Doha
Practical Life
Bank services
The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QR). In 2012, 3.64 QR = $1 USD.
ATM and Credit Cards in Doha
It is easy to find ATMs in Doha and almost all banks in Doha have ATM locator and search services on their websites. You can also find ATMs at the Doha Airport, where you can withdraw money in Qatari Riyals, US Dollars, UAE Dirhams and Euros. You can also find drive-through ATM's in Doha.
At most ATMs you can withdraw and deposit cash, pay utility and credit card bills, cash cheques, top-up mobile cards, and transfer funds. ATM's can be operated in Arabic or English and most accept international cards. As in other countries, expect to pay a fee if you use an ATM for a bank other than your own.
Cash withdrawals at ATM's using credit cards may be subject to daily withdrawal limits.
Exchanging Money in Qatar
You can find bureau de changes and money transfer facilities at Doha's airport, many of which are open 24 hours a day. These typically offer low exchange rates.
Many hotels in Doha also exchange foreign currency, for higher exchange rates.
City-center bureau d'echanges typically offer the best exchange rates in Doha.
Electronic Bank Transfers to Qatar
Most banks in Qatar offer electronic transfer services at nominal charges to their customers. You can also affect currency transfers at a variety of specialist money transfer businesses, such as Western Union.
Open an Account in Doha
There are three main types of bank accounts in Qatar:
- Current account: Used for everyday banking. No monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance (approx. QR 3,000. Low interest rates.
- Savings account: Used for savings. Higher interest rate, with limited access to funds. Minimum balances required (approx. QR 5,000).
- Fixed-deposit account: Used for long-term savings. Higher interest rates. Limited or no access to funds, minimum balances required (approx. QR 20,000).
To open a bank account in Doha you need to provide:
- A reference letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and their approval for you to open an account. Sometimes opening an account at your employer's bank can make the process simpler.
- Copies of your passport.
- Your Qatari Residence Permit.
Once your application is approved, the bank will contact your employer to let them know and set up direct deposit salary payments.
Banks in Doha
Major local and international banks in Doha include:
Qatar National Bank
Phone: +974 4440 7777
Email: ccsupport@qnb.com.qa
Website: http://www.qnb.com.qa
Opening hours: All branches – Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. City Center Mall branch – Saturday to Thursday, 10:15 am to 10:15 pm and Friday 4:15 pm to 10:15 pm. Marriott/Sheraton/Ritz Carlton branches – Sunday to Wednesday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Thursdays 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Al Ahli Bank of Qatar
Suhim Bin Hamad Street
Phone: +974 4423 2507
Website: http://www.ahlibank.com.qa
Opening hours: 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Mashreq Bank of Qatar
Old Al-Maghreb Area, Jabor Bin Mohammed Street
Phone: +974 4441 3213
Website: http://www.mashreqbank.com/qatar/
Doha Bank Limited
Phone: +974 4471 5634
Website: http://www.dohabank.com.qa/1/db2
HSBC Qatar
Phone: +974 4442 4722
Website: http://www.hsbc.com.qa/1/2/qa/
Banque Paribas Qatar
Al Fardan Office Tower
Phone: +974 4453 7537
Website: http://me.bnpparibas.com
Central Bank Qatar
Al Corniche Area
Phone: +974 4445 6456
Website: http://www.qcb.gov.qa/English/Pages/default.aspx
Qatar Islamic Bank
Phone: +974 4444 8444
Website: http://www.qib.com.qa/en/index.aspx
Arab Bank
Phone: +974 4438 7878
Website: http://www.arabbank.com.qa
Standard Chartered Bank Qatar
Doha Main Branch Abdulla bin Jassim Street
Phone: +974 4441 4252
Website: http://www.standardchartered.com/qa/
International Bank of Qatar
Suhaim bin Hamad Street
Phone: +974 4447 8000
Email: enquiries@ibq.com.qa
Website: http://www.ibq.com.qa/
Commercial Bank of Qatar
Grand Hamad Street
Phone: +974 4449 0000
Website: http://www.cbq.qa/Pages/VariationRoot.aspx
Email: info@cbq.com.qa
United Bank Limited
Phone: +974 4425 4444
Email: doha_branch@ublme.com
Website: https://www.ubldirect.com/corporate/qatar/
1/10/2013