Don’t forget to buy your Qatari rials (QAR) before you leave for Qatar.
When planning a trip, it's important to be well informed about practices, customs, means of transport and, above all, the local currency. In Qatar, the local currency is the Qatari rial (QAR). You can easily pay with your bank cards, but in some contexts you may need cash. Therefore, we advise you to exchange GBP QAR before you leave. Exchanging your currency before you leave allows you to take the time to check the rates offered and certainly find the best offer for your travel money. We also advise you to set a travel budget so that you can have an idea as to the amount of GBP QAR to exchange.
Practical tips for planning your budget
A daily budget of 360 QAR will allow you to pay for accommodation, two meals in restaurants and transport.
When it comes to tipping in Qatar, you should add a 10-15% tip to the bill. If when you travel you like to experience the traditional cuisine of your destination country, in Qatar it will cost you around 50 qar for a meal in a small restaurant.
200 QAR
Average cost of a one night stay
130 QAR
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in Qatar
1.95 QAR
Public transport ticket
10 QAR
The price of a cup of coffee
50 QAR
Entrance fee to the Qatar National Museum
30 QAR
Thareed
2.45 QAR
A taxi ride
58 QAR
A visit to the Islamic Art Museum
Some suggestions
- A UNESCO heritage site, Al Zubarah is exceptionally well preserved. It was once a fort that protected the city.
- The Souq Waquif, you will be delighted if you plan to take some souvenirs with you, the souq is very colourful and also allows you to take a break between your purchases in cafes. You will find food, spices, fabrics and much more.
- A nature reserve that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khor Al Adaid reserve promises a sublime landscape.
- A little bit of nature and then head for 'Al Thakira Mangroves'. If you're lucky, you may also see flamingos wandering around. This part of the country is a contrast to the rest. It is also possible to rent a kayak to enjoy this little corner of paradise even more.
- For traditional architecture, visit the village of Katara. It is full of culture. There are museums, an outdoor amphitheatre with an Italian feel, a theatre and an opera house.
- The Qatar National Museum is well worth a visit, with exhibits highlighting Qatari history and heritage. Take a tour for an immersion in Qatari culture.
Some facts about the Qatari Rial
Denominations of the Qatari Rial
Notes: 1 QAR, 5 QAR, 10 QAR, 50 QAR, 100 QAR, 500 QAR.
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 dirhams.
The Qatari riyal replaced the Qatar and Dubai riyal in 1973 when Dubai joined the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At that time, Qatar began issuing its riyal separately.
The front of the banknotes consists of a common theme based on traditional geometric patterns, the Qatari state flag, Qatari flora and an ornate doorway depicting historic Qatari architecture.
Why buy Qatari Rials from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has been in the business of currency exchange and other monetary services since 1992. The company now has many currency exchange bureaus in the UK, which are strategically located to be convenient for travellers to exchange their currency. Note that ChangeGroup offers a wide range of 60 foreign currencies and the Qatari rial is one of them. If you exchange GBP QAR before you leave, order your travel money online for a more interesting rate than in exchange bureaus and enjoy 0% commission as well. Choose our home delivery service for £ 11.95 and receive your order, fully secured, in 24h. ChangeGroup offers a Buy-Back guarantee service which allows you to bring back your extra travel money. ChangeGroup will then purchase them from you at the same price when you first exchange GBP QAR. As a consequence, do not be reluctant regarding the amount of money you want to exchange.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select delivery method
Choose between branch pick-up and free next day home delivery. Create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches or have it delivered conveniently at your doorstep. Enjoy your trip!