🇶🇦 Qatar - Money Manual

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Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) :dollar:

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  • 🇶🇦 QAR 1 ≈ 🇮🇳 INR 22.5

At the Airport :flight_departure:

Item Price Payment Method
Sim card (Ooredoo, Vodafone) From QAR 35 :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
Hayya Card (for major events) QAR 500 (online) :credit_card: Card
Metro from airport to city From QAR 2 :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
Taxi from airport From QAR 40 :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash

:bulb: Pro Tip:

Get a reloadable transit card (Karwa Smartcard) for convenient use of metro and buses. 🚇🚌

Money Forms in Qatar :currency_exchange:

  1. QAR cash :dollar:
  2. Credit/Debit cards (widely accepted) :credit_card:
  3. USD cash (for emergencies) :dollar:
  4. Backup: Additional cards :credit_card:

Payment Acceptance :credit_card::dollar:

Location Cash Card
Small shops :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (mostly)
Supermarkets :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark:
Hotels :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark:
Restaurants :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark:
Taxis :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: (app-based)

Activities & Transport :man_walking::taxi::metro:

Service Payment Method
Metro :credit_card: Card (Karwa) / :dollar: Cash
Public buses :credit_card: Card (Karwa) / :dollar: Cash
Taxis :dollar: Cash / :credit_card: Card (app-based)
Car rental :credit_card: Card
Tourist attractions :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash
Shopping malls :credit_card: Card / :dollar: Cash

Important Tips :bangbang:

:white_check_mark: Always choose to pay in QAR when using a card :x: Never choose the INR value on the screen (includes high conversion fees) :white_check_mark: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (10% in restaurants if service charge isn’t included)

Using ATMs in Qatar :atm:

  • 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
  • :atm: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls for added security
  • :bulb: Inform your bank about your travel to avoid card blocks

Daily Budget Guide :moneybag:

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

:bulb: This is a moderate budget. Qatar can be expensive, so adjust based on your travel style!

Money Exchange :currency_exchange:

  • Banks and authorized money exchangers offer the best rates
  • Many shopping malls have currency exchange offices
  • :bank: Major exchange chains: Al Fardan Exchange, City Exchange
  • :bulb: Credit cards often offer better exchange rates than cash exchanges

Cultural Considerations :mosque:

  • :mantelpiece_clock: Business hours may change during prayer times
  • :date: Be aware of different operating hours during Ramadan
  • :womans_clothes: Dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional markets (souqs)

:star2: For more tips from fellow travelers who have been to Qatar, check out the latest discussions here: Travel with Niyo - Niyo Community

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