Qatar travel guide
Qatar is a small country with big contrasts: a futuristic skyline, a revived heritage souq, desert dunes and a quiet, mangrove-fringed northern coast. It makes an easy and varied short trip, and it is well suited to stopovers. Doha is the main base, with Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art and the waterfront Corniche. Lusail is the newest city, with its marina and stadium, Al Wakrah offers a restored seafront souq to the south, and Al Khor in the north leads to mangroves, Purple Island and the historic site of Al Zubarah. A desert excursion to the dunes is a popular add-on. Qatar's compact size means you can combine several of these in a day or two without long journeys, and evenings suit the waterfront. The cooler months from November to March are the best time to travel, as summers are very hot. Qatar suits city breakers, families and architecture fans. You can plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Doha.
Before you go to Qatar
- Currency
- QAR ﷼
- Emergency number
- 999
- Plug type
- Type G
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex
- ATM fees
- Small or none locally; your home-bank foreign-withdrawal fee is usually the bigger cost
Cities in Qatar
- Doha Qatar's dazzling capital on the Arabian Gulf: the labyrinthine Souq Waqif, I.M. Pei's Museum of Islamic Art, the futuristic West Bay…
- Lusail Qatar's purpose-built city of the future north of Doha: the golden bowl of Lusail Stadium, the Haussmann-styled Place Vendome, a glittering…
- Al Wakrah A former pearling and fishing town just south of Doha, home to a beautifully restored heritage souq on the seafront and the shell-shaped Al…
- Al Khor A relaxed northern coastal town built on pearling and fishing, gateway to the Al Thakira mangroves and Purple Island, and the launch point…
Frequently asked questions about Qatar
- What currency is used in Qatar?
- The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal. ﷼1 is about ₹26.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Qatar?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Qatar?
- Tipping in Qatar: not expected. Optional; 10% appreciated but not expected.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Qatar?
- Drink bottled water. Tap water is desalinated and safe; most visitors drink bottled.
- What plug type does Qatar use?
- Qatar uses Type G plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Qatar?
- Emergency: 999. Police: 999. Ambulance: 999.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Qatar?
- SIM and eSIM available in Qatar.
- What is the capital of Qatar?
- The capital of Qatar is Doha. Time there: IST - 2 h 30 min.