ts you should follow when visiting Qatar.
1. Do not criticise the Emir, monarch and ruler, or it could land you in prison.
2. Do not show any public displays of affection. Holding hands is ok.
3. Always dress appropriately when in public, covering shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing tight clothing.
4. You don’t always shake hands with a Qatari person, so wait for him/her to initiate the greeting. Alternatively, a hand on the heart or a rub of your nose is used.
5. Do not drink alcohol in public, other than in international hotels that are licensed to serve alcohol.
6. Do not act drunk in public.
7. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, which will result in imprisonment.
8. Do not make rude gestures in public.
9. Don’t smoke in public areas.
10. Bargaining is common practice at markets.
11. No pork products are allowed in the country.
12. Certain public areas are gender-segregated, such as seating areas and entrances.
13. It is customary to remove shoes when entering a Qatari home.
14. It is advisable not to talk about sex, religion, or politics in Qatar.
15. Swimwear is only allowed at resorts and hotel swimming pools, not at the beach.
16. A 10% tip is appropriate at restaurants.
17. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.
18. During the month of Ramadan, non-Muslims do not have to fast, but they should abstain from eating in public, from dawn to dusk.
19. Qatar has zero tolerance towards illegal drugs.
20. Finally, when visiting Qatar, I recommend you don’t go in Summer. Qatar can be very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching a scorching 45°C or higher.
More Information About Visiting Qatar
If you require more information about visiting Qatar, you can refer to this website.
You may want to rent a car in advance and pick it up at Doha Airport.
Doha Metro system has 3 train lines operating around the city.
A public bus service and taxis are also available.
Related
Share 'Visiting Qatar'
More Snazzy Trips
-
Hobart Botanical Gardens in Spring
A Tasmanian Gem Spring into Springtime at Hobart's Royal Tasmanian Botanical... -
10 Facts About Aboriginal Art
INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN ART Art is part of the cultural makeup of... -
-
A Visit To Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Chocolate Heaven Attention all chocolate lovers! Recently, I went to chocolate... -
Incredible Facts About Singapore
25+ AWESOME REASONS TO VISIT Have you been to Singapore? If...
18 Comments
Qatar looks amazing! I wish it wasn’t such a long flight from me, but there are so many incredible sights to see there.
My son was deployed to Qatar for a few months but never got to travel outside of the base. I had no idea how beautiful it was! Great tips.
I’ve been in two minds about visiting Qatar, but I must say, it looks super attractive on your pictures. Thank you for sharing such a detailed post!
I would not have thought about no swimwear at the beach. From someone who does a lot of open water swims, that’s very helpful to know in advance.
That’s an informative and helpful post. I agree we should follow the rules and regulations of the country. Qatar is so beautiful and worth visiting.
Thanks, this is a handy brief summary. Always good to be able to benchmark beforehand what a new country’s norms are roughly, relative to others you know of.
Greeting the locals is so different in different countries around the world. It is like one should always research this before visiting anywhere.
Thanks for the tips, it’s so important to observe local customs when travelling abroad
It’s always great to learn how to make the most of a travel experience while being considerate of the places we visit. Your advice is ggreat!
Love to visit Qatar. The country is an interesting landscape to visit in my opinion.
When visiting somewhere that has such a different culture, it’s really surprising what is not acceptable! I feel I would have been at least fined without this guide.
Great insights! Respecting local customs is so important when visiting places like Qatar.
Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us, it is so handy to know these tips. I went to school with a girl who was from Doha!
There’s a lot to remember when you visit Qatar. I feel like this list is the kind that can keep you out of some serious trouble. LOL.
This list is a perfect example of how you should be aware of the local customs when you travel. Great info!
You really do need a list to follow to visit this country. There’s a lot to remember!
I’ve never been to Qatar! Quite frankly, I had no idea it was that beautiful wow…I would love to visit it soon.
I have to confess that I had to look up Qatar. But what a beautiful place to visit.