Top payment methods in Qatar: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Qatar? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Qatar, with a population of around 3.11 million people, has a GDP of approximately 222.78 billion making it the 55th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR)
The economy is dominated by the production and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the world's richest countries per capita. It is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its main export markets are in Asia, including Japan and South Korea.
| Country | Qatar |
|---|---|
| Population | 3.11 million |
| GDP (USD) | 222.78 billion |
| Global Ranking | 55th |
| Currency | Qatari Riyal (QAR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Qatar?
In Qatar's wealthy and modern economy, the primary payment method is the credit or debit card, supported by near-universal banking penetration. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely adopted and accepted, thanks to high smartphone penetration and modern POS infrastructure. Physical cash in the form of the Qatari Riyal is still used, but typically for smaller transactions and in traditional markets (souqs).
How to pay in Qatar
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Qatar.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Debit/Credit) | Cards are the leading and most preferred payment method in Qatar, with very high penetration for both debit and credit cards. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) | Mobile wallets are very popular for contactless payments, with all the major international providers available and widely used by consumers. | In-person |
| Cash (Qatari Riyal) | While digital payments dominate, cash is still readily available and accepted everywhere for all types of transactions. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Online bank transfers are a standard method for making larger payments and for business transactions. | Online |
Traveling beyond Qatar? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Qatar?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Qatar.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.