The charm of travelling lies in the culture shock, delightful cuisines, and new things you’ll experience. I fell in love with travelling like I was hypnotised, becoming my favourite thing in the world. Travelling has allowed me to experience unfamiliar things, giving me a sense of understanding of the world beyond my reach.

For my 26th country, I visited Qatar and toured the capital city, Doha. It is the perfect location, blending its natural beauty and traditional souks effortlessly and rewarding visitors with a pleasant experience. It's about time you decided to visit Qatar. 

I know how planning a trip can be a challenge, especially if your destination is a country with which you're unfamiliar. Been there; done that. If you’ve decided to visit Qatar, you need to consider certain things to avoid any sort of mishap, and I will be providing just the information you need. 

Here is the perfect guide to things you should know about Qatar before you embark on your journey. This guide contains useful information about the country, what to do and not to do in tourist locations and tourist tips.

1. Dress appropriately

Qatar is refreshingly tolerant of an Islamic country. But it is still important for women to dress modestly. There's nothing extreme like having to cover your head or dress like the local women if you don't want to. It is a good thing to respect the culture as a tourist so as a woman, you need to cover your shoulders and knees while dressing modestly and for men, you need to wear long trousers and long shirts. When you're in a private setting like your hotel pool, feel free to wear your sexy bikini as you dive into the pool. However, if you have plans to visit the public beaches, kindly drop your beachwear in your hotel room, as it is considered inappropriate and unacceptable. 

2. Qatar is a relatively cheap country

Qatar can be expensive or cheap, depending on how you decide to tour the country. It is possible to get cheap and good accommodation in Qatar and you can spend minimally on food. You don't have to stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel or eat at expensive restaurants before getting a good experience in the country. To visit the tourist locations, they are affordable and you can stick to a small budget that suits your pockets. 

3. No alcohol or drugs in public area

If you're looking for a raving experience with plenty of alcohol or available drugs, think twice before coming to Qatar. The country has zero tolerance for the possession of alcohol or the use of drugs. You are not allowed to travel into the country with alcohol or drugs and drinking in public is frowned upon. The hotel you're staying at might have the licence to sell alcohol to their guests so you can have some there but on no account are you allowed to indulge in booze in public.

4. Transportation mode

There are various modes of transportation at your disposal, like taxis, buses, and trains, or you could hire a private car if it's something you can afford. Uber is also available but upon your arrival into the country, you won't be able to access any at the airport as they are not allowed. You will have to use the airport taxis to get to your hotel. Taxis in Qatar are readily available and are reasonably priced. A trip would cost about 20 Qatari riyals. Doha also has a fantastic metro network of three lines and you can purchase a full-day ticket for 6 riyal to use the train. I used both the taxis and train, and it was comfortable, making my trip enjoyable. 

5. Qatar is a natural beauty with a thriving art scene

The country is a beautiful destination, with massive sand dunes, natural wonders, and pristine beaches. You’d be walking into a fairy tale and not want your trip to end. The museums in Doha, the capital, are a must-see and contribute to the thriving art centre of the country. Notable locations you should see include the Museum of Islamic Art, Education City, and the National Museum of Qatar. All the museums are beautifully designed with impeccable architecture that will stand the test of time. Vast collections of ceramics, textiles, paintings, and ancient manuscripts can be found in these museums, making them a true gem.

6. Nationals from 102 countries can visit without a visa

Citizens from the selected 102 countries have the privilege to visit Qatar without a visa for a maximum of 30 to 90 days, depending on their nationality. Suppose your nationality falls under the selected countries, upon your arrival into the country. In that case, a visa waiver will be issued after you present a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a confirmed return ticket.

7. Best time to visit

Finding the perfect time to visit Qatar is very important. The hot season in Qatar (May to October) tends to rise to a very high temperature, which can cause heatstroke. In extremely hot weather, you will be hindered from partaking in any outdoor or vigorous activity you might have planned. According to frequent travellers who have toured the city, a more ideal period to visit is from December to February, when the temperature is more mild and cool. I travelled to Qatar in March and the weather was a bit mild. The Ramadan period was ongoing during my visit and sadly, I was unable to enter some locations, like the National Museum of Qatar, because of the fasting. Some locations were closed during the day and some happened to close early as well. I was also unable to visit restaurants and had to rely on ordering food from Talabat, which is an online food delivery service used in the country. The best time to visit Qatar is during the cool season, certainly not during the Ramadan period. Regardless of the weather, always stay hydrated and cover up. 

8. Changing currency 

The Qatari riyal is the official currency of Qatar and although ATMs are widely available to withdraw, I'd advise changing your money into the Qatari riyal. I changed 100 US dollars for 361 riyals and I made the mistake of going to change currency without any form of ID, like my international passport. I had to go back to my hotel to get my passport before I could change some money. You wouldn't want to make the same mistake and make the trip twice so make sure you have a form of ID to showcase before you're allowed to exchange money. 

Qatar is a lovely country and although I explored only the capital, Doha, I would definitely be visiting again. Check out this extensive guide on things to do in Doha.