Err.. The allowances for layovers are not reimbursements.. there's a set amount per station, so what they do is based on the no. of days u spend there, they'll give you a breakfast, lunch and/or dinner allowance.. but it only comes to you at the end of the month. calculations are done from the 15th to the 14th of the nxt mth.. the USD is for your own personal expenditure esp during layovers coz sometimes your 1st mth paycheck is simply not enough..
The taxis here are generally not reliable. Orange taxis are cheap (but must make sure to remind them to switch on the meter) but best to travel in them if you are with a grp of friends. The green Karwa taxis are like Singapore taxis .. unfortunately, these guys are probably as new as you are and prob don't know the roads as well.. But if you go to standard places, they shdn't be that lost..
The private taxis are those which, well.. you will get to know along the way thru recommendations from other crew..
BUT NOTE: if you are going to work in UNIFORM, please make sure these private TAXIs do not stop you tooooo close to the office or technical building (where we report for flight).. simply becoz there is a rule here where NO MEN are allowed to drop a FEMALE employee to work UNLESS its a husband or brother.. And no one knows who the private taxi drivers are, so you can't prove anything if you get caught.
NOTE: DO NOT TAKE A STRANGER'S CAR even if they claim to be private TAXIs .. some of these men just wanna get girls .. I'm NOT KIDDING..
The limousines from the hotels / airports are expensive but MOST RELIABLE.. so its your personal choice.
As for accommodation, you cannot choose your roommates.. but if you are all moving to a NEW accommodation, you can try talking nicely to the housing / welfare officer to ask if you guys can live together.. if not .. just pray damn hard..
Some accommodations have gyms.. so if you get those, wearing shorts around the accommodation is fine (as long as not in public .. its at your own risk ah!).. Better to wear 3/4 (capri pants), go to the gym (if its outside your accommodation) then change.
**** Girls who wear nice short, cleavage showing stuff are really doing it at their own risks coz if anything were to happen to you and even if you call the cops and the office, the first thing they ask you is "WHAT WERE YOU WEARING" .. Its a muslim country to begin with and you guys know the rules .. so they won't support you if you break them.
Extra bed linen .. well, they only give you 1 set .. and some girls are plain fussy.. and wats more .. if you are moving in to an old accommodation, they probably didn't change the mattress (enough said)..
I flew from SG to DOHA with another Singaporean girl who became my flat mate (i was damn lucky) there was no rep in SG but the moment you get to DOHA, you'll notice someone with the QR logo or just someone who seems to b searching for people .. its usually a female ..
Hmmm.. ok .. lets see, what else..
For those who love to party, don't worry la.. there are one or two clubs around here.. its not like Singapore but enough to kill the cravings.. BUT note: Please only party on Thurs nite (which is the wkend here.. THURS = FRI, FRI = SUN, SAT = SAT here.. the weekends here are only technically once a week .. SAT to THURS)
** This place does have their "spies" .. And if you guys wanna dress up fancy and skimpy .. cover it up with a nice long shawl first and remove later when u get to the club and make sure you cover again when you head home okie.. Its a little tip**
OK .. let me know if you need anything else.
