(1) Live close to your work or your kids' school(s). Traffic is abysmal, and it can take forever to get from A to B.

(2) Get your kids on the waiting lists for schools before you come out, if at all possible.

(3) If you are "picky" about a specific item or brand that you purchase frequently, find out if it is readily available before you come - and pack accordingly.

(4) Don't assume that basic things are available, and don't believe claims like "you can find almost everything here". While it's true that you may see your specific item in the store, it may be *months* before you see it again. Ask before you pack!

(5) Consider bringing your furniture with you. You may have more of an upfront cost related to shipping, but it will save you the effort of running all over town to find furniture that suits your style. . .only to find out that it would have been less expensive to just bring it all with you!

(6) Don't be afraid to drive. Yes, it can be annoying and the Landcruisers can seem very threatening, but it's not that bad. .. and you'll be much happier if you get out and about ASAP.

(7) Find groups of expats to hang out with as soon as you can. Meet parents at your kids' school(s), find expat groups (there are plenty), enroll in classes, etc. It is easy to become isolated in Doha, but it's equally easy to make heaps of friends.

(8) Don't show your shoulders or your knees. Are there expats who do? Yes, but it is considered to be disrespectful of the local culture.

(9) If you have kids, definitely bring their bikes (even if they cannot ride yet) and consider bringing the next size up as well. The locally sold bikes are garbage.

(10) If you are from the U.S. or Canada, get Vonage. It is worth its weight in gold. Yes, Skype is free, but nothing beats the ability to pick up the phone and call (and be called by) your family/friends anytime - without being tethered to the computer. In the U.S. Skype is ~$31/mo. with tax. You can even keep your home number.

(11) If you have room in your container, think about bringing "Santa" for your kids for the next couple of years. Toys here are expensive and/or utter rubbish. The toys that are marketed towards kids under three are flat-out dangerous sometimes due to the poor construction and small parts.

(12) Have fun - Qatar is a great place for families!

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If you are a Canadian, there is no Canadian Embassy in Qatar. So be prepared, have your paperwork in order before you come. Make sure your passport has lots of pages so you dont have to renew. Using other Embassies here is not a good idea. Kuwait and UAE are the closest for Canadians and it is a hassel.

Vonage is great, but make sure you bring it in your suitcase, dont have it shipped in or you will find yourself running around getting all sorts of red tape.

Driving is definitely a hassel, be prepared.

Everything is frustrating at times, be patient...

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