Owais Crawford
If you're a smoker travelling through Hamad International Airport in Doha, you may be wondering if you can buy cigarettes at the airport. The answer is yes—you can buy cartons of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco at the two main stores, 24 seven and QDF Express, which are open 24/7. While the airport claims to be a smoke-free facility, there are designated smoking areas throughout the terminal, which are fitted with smoke extractors and comfortable seating. These smoking rooms are widely available, with one located about every 100 meters. It's worth noting that duty-free cigarettes at Doha Airport are cheaper than in some other locations, such as Hong Kong. However, if you prefer to buy cigarettes pack-by-pack rather than in bulk, you may find slightly cheaper prices outside the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy cigarettes at Doha Airport? | Yes |
| Stores | 24 Seven, QDF Express |
| Available formats | Cartons, cigars, tobacco |
| Availability | 24/7 |
| Smoke-free facility | Yes, but designated smoking areas are available |
| Duty-free | Yes |
| Price | A double carton (20 packs) can cost up to 200 QAR (about $50 USD) |
| Individual packs | Around 15 QAR ($4.50) per pack, plus a small tax |
| Vaping and e-cigarettes | Conflicting reports, some say they are banned in Qatar, others say they can be used in transit |
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What You'll Learn
Cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco are available for purchase at Doha Airport
Cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco are available for purchase at Doha Hamad International Airport. The airport has two main stores—24 Seven and QDF Express—where you can buy cigarettes. Both stores are open 24/7 and sell cigarettes only by the carton, not in loose packs. A double carton (20 packs) of popular brands like Marlboro can cost around 200 QAR (approximately $50 USD). If you prefer to buy cigarettes pack-by-pack, you can still find them at slightly cheaper prices than in the US, at around 15 QAR (about $4.50) per pack, plus a small tax.
Doha Airport is a duty-free shopping paradise with over 80 shops, most of which are luxury brands. You can find a wide variety of cigars, including authentic Cuban cigars, which are difficult to come by in the US. The airport also has multiple designated smoking areas with proper ventilation and comfortable seating. These rooms can be located by following signs or asking for directions at the information desks.
It is important to note that while Doha Airport claims to be a smoke-free facility, it provides ample opportunities for smokers to indulge. However, vaping and e-cigarettes are banned in Qatar, and there is conflicting information about using them in transit at Doha Airport. Some travellers have reported having their e-cigarettes confiscated upon arrival, while others have been assured by Qatar Airways that they can carry them through.
When purchasing cigarettes at Doha Airport, it is advisable to check the price on the plane and compare it with the airport's prices to ensure you get the best deal. Additionally, be mindful of the limits on the total number of cigarettes you can purchase, which vary depending on your destination. For example, the limit for USA residents is 1,000 cigarettes.
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There are designated smoking areas at Doha Airport
If you are a smoker, you'll be pleased to know that there are designated smoking areas at Doha Hamad International Airport. In fact, the airport is considered smoker-friendly. As you make your way through the terminal, you will come across separately-ventilated smoking rooms every 100 meters or so. These rooms are fitted with smoke extractors and comfortable seating.
The airport itself is a smoke-free facility, but it does have several smoking rooms. There are signs around the airport indicating where these rooms are located, or you can ask someone at one of the information desks to point you in the right direction.
It's important to note that the smoking rooms can get quite packed, especially at midnight before Qatar Airways' late-night departure bank. When the rooms are full, smoke can waft out, and it may be smelled in the departure hall.
Additionally, if you are looking to purchase cigarettes, there are two main stores inside the airport where you can buy them: 24 seven and QDF Express. These stores are open 24/7 and sell cigarettes only in cartons, not loose packs.
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E-cigarettes are banned in Qatar, but their use at Doha Airport is unclear
While Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) claims to be a "smoke-free facility", it is considered a smoker-friendly airport with designated smoking areas available throughout the airport. Travellers can buy cartons of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco at the two main stores inside the airport: 24 seven and QDF Express. These stores are open 24/7 and sell cigarettes at duty-free prices.
However, it is important to note that e-cigarettes are banned in Qatar. The use, sale, distribution, and advertising of e-cigarettes in the country are considered offences. The import and distribution of vapes are banned, but the use of them is less of a risk. Despite the ban, some people still bring e-cigarettes into the country, and their use at Doha Airport is unclear.
In 2016, the head of the Non-Communicable Disease Department at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Kholood al-Mutawa, stated that they had "instructed all supermarkets, pharmacies, and other outlets not to sell [e-cigarettes]. We have also communicated with the customs department at the airport, seaport, and the land border not to allow e-cigarettes into Qatar."
People caught with e-cigarettes during the 2022 World Cup faced fines of up to 10,000 riyals (around £2,200) or a maximum of three months in prison. With traditional cigarettes legal in Qatar, some have expressed concern that banning vaping while allowing tobacco use is anti-science and anti-public health.
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Cigarettes are cheaper at Doha Airport than in the US
Cigarettes are significantly cheaper at Doha Airport than in the US. A carton of popular cigarette brands like Marlboro costs around 200 QAR or $50, which is a bargain compared to the $6-8 per pack price in the US. That's a savings of up to $3 per pack! Even if you miss your chance to purchase a carton and have to buy cigarettes pack-by-pack, you'll still save money compared to US prices. In Doha, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs around 15 QAR or $4.50, plus a small tax.
Doha Airport offers a wide selection of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products at duty-free prices. With over 80 duty-free shops, you can find luxury brands and unique products that aren't available elsewhere. The airport also has multiple designated smoking areas, making it a smoker-friendly environment.
It's important to note that there are limits to the total number of cigarettes you can purchase at Doha Airport, especially if you're flying to the US. The limit for US residents is 1,000 cigarettes, and you can purchase up to 400 cigarettes on your way into Doha.
So if you're a smoker traveling through Doha Airport, take advantage of the lower prices and stock up on your favorite cigarette brands. You'll not only save money but also enjoy the convenience of duty-free shopping and the availability of smoking areas within the airport.
Remember to check the prices on the plane as well, as sometimes they may offer even better deals on cigarettes. Overall, Doha Airport provides a cost-effective and convenient experience for smokers, making it a smart choice to purchase cigarettes while traveling through.
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Doha Airport has over 80 duty-free shops
Yes, you can buy cigarettes at Doha Hamad International Airport. There are two main stores inside the airport where you can buy cigarettes: 24 seven and QDF Express. Both stores are open 24/7 and sell a range of cigarette cartons.
In addition to cigarettes, Doha Airport offers a wide variety of cigars, including authentic Cuban cigars that are hard to come by in the US. With its vast selection of duty-free shops, the airport is a shopper's paradise, offering something for everyone.
It's important to note that while the airport claims to be a smoke-free facility, designated smoking rooms are widely available throughout the terminal. These rooms are fitted with smoke extractors and comfortable seating, ensuring a pleasant experience for smokers. So, whether you're a smoker or not, Doha Airport caters to a diverse range of travellers with its extensive duty-free shopping options and amenities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy cartons of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco at the Hamad International Airport in Doha. The two main stores that sell cigarettes are 24 Seven and QDF Express.
Yes, there are designated smoking rooms available throughout the airport terminal, which are fitted with smoke extractors and comfortable seating.
The internet provides conflicting information about this. While some sources claim that e-cigarettes are banned in Qatar, others have said that they were allowed to use their e-cigarette in a designated smoking area at the airport.
