Qatar

Travel tips for Qatar: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. In 2025, travelers report Qatar is virtually cashless with cards accepted almost everywhere; you can easily rely on cards for daily spending, though keeping a little QAR is useful for tips or occasional small vendors in traditional markets.

Try the food

  • Machboos (مكبوس): A fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with slow-roasted chicken, lamb, or seafood and garnished with nuts.
  • Harees (هريس): A savory, porridge-like dish made from boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground wheat mixed with slow-cooked meat.
  • Luqaimat (لقيمات): Deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drenched in sweet date syrup.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
  • Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: لو سمحت (Law samaht)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hadha?)
  • The bill please: الفاتورة لو سمحت (Al fatoora law samaht)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)

Essentials

Voltage
240V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Pick up a tourist SIM or eSIM from the Ooredoo or Vodafone kiosks located immediately in the arrivals hall at Hamad International Airport.

Etiquette

Dress modestly in public spaces by ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid public displays of affection.

Airports in Qatar