About JadeF

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Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Qatar: bringing over the counter (from Australia) medication into Doha.:

When I came over I went to the pharmacy and brought all sorts of things. I panicked. But it's a first world country, not the bush. Most of the things on your list are available here in the pharmacies under the same brand name The rules for medicine are completely different. Things I need a prescription for at home I can get over here over the counter. The strangest thing is codeine is illegal. So anything like Myprodol you can't get. I brought over some with me, as long as it's for personal consumption you should be fine, I had 40 tabs in my handbag no issue. They have advil gel capsules that I've found to be a great replacement (I took Myprodol for serious migraines) Things like.panadol, gavascon, nurofen, Vit C you can get here, There is a lemsip here but I find it gross, we have med lemon at home and it's the only medicine I miss. The rest I've found easy substitutes for. The only thing I don't know is your Zorivax. But honestly, all the pharmacies I've been to have an English speaking person, and they all have been really helpful. Just be wary of 24 hour pharmacies. They tend to be a lot pricier than your mall based ones. Your screen name is gender neutral, buy I'm gonna go ahead and assume you're a lady, cause guys generally aren't as forward thinking. Forget the medicine. Stock up on your favourite brand of tampons, That is the one thing I've struggled with here, it's the most arbitrary thing, but it's like the stoneages. I've eventually found a brand o.b. Which seems to be the best of the lot. But i miss my kotex :) Hope it helps.

Qatar: What's a girl to Pack?:

Arriving in the first week of April, I have no idea what to bring with in terms of clothing, I have a limited budget for my first two months, so I cant arrive and go shopping. I'm supposed to wear smart casual to work, I've discarded any tops that show cleavage, but then I read your elbows should be covered to? I spoke to someone who said that the rules are really enforced and that people wear what they want. I only have one suitcase and one back pack, which I need to stock for a two year contract. And now with all the differences in what I am been told, i am starting to panic. I'd appriatte to hear it from an expat living there. Also, I was going to start learning Arabic, but I read somewhere, it would be better to learn an Indian dialect, or Spanish as I will be working with a lot of Filipinos. Any Advice will be appreciated.

Qatar: Life in Doha:

I think other than Dubai, Doha is one of the best cities to work in in the middle east, you have a lot more of the same freedoms you are used to. As long as you are respectful in dress, language and manner you should be fine. Living in a religious state there's certain things that take getting used to. But honestly, it's easy to adapt. I work in the same industry as you, the one thing you will miss is heading to the bar after work, once you have your RPID you will be able to go to hotel bars, but they mostly close at 1 meaning by the time you are done with closing duties they are closed too. Also, hotel bats are way expensive. So find out about liquid brunches and attend those. And get your QDC card. It's amazing how you adapt, and although this is not a party animal city, you still have fun. Your first three months are the toughest while you waiting for your medicals, RPID (residence permit - with out which you pretty much stuck) drivers licence etc. Once you've got all of that then life becomes a lot easier. I've been here for ten months, and in this business you pretty much sleep on your off days, but there are things to do. Google is your friend. Also sign up for Doha Living newsletter it's very helpful for telling you what's up. A word of caution, be very sure of your companies Internet policies for public forums, you probably won't be able to mention your company by name. Also, be careful posting about people and companies negatively on FB they have some strange rules here that can get you into hot water. Like I said, someof the freedoms you take for granted aren't allowed here, but I've adapted, I've settled in and enjoy life.

Date Joined:

2/16/2015

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3

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