MOVING TO
QATAR
A PRACTICAL COUNTRY SPECIFIC
MOVING GUIDE OFFERED BY US
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
MOVING TO
QATAR
Moving to
another country
Moving to another country, let alone half around the globe always seems a daunting task at first. Let us help you make this transition a smooth one and most importantly let our certified expertise in International Moving, Relocation and Shipping services assist and move you through the entire process. Our clientele benefit from our comprehensive know-how, fair and honest pricing, our in-depth and versatile service solutions in regards to your specific and individual moving & relocation needs!
TRANSIT TIMES
When moving, one should keep in mind the anticipated door-to-door transit time of their shipment as the length of transit might have numerous implications for you. For example, do I need to rent or purchase my new home in advance, shall I opt for a pre-longed hotel stay or have corporate housing? When moving for an employer or being a foreign civil servant on posting, your existing relocation policy will clearly identify your allowances and provide options in terms of residency while your belongings are in transit. Our team of Certified Moving Consultants® will discuss with you our various service and transit time options in regards to your particular moving needs.
U.S. Region to Qatar
FCL – SEA Freight
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 6 -to- 8 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
AIRFREIGHT
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 12 -to- 16 days
- Regular Transit
- 14 -to- 20 days
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
Consolidation – SEA
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 14 weeks
QATAR CUSTOMS INFORMATION
IMPORTANT FACT:
The importation of household goods and personal effects into Qatar is exempted from Customs duties, ut certain regulations apply and all required documentation must be in place prior shipment arrival on port.
– The residence visa must be obtained prior to arrival of the shipment.
– The owner of the goods must be in Qatar during Customs clearance.
– Customs will inspect all packages.
– All sea shipments that arrive at the Doha port after 6 months from the first entry date of the consignee will have a 5% customs duty levied.
– The Customs duty is 5% of the estimated value of goods determined by the Customs Valuation Committee plus the legalization charges of approximately USD $175.00. Legalization charges will not apply for personal effects import.
– All prohibited articles detained by Customs may be destroyed without consignee’s consent.
– All printed matter, records, films, books, pictures, tapes, slides, movies, videos, compact discs, computer software, etc. are subject to censorship and confiscation (must be packed separately for easy access) if caught with any of these items, customer will be subject to severe penalties and a possible jail term.
MOVING TO
QATAR
PRACTICAL INFORMATION – ELECTRONICS/HOME APPLIANCES/LAMPS
We are often ask by our clientele for advice in regards to whether or not to ship their electronics or home appliances as part of their move to Qatar? The answer is somewhat complicated and a grey area.
Some appliances or electronics might work with a transformer, others will definitely not work such as air conditioners, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and/or electric clocks, because the appliance does not successfully adapt and a transformer will not be able to change the wattage.
So, which or what electrical appliances should I bring with me? A general rule: Nothing that is big or consumes a lot of power. Laptops, computers, and small radios are fine to include in your shipment. Kitchen or laundry appliances, microwave ovens, power tools, and TV sets are not. Also keep in mind, if not sure or certain, please do not try! Plugging in a non-conforming appliance or electronic can result in an electrical fire or a severe, potentially lethal shock. Don’t assume a fuse or circuit breaker will protect you if you do something wrong.
If you move often, or know that you will be returning back to the USA within a certain time period, it might be wise to purchase so-called ‘Multi-system appliances and electronics’. These devices are manufactured to operate on either 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts and are referred to as “multi-system”. They are usually constructed with a switch that enables them to be operated on either current. In addition, multi-system television sets are adaptable to the different video systems (USA = NTSC vs. Qatar = PAL) and scanning standards and can be used in either country. This way you won’t have to worry about frequent new purchases or trying to sell off under market price your used appliance or electronic item when relocating back home or to another country.
Certain table lamps with normal outside wiring can be used with a plug adapter, but most importantly you’ll have to change the light bulb/s as they are designed for one voltage system generally and do not work well in another plus a wrong light bulb/s can become dangerous. Risks include electrocution and fire (immediate or delayed).
For expensive ceiling lamp fixtures, chandeliers or sconces one might consider taking them along and having them rewired, adapted and made compatible with the local line voltage and frequency by a local specialty shop or retailer in your destination country.
CULTURAL INFORMATION
- The earliest known human habitation in Qatar Date back to the fourth century BC.
- Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup finals in 2022, and will build 12 stadiums for unique environmentally friendly reach the absorptive capacity of some 80 thousand people.
- Doha is the capital of the State of Qatar, and the word in Arabic means “big tree”.
- Qatar celebrates its National Day on December 18 every year to commemorate the founder of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani.
- Arabic is the official language in Qatar, but due to the large number of foreigners residing in the country, also English, Urdu, French, Malayalam, and Tagalog, used on a large scale.