Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) 
🇶🇦 QAR 1 ≈ 🇮🇳 INR 22.5
At the Airport 
| Item | Price | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sim card (Ooredoo, Vodafone) | From QAR 35 |  Card / Cash |
| Hayya Card (for major events) | QAR 500 (online) | Card |
| Metro from airport to city | From QAR 2 | Card / Cash |
| Taxi from airport | From QAR 40 | Card / Cash |
Pro Tip:
Get a reloadable transit card (Karwa Smartcard) for convenient use of metro and buses. 🚇🚌
Money Forms in Qatar 
- QAR cash
- Credit/Debit cards (widely accepted)
- USD cash (for emergencies)
- Backup: Additional cards
Payment Acceptance
| Location | Cash | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Small shops |  |
(mostly) |
| Supermarkets | |
|
| Hotels | |
|
| Restaurants | |
|
| Taxis | |
(app-based) |
Activities & Transport 
| Service | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| Metro | Card (Karwa) / Cash |
| Public buses | Card (Karwa) / Cash |
| Taxis | Cash / Card (app-based) |
| Car rental | Card |
| Tourist attractions | Card / Cash |
| Shopping malls | Card / Cash |
Important Tips 
Always choose to pay in QAR when using a card 
Never choose the INR value on the screen (includes high conversion fees) Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (10% in restaurants if service charge isn’t included)
Using ATMs in Qatar 
- ATMs are widely available in cities and shopping malls
- Most ATMs don’t charge fees for foreign card withdrawals
- Major banks: Qatar National Bank, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls for added security
- Inform your bank about your travel to avoid card blocks
Daily Budget Guide 
| Type of Spend | Starting From |
|---|---|
| Stay | Budget hotels: QAR 150 Mid-range hotels: QAR 300 |
| Food | Local restaurant: QAR 20-30 Mid-range restaurant: QAR 60-100 |
| Transport | Metro ride: QAR 2-6 Short taxi ride: QAR 20-30 |
| Sightseeing | Many museums are free, others around QAR 50 |
This is a moderate budget. Qatar can be expensive, so adjust based on your travel style!
Money Exchange
- Banks and authorized money exchangers offer the best rates
- Many shopping malls have currency exchange offices
Major exchange chains: Al Fardan Exchange, City Exchange- Credit cards often offer better exchange rates than cash exchanges
Cultural Considerations 
Business hours may change during prayer times
Be aware of different operating hours during Ramadan
Dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional markets (souqs)
For more tips from fellow travelers who have been to Qatar, check out the latest discussions here: Travel with Niyo - Niyo Community
