Getting around Doha
There are many ways to get around Doha.
In this article I mention and comment on the modes of transport friends have recomended and I have personaly used. There are also buses but I have not used them and soon Doha will unveil its intricate metro system.
1) App: Careem
Personally I enjoyed the experience as the cars were nice and the drivers were courteous and friendly
I also liked the fact that I could get Careem credit by using my Emirates skywards miles.
(Which were expiring next month anyway!)
To convert miles to credit was an easy and painless experience.
What I was not so thrilled about was that I was given an approximation of the total cost and was charged qr3 for the driver waiting three minutes before starting the journey as I took some time loading the boot etc. The driver did not call when he arrived.
I was able to share my journey with a friend so that they could track my movements which I liked.
Careem is now integrated into Google Maps, which means you can now open their app straight from Google Maps.
How?
When you’re searching for directions on Google Maps, selecting the ride-hailing icon on the far right will show you an ETA and a fare estimate for Careem to take you to your selected destination.
Just tap Open App and yalla, you’re ready to book a ride!
2) App: Uber
Uber has been easy to use, fast and very efficient.
Events such as the DIFF had promos when using uber so lookout for discounts and take advantage of them when using an Uber.
I was also able to share my journey with a friend so that they could track my movements which I liked.
I also liked knowing the final amount my journey would cost and if a driver is waiting for you or cannot find you he calls immediately and one is not charged extra.
My advice is to download both these apps. When comparing we have found Careems rates to be slightly higher sometimes.
I like having options and a back up plan especially if it is a long distance ride and the rate difference is significant.
3)App: Karwa green taxis
There is a Qar5 charge to call a Karwa using the app
Hail a Karwa taxi (please note that there is a minimum charge of qr10 per ride and it works on a meter system). Karwa taxis can be found in the basement of malls such as City Centre (near the Dollar plus store)
Karwa Karwa number: 800 TAXI / 800 8294
10minutes after calling I received a text message confirming my ride
The text/sms message I received:
11/2/2017 2:07:43 PM:
Order No CXXXXCC
Taxi No: KA XXXXX
Driver Name: XXXXXX
Driver No: XXXXXC
ETA: 15 Min.
Besides the taxi metre charge, I was charged an extra Qar5 as a booking fee.
Please note that if you call and order a Karwa, they ONLY accept CASH.
New Karwa rates February 2018:
https://www.iloveqatar.net/news/general/karwa-implements-new-structure-for-tariff-fees
The Advantage of these modes of transport is that you are never looking for parking, no insurance or maintenance, no fines and it is stress free!
An important factor to take into consideration when choosing what mode of transport works best for you is to take into account the distance between home and work.
To rent or lease a car costs approximately 1500qr /month upwards.
There is a huge second hand car market in Doha and long term, ownership is most likely to work out cheaper.
But for now Uber and Careem works brilliantly for me!
This article was based on my personal experience as at April 2017 and I do not take responsibility for any changes in prices or terms to the above information. Kindly recheck with the service provider before booking.
Did you find these tips helpful?
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