Currency
The currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), pegged to the US dollar at roughly QAR 3.64 to $1. Cash is accepted everywhere, but contactless payment and cards work smoothly throughout Doha. ATMs are abundant.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely used in business, hospitality, and signage throughout Doha. You will have no difficulty getting by in English anywhere you are likely to go as a tourist.
Alcohol
Alcohol is available only at licensed venues — hotel bars and restaurants, and one licensed off-licence (the Qatar Distribution Company) where residents can purchase for home consumption with a permit. You cannot bring alcohol into the country. Public intoxication can result in arrest and a fine of up to QAR 3,000, or imprisonment. The legal drinking age is 21.
Dress and social customs
Qatar is a Muslim country. In public, shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. This is genuinely enforced in some settings — malls and official buildings may turn people away for inappropriate dress. Near mosques and in the old souq, dress conservatively. Swimwear is fine at beaches and hotel pools.
Public displays of affection, including between married couples, are frowned upon and can lead to arrest. LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal; same-sex intimacy carries prison sentences of up to 7 years. This is not a destination that is safe for openly LGBTQ+ travelers.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited, even for non-Muslims.
Photography
Be careful about photographing people without consent. Photographing or filming government buildings, military installations, and the royal palaces is prohibited. Sharing photos of people without consent online can result in significant fines.
Health
Healthcare in Qatar is of a high standard. The main public hospital is Hamad Medical Corporation; several private hospitals also serve Doha. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended. There are no major vaccination requirements for entry unless you are arriving from a yellow fever zone.
Safety
Qatar is very safe by regional and global standards. Petty crime is rare. The main risk for travelers is road accidents — take care when driving or crossing roads. Women traveling solo generally report feeling comfortable, though dressing conservatively reduces unwanted attention.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is excellent throughout the country. SIM cards from Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar are available at the airport and convenience stores. WiFi is widely available in hotels and cafes.
Emergency numbers
Police: 999 Ambulance: 999 Fire: 999