Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tipping & Bargaining
A service charge is usually added to restaurant (and top-end hotel) bills. Local custom
does not require that you leave a tip and, although it is certainly appreciated, there is a
danger of escalating the habit to the detriment of the workers involved (some establish-
ments reduce wages in anticipation of tips that may or may not be forthcoming). It is
therefore recommended that local custom is followed, unless exceptional service or assist-
ance warrants an exceptional gesture.
Bargaining is expected in the souqs and, although Western-style shopping centres have
fixed prices, it's still worth asking for a discount in boutiques and smaller shops.
OPENING HOURS
Qataris love their 'siesta', and Doha resembles a ghost town in the early afternoon. These
opening hours prevail throughout Qatar.
Banks
7.30am to 1pm Sunday to Thursday.
Government offices
7am to 2pm Sunday to Thursday.
Internet cafes
7am to midnight.
Post offices
7am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 11am and 5pm to 8pm Saturday.
Restaurants
11.30am to 1.30pm and 5.30pm to midnight Saturday to Thursday, 5pm to
midnight Friday.
Shopping centres
10am to 10pm Saturday to Thursday, 4pm to midnight Friday.
Shops
8.30am to 12.30pm and 4pm to 9pm Saturday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 9pm Friday.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Shops selling memory cards and batteries are plentiful in Doha. All studios can print digit-
al photos from a memory card. They can also transfer photos to a CD from a memory card
or film. Many photographic shops also arrange passport photos. Remember to respect loc-
al sensibilities by asking before photographing people.
POST
There is a general post office in northern Doha and another in central Doha. For a full list
of postal rates, see
www.qpost.com.qa
.
