£1 QAR 4.88
Today
6:53 am
+3h from you
Travel warning
The region is very tense right now, with increased security risks that are causing serious travel disruptions and could affect your safety.
Weather in Qatar
Qatar
27°
Thunderstorm with slight hail
Wed
21
27
Thu
22
29
Fri
20
26
Sat
18
26
Sun
18
27
SPF level in Qatar
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Qatar
Tipping in Qatar
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Qatar as it is in some Western countries, but it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included. Some restaurants add a service charge, so check your bill first.
Bar/Café
5-10% of the bill, especially for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common, but not mandatory.
Hotel Porter
5-10 QAR per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 QAR per day left in the room.
Tour Guide
50-100 QAR per day for a good tour.
Safety in Qatar
Tips for British travellers
Qatar is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport or a copy with you as you may need to show it to police within a specific time.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during the daytime in the holy month of Ramadan.
Dress modestly in public by covering your shoulders and knees, as this is strictly enforced in places like banks and government buildings.
Only drink alcohol in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars and do not carry it in public, as being drunk in public is illegal.
Avoid public displays of affection, as any intimacy between couples in public can lead to arrest.
Bonus tips:
You can be fined, jailed, or deported for swearing, making rude gestures, or using an e-cigarette in public.
Be extremely careful when taking photos or videos of people, as you need their consent to avoid a large fine or imprisonment.
Driving in Qatar
British citizens can drive in Qatar for up to six months with a valid UK driving license. After that, you need to obtain a Qatari driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Qatar drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Qatar
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
The voltage in Qatar is 240V at 50Hz. Plugs types D and G are used. UK travellers may not need an adapter depending on the plugs on their devices.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Qatar, especially in major establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Qatar
ATMs are widely available in Doha and other major cities, especially at airports, shopping malls, and banks.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to obtain Qatari Riyal. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Be aware of potential transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Qatar. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 100 QAR (~£22)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls in Qatar.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also widely available, especially in urban areas.
Health & vaccinations in Qatar
You should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before you travel. Although there is a public healthcare system in Qatar, it may not be easily accessible to tourists. Private healthcare is of a high standard but can be expensive.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Qatar, but it's always a good idea to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations. The standard of healthcare in Qatar is generally high, especially in private facilities. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
Calling Qatar
Country code
+974
To call Qatar from the UK, dial 00 974 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Doha, you would dial 00 974 4496 2000.
The country code for Qatar is 974. When calling Qatar from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 974, and then the Qatari phone number.
UK Embassy in Qatar
British Embassy Doha
22 Al Mutahidah Street, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Airports in Qatar
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.