Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are a must for visiting Qatar, including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and your yearly flu shot. Consider Hepatitis A and B vaccines, as well as Typhoid if you plan on exploring local food markets. Rabies isn’t typically recommended unless you’re planning extended stays in rural areas. Always check the latest travel health advisories for updates.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Qatar, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for QatarCulture & Customs
Dress modestly when in public; women should cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so be discreet. Always use your right hand when eating or greeting. If invited to a Qatari home, remove shoes at the entrance and accept food or drink when offered. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics. Respect prayer times, as shops may close temporarily. Public intoxication is illegal, so be mindful if consuming alcohol in licensed venues.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Qatar.
- Machboos: This is Qatar’s take on a spiced rice dish, often compared to biryani. It’s usually made with chicken, lamb, or fish and is packed with fragrant spices like saffron and cardamom. Machboos is a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, making it a cultural cornerstone of Qatari cuisine.
- Harees: Made from wheat and meat, harees is a porridge-like dish that is slow-cooked to creamy perfection. It’s especially popular during Ramadan and special occasions, offering a comforting and fulfilling meal that reflects the communal spirit of Qatari traditions.
- Balaleet: Often served for breakfast, balaleet is a unique dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s essentially sweet vermicelli noodles topped with a spiced omelet. This dish showcases the intriguing blend of flavors in Qatari culinary culture.
- Thareed: Sometimes referred to as ”Arabian lasagna,” this is a bread and meat stew that’s a favorite during Ramadan. It’s rich and hearty, featuring layers of crispy bread soaked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and meat, making it a beloved comfort food.
Tap water in Qatar is technically safe to drink as it’s treated and meets international standards, and many locals do consume it. However, the taste and potential for old pipes can make it unappealing, so tourists often prefer **bottled** or **filtered water** to be on the safe side. Always check for any local advisories or updates on water safety during your visit.
The main language in Qatar is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Qatar includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Qatar, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate. As a result of its diverse expatriate population and significant international business presence, English is often used as a common language in many settings, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. Most Qataris, especially those in urban areas, have a good command of English, and many signs are also in English alongside Arabic.
In addition to the hospitality and service industries, English is commonly used in education and business, further enhancing its prevalence. While Arabic is the official language, travelers will find that English speakers are readily available, and many locals are eager to assist.
However, in more rural areas or among older generations, proficiency in English may vary. Overall, visitors to Qatar can expect a welcoming environment where English is spoken, facilitating a smooth travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Qatar is QAR (ر.ق).
In Qatar, ATMs are pretty widespread, especially in Doha. You’ll find them in malls, gas stations, and even some metro stations. They dispense Qatari Riyal (QAR), and most accept international cards. Keep an eye on fees, though; they can add up.
While cards are accepted in many places, smaller shops and souqs might prefer cash. It’s not a country where you’ll need to carry wads of cash, but having some on hand is handy for small purchases or taxis. Euros and dollars aren’t directly usable, so exchange them at the airport or local banks. Exchange rates at the airport aren’t the best, but they’re convenient if you need cash right away.
For exchanging money, banks and official exchange offices offer reasonable rates. Skip the hotel exchange counters unless you’re in a pinch—they tend to have worse rates. Stick to using your card for most transactions, but always have a backup stash of riyals just in case. If you’re planning on using taxis a lot, cash is still king, though ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem make it easier to pay by card.
Tipping in Qatar is appreciated but not mandatory. It’s common to leave around 10% in restaurants if service isn’t included. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest riyal is typical, and hotel staff often get a few riyals for their assistance.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.