No issues elsewhere, but in Qatar, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
From my experience, Qatar is one of the easiest places for card usage in the Middle East. ATMs in malls and near Corniche worked fine with my Visa. A few local kiosks rejected my card, but otherwise everything was smooth. For budgeting, 250-300 QAR per day works well for food, transport, and attractions. Carry some riyals for taxis or souq purchases, but don’t stress too much-Qatar is largely cashless and foreign cards are widely accepted.
I had almost no issues in Qatar, though a friend’s Mastercard failed at one ATM. QNB and HSBC ATMs in Doha International Airport worked without problems. Supermarkets, restaurants, and even taxis accepted cards. Only small shops and stalls in souqs asked for cash. Budget 250-350 QAR per day if you’re eating out and visiting attractions like Katara or The Pearl. Card rejection isn’t common, but always carry a bit of cash for convenience.
In Doha, my Visa was rejected once at a Commercial Bank ATM, but QNB accepted it right after. Malls, hotels, and taxis took cards without issue, but buying food in Souq Waqif required cash. Budget around 250 QAR daily for metro rides, food, and sightseeing. Don’t worry too much-Qatar is highly digital, but it’s smart to carry 100-200 QAR cash for smaller purchases. ATMs in malls are usually the most reliable.
Qatar is very modern, so I was surprised when my card was rejected at one ATM in Doha. QNB and Doha Bank ATMs usually worked fine, but smaller standalone machines were less reliable. Stores in malls and restaurants almost always take cards, but traditional souqs prefer cash. Daily budget of 200-300 QAR covers taxis, meals, and museum entries like the Museum of Islamic Art. Carry some riyals just in case, though most places are card-friendly.