Qatar destination guide
Check out our best tips and advice on the local language, travel, money and much more.
Perfect reading before your Qatar getaway.
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Need to buy some some Qatari riyal?
If you’re planning on watching your favourite team play in Qatar, we’re offering an enhanced rate on selected Middle Eastern currencies for a whole 2 weeks!
Today's rate:
- QAR= £1
- °F
What to spend your riyals on
Taxi from Doha International Airport to Doha city centre
22 QAR
A cocktail in downtown Doha
65 QAR
Ticket to Aqua Park Qatar
130 QAR
One-day adult pass on the Doha bus
162 QAR
Half-day desert safari
300 QAR
A budget
RecalculateMust-sees in Qatar
- Doha
- The hustle and bustle of Doha comes courtesy of the thriving marketplaces as well as beautiful cultural landmarks, like the Museum of Islamic Art and the State Grand Mosque.
- Dukhan
- This quieter part of Qatar has a number of fine, peaceful beaches, which pull in the crows all year round. Dolphin Reef is also popular, where you can try diving or swimming with the dolphins.
- Zubarah
- This part of the world is home to a historical town, complete with Zubarah Fort, which was built back in 1938 for military use. The site was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2013.
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From the rupee to the riyal
The Qatari riyal, in its first form, was introduced in 1966 after seven years of using the Gulf rupee, followed by a brief spell of the Saudi riyal. The second form was established in 1973, when Qatar entered the United Arab Emirates. At this point, a new series of notes and coins were brought into circulation, and these are the ones that are in use today.
Tips in Qatari restaurants are around 10-15% of the amount paid for your meal. If you do choose to leave a tip, it is customary to do so discreetly, rather than making a big show of your gesture.
Frequently used banknotes
Banknotes come in the following denominations: 1 (brown), 5 (green), 10 (orange), 50 (purple), 100 (green and purple) and 500 (blue) riyals. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 dirham.
Buying Qatari riyal online is easy
Free next-day home delivery on orders over 600 GBP
*The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.