Activities |
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Bahrain Basics |
The Basics
Time: GMT +3.
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz except in Awali where it is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. Bahrain uses UK style 3-pin power outlets.
Money: The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), divided into
1,000 fils. Notes come in denominations of 20, 10, 5 and 1 dinars
and 500 fils. The Bahraini Dinar is linked to the US Dollar at a
rate of US$1=BD 0.375. Money can be exchanged at the airport,
bureaux de change (which usually offer the best rates), commercial
banks in Manama or at moneychangers operating in the souq. ATMs are
available in the larger towns. Credit cards and travellers cheques
are widely accepted at hotels and the larger retail stores, but
smaller shops generally prefer cash. It is easiest to carry
travellers cheques in US dollars to avoid additional charges. Most
offices, businesses and government departments are closed on
Fridays, as it is a weekly holiday. Banks are usually open 7.30am
to 12pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday, and 7.30am to
11am Thursdays.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| BHD1.00 = | US$ 2.73 | £ 1.80 | C$ 2.78 | A$ 3.00 | R 20.07 | € 2.01 | NZ$ 3.93 |
Language: Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and is used by most businesses.
Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens require a passport and a visa or electronic visa to enter Bahrain. Single entry Electronic Visas may be obtained on the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) before travel, or a 14-day tourist or business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals require a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a multiple-entry three-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival (maximum stay four weeks per visit).
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a 14-day tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians need a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a 14-day tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa and a passport to visit Bahrain. Those visiting on business may obtain a visa on arrival, subject to immigration evaluation at the airport. Tourists should apply for a visa in advance of arrival, and require a letter of recommendation.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a 14-day tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals need a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a three-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival.
Passport/Visa Note: All persons who wish to enter Bahrain need a visa except citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). Visas are relatively easy to obtain on arrival if holding sufficient funds, a passport valid for at least six months, and tickets or documentation for return or onward travel. 14 day business or tourist visas incur a fee of BD 5 on arrival. eVisas must be used within 30 days of approval and are valid for a single entry. Visas are extendable.
Travel Health: Reports have been confirmed of human cases of Swine Flu in Bahrain. No vaccinations are required for visitors to Bahrain, but a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Medical facilities are good in the main cities, but health insurance is recommended because visitors must pay for treatment. There are many well-stocked pharmacies in the country. Water is deemed clean and safe by the authorities, but visitors usually prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available.
Tipping: Most restaurants and hotels add a service charge of 10-15% to their bills. However, you may leave a tip at your discretion. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip and porters will be happy with about 100 fils per item of baggage.
Safety Information: Although the crime rate in Bahrain is relatively low, visitors should be fully aware that along with other states in the Gulf region, the country is rated as high risk for indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Al Qaeda on Western interests. Visitors are advised to be vigilant at all times particularly in public places.
Local Customs: Although it is a liberal state, Bahrain is an Islamic country and many locals find scanty clothing and immoderate public behaviour offensive. Visitors should dress and act respectfully. Religious and social sensitivities should be observed and respected, especially during religious festivals. Foreigners are not expected to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, but it is considered extremely inconsiderate to eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. Homosexuality is illegal.
Business: Bahrain is generally more liberal than its Arab neighbours, but businesswomen should nevertheless ensure that they wear conservative clothing and men are expected to wear smart suits and ties. Bahrainis prefer to do business with those whom they have a personal relationship with so a letter of introduction from someone they know is appreciated. English is used as the language of business, but expect prolonged small talk and personal enquiries before sitting down to do business, as building a trustworthy relationship is important; greetings, using titles, are also important. Impatience has no place, so plenty of time should be allowed for decision-making. For meetings, punctuality is important and business cards are routinely handed out to everyone, using both hands and preferably with the Arabic translation on the back of the card face up. It is important to study a received card for a while before putting it away. Business hours are Sunday to Thursday 7am to 2pm. Most businesses take a break in the afternoon between 1pm and 3pm, but are open later in the evening. During the holy month of Ramadan working hours are reduced.
Communications: The international direct dialling code for Bahrain is +973, and the outgoing code 00 followed by the relevant country code (eg. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no city or area codes. Public phone booths are easily located, some accepting freely available phone cards and some coins. The country is covered by a GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone network. There are several Internet service providers and Internet is available at most of the larger hotels in Manama.
Duty Free: Travellers to Bahrain over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g tobacco (in open packets); perfume up to 237ml; 1 litre alcoholic liquor and 6 cans of beer for non-Muslim passengers only; and gifts to the value of BD 250. Arms and ammunition, methylated spirits, drugs and jewellery require an Import Permit.