Top Tips On Saving Money In Qatar

A country filled with numerous attractions and featuring amongst the wealthiest in the world, Qatar has a lot of things good about it. From gorgeous beaches and historical landmarks to art galleries and finest hotels, this is a country that has gained immense fame amongst the tourists over the years.

But here's a thing, whether you're booking a hotel in Qatar or thinking of any place to visit, touring around this country usually asks for a serious brace in your pocket. Owing to the luxuries that are on offering, Qatar can be quite expensive for travelers.

So if you're a traveler strolling around the streets of Qatar, wondering how to save some money while you travel around the country, there are many apps and websites today that offer discounts on multiple dining and other sightseeing options in Qatar. These apps and websites have discount offers for virtually every category and can be easily accessed by travelers.

Besides, if you wish to know the tips and other ways that can save you extra bucks on your travels in Qatar, here's our round-up of some of the best ones that you can apply and save money on dining, spa, different activities and attractions in Qatar.

Tips On Saving Money In Qatar

Following the tips mentioned below can help travelers save huge bucks on their travels in Qatar.

1. Begin With Planning Your Budget

Making a budget, whether on travels or in usual life promises results most of the time. Besides, when it comes to Qatar, the country almost mandatorily requires travelers to plan their budget. Whether you're thinking of a place to visit, a restaurant to have dinner, heading for some activities like watersports or anything else, planning what you're going to spend and when you're going to spend is the key.

2. Make A List Before You Shop

Now here's a thing, Qatar is a country where shopping can be a real treat for the travelers. So much so that at times tourists forget to notice how much they have shopped. Particularly in the case of electronics and other gadgets, the prices are generally on the lower side when compared to other countries like India.

Hence, anyone who's headed on a tour to Qatar and thinking of shopping should prepare a list of what they have to buy and what not to buy. This not only helps you identify the things you want easily but also helps you avoid unnecessary expenditure in a sense. The best about it? Travelers don't end up feeling guilty about their impulsive shopping.

Suggested Read: Finest Places to Go Shopping in Doha

3. Look For Options Of Preparing Your Own Food

Restaurants and fancy food outlets in Qatar are a true delight and visitors love to grab a bite or two from these restaurants while on their travels in Qatar. In fact, there are many restaurants that offer traditional Qatari cuisines that are, although expensive, worth a try.

However, when you think about it and sit down to calculate, you'll find that if you eat on a daily basis from different restaurants and modern food outlets in the country, there's a big chance you'll end up spending too much money on it.

So, how do you counter it? Well, if you know how to cook and are willing to cook about 40-50% of your meal yourself while you travel and enjoy in Qatar, you may end up saving some valuable bucks at the end of your travels. Besides, this will not only allow you to save money but would also give you an opportunity to utilize that money at some more worthy restaurants that serve traditional Qatari cuisines on occasions. So why not try it?

Suggested Read: A Take On The Top Qatari Dishes And Where To Find Them In Doha?

4. Avoid Expenditures On Leisure Activities

Leisure activities in Qatar have a part of life, not just for the natives but also for travelers who come and stay in the country. But here's a thing, as good and satisfying as they sound, leisure activities are, indeed, expensive in Qatar and can cost you huge bucks.

In fact, travelers coming to this part of the world end up spending huge amounts of money just to purchase a day pass and spend some time on a random private beach. Likewise, there are many landmarks in Doha where the local concerned authorities charge heavy amounts for any additional perk on your tour.

Hence, a wise pick in this case to avoid these fruitless leisure expenditures when you're on your travels in Qatar and be wise with your spending.

5. Deals And Discounts

Who doesn't like deals and discounts, right? Well, if you're someone who doesn't want to waste the money but also wishes to try any activity or popular restaurant in the area, looking for deals and discounts could be a good idea.

In fact, there are many apps and websites that offer huge deals on attractions like spa, dining, water sports, travel and so much more. There are even offers like buy one get one at restaurants that could turn to be real savior for you.

Besides, you don't always have to rely on websites and apps for discounts in Qatar, rather you pick the right time for your tour. During Ramadan which is one of the most popular festivals in Qatar, there are massive deals available at different restaurants and shopping malls.

This is a time when travelers find themselves spoilt for choices but at the end of the day, also end up saving money. So why not visit Qatar during Ramadan and enjoy your travels while saving money automatically?

6. Look For Home Apartments Or Dormitories

Not when it comes to the different tips on Saving money in Qatar, this is perhaps the most important of all. Besides, saving money doesn't only mean saving on your travel, at the restaurants or at the places you visit, right?

So, here's a thing, when you head to Qatar, you only think of lavishing hotels and gorgeous resorts that will cost you huge bucks. But hang on, have you ever thought about looking for home apartments or Dormitories for that matter?

Well, there are many apartments available for tourists in Qatar for a short term that offer a feeling of home, away from home. The best part? These apartments are comparatively cheaper in price per night than the hotels and have a kitchen included so you get everything you need to cook your own food without having to spend too much money on it.

Likewise, speaking of dormitories, there are many options available for tourists to choose from, even in the most iconic places of Doha like Souq Waqif where dormitories are clean and much cheaper when compared to the hotels in the region.

Suggested Read:  Where To Stay In Doha On Your Next Travel?

7. Look For Cheaper Option Of Travel To Qatar

Now when it comes to reaching Qatar, there are not many options that travelers have apart from air and road travel. There are no rail networks or tourist waterways to this part of the world. However, if you're looking to save money on your travels, Doha flights could well be an option.

There are many cheap flights that travelers can book online and avail heavy discounts, especially during the festive seasons. As for road travel, there's only one road route to Qatar and that is through Saudi Arabia. There are regular buses available between the two countries.

However, bus travel can eventually turn out to be more expensive as travelers need to get to Saudi Arabia first and take a bus from there, eventually paying twice the amount.

8. Commuting Within The Country

Now when it comes to commuting around Qatar, the options are plenty and it's only about picking the most feasible option. There are buses that run in the capital of the country along with taxis, bicycles, rented cars and much more.

However, if your ultimate goal is to save money on your travels in Qatar, then considering options like the metro or karwa isn't as bad. Karwa taxis have always been one of the most highly chosen modes of travel within the country and have clearly surpassed buses in this case. It is Qatar's official taxi service and offers rides at reasonable prices.

As for the buses, Qatar is a country that bears the scorching heat and it gets difficult for travelers to travel by buses, even though they are all air-conditioned. Likewise, cycling sounds like a cheaper option but is risky. The bicycle tracks in the country are virtually non-existent within the country and are ignored by the chaotic traffic. Hence, cycling might be a safe option but it's not safe by any means.

Now speaking of saving on your travels, here's our tip on saving money.

• Preferably walk if you're headed to nearby areas as that can save you huge amounts.
• Karwa taxis are an option if you're traveling within Doha as they charge nominal prices. Besides, buses are cheap, but are a headache at times.
• If you're heading to a place that lies on the metro line, there's no better option than a metro as it's not only comfortable but also very cheap when compared to other modes of travel.

Closing Thoughts

Qatar is a country that offers unique and some of the most enthralling attractions to visitors all year-round. However, saving money becomes a tough task in this country at times. So if you're headed on a trip to Qatar, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above and you can end up saving some valuable bucks on your tour.

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