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Goeie dag aan alle Suid Afrikaners

By Willie_Ras on Fri, 01/02/2008 - 12:08pm

My name is Willie Ras and i live in Bloemfontein, SA. I was made a offer to come and work in Doha as a Transport planner for Mowasalat. The offer isnt clear yet but i was told it would be around R50000.00 or 24641.00 QAR Basic salary, then accomodation and travel allowance will be added. I know everyone ask this but i want to find out from other south africans what you think. What is the minimum amount QAR that will be able to sustain a family of 3 as my wife won't be working. How much must be budgeted for the following:

Accomodation
Vehicle Allowance (Any 4x4)
Groceries
Broadband Internet
Satellite TV (If available)

Please feel free to reply with additional items you know of that i missed.

As i read on your forums, there are quite a lot of South Africans working in Doha. Do you all socialise? etc.

Kind Regards

Willie Ras

ps. I am trying to do my homework as best as possible as this is a big step for someone like me who have never left SA before.

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Comments

pendula said Qatar Offer ...

Hi Willie,

I left Cape TOwn to join QP company in Doha on 1 Jan 08, so far it has been ok.

YOur offer is a good one, provided they provide you good accomodation, that they pay for. Rents increase dramatically. Housing will be your biggest cost. Also, if you have kids, think about school fees, I understand schools are very expensive

A Nissan Pathfinder with full house is about QAR 150K, or R 300K new. Second hand cars go for very cheap. I am looking at a 2005 3.2 V8 Touareg for R 100K.

Booze is very expensive. R50/beer at a pub.

Groceries are on average cheaper than SA, anything you could find in a Pick 'n Pay or Woolworths. Meat is much more expensive, about double that in SA.

Be prepared for very strict control on every aspect of your life in Qatar. You even need permission to do anything, even to leave the country to go on holiday or business. In a way you will be voluntarily checking into a bit of a prison. A SA passport does not help. Anybody who is not blood related to you or your wife will not be able to visit you, unless they stay at one of the hotels for their stay in Qatar...very frustrating for me!!

Life for single people will be hard, although sporting people will enjoy it hugely. Lots of facilities.

No christian churches that I am aware of, although I do know some SA's meet as part of a NG community.

Nothing happens fast here-a bit like home. Lots of communication barriers, cultural challenges etc.

All in all quite a big change, and a lot of fun.

Regards
Darren

Wed, 06/02/2008 - 5:01pm

SINGHK said Hi I am here for ...

I am here for about 11 days! what a shocker! very laid back people. no hurry for anything except for the driving habits!

sofar, i dont have:

my passport back from immigration

my medical aid card

my work id card

my bank atm card

Ja, its been a blast!

Your package is excellent if your accommodation is being arranged for free. Generally all goods are the same price as SA, some maybe 10% more expensive. Paid R32 for a Heineken at the Hotel. Asian cars are like half price. Petrol is R1.60/L for high octane.

You will need a permit costing around R2000 to purchase alcohol. Illegal to bring any alcohol into the country.

Certain electronics can be found if you shop around. you are welcome to drop me a personal email if you like more info. or even chat on gmail. I am still to purchase a personal laptop and load yahoo messenger etc.

Make sure you check for contract conditions like probation periods if any.

Good luck

Tue, 19/02/2008 - 12:42pm

stepone said step one nursery school ...

I know that they need qualified native english teachers if you know any who want to work please send her C.V. to samarhan[AT]yahoo.com

Thu, 13/03/2008 - 6:48pm

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