When it is your first time staying here in Qatar, it can get overwhelming to settle down. It doesn’t matter if you are by yourself or with family. You will need all the information you can get to make your stay worthwhile.
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Fortunately for us, the Hukoomi website provides useful information to help newbies like you settle down. From housing to education to utilities, the guide will come in handy as you begin a new life in another country.
Timely and Useful Information
Beginning a new life may seem scary, especially since you do not know what lies ahead. So it pays to have the proper information so you would know what to do.
The Hukoomi website provides useful details to help you settle in Qatar. Let us discuss the ways how you can make your stay more meaningful:
Carry the appropriate visa.
Whether you are in Qatar to work, study, visit your family, or invest in a business, you should have the appropriate visa. You will need to present this document in the immigration, as well as when government officials require it.
Find the right apartment or accommodation.
You can choose from the various accommodation available for expats. It is also good to keep in mind that some living spaces could be expensive, because of the limited space in the city. But as long as you have enough time to explore the place where you intend to stay, you can find an apartment that will suit your requirements.
Aside from the Hukoomi website, you can look at similar websites in Qatar so you can find more information about finding accommodations in the country.
Watch your finances carefully.
As soon as you arrive, you should be able to allot your money carefully. After all, you will need to pay for utilities, rent, food, and transportation. If you have children to send to school, you will also need to have some money to pay for school fees and tuition.
When choosing a bank, you can ask what deals they offer to new arrivals like you.
Choose a school for your child.
If you brought your family with you, the next concern would be to find a school that will take in your child. Of course, you also need to consider whether the curriculum fits the student. Most importantly, there should be a spot for your child. Hukoomi advises that before even flying to Qatar, you should have applied to as many schools as you can. And upon your arrival in the country, you would follow up on whether your application was accepted.
In some cases, families arrange for homeschooling until there is a spot in the school. Some of the school categories are independent, international curriculum school, home schools, and many more.
Should you need to find more information about the education system in Qatar, you can also visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Qatar Foundation websites.
Using public transportation.
The modes of public transportation available are Doha Metro, Karwa taxi, and Mowasalat bus. The train connects to most locations in the city, so you can move from one place to another.
There are several taxi stations all over the city. You can find them in the airport, malls, and other major destinations. You can even book a taxi in advance or inquire about hiring a car for your use. Keep in mind that you would need a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive.
Enroll in healthcare.
If you are a resident in Qatar, you can sign up for a health care program, which you can use at Hamad Medical Corporation and health care centers. You will receive a health card, wherein you can avail of health care services at a subsidized cost.
Some companies also provide health insurance for their employees, so they can also go to private health care facilities.
These are just some of the basic information that can help you or your family settle during your first few months in the country. As you meet more people, especially in your work or community, you will gain enough knowledge and experience to help you get by.
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