Bahrain

1. Though an inexpensive stopover, Bahrain isn't a cheap destination. If you want to travel comfortably, rent a car and load up on artifacts, expect to spend more. Taking the bus and bargaining will bring your costs down.

2. There are a number of banks and moneychangers, and it pays to shop around for the best rate. American Express offices will cash cheques for cardholders, and some banks will advance against Visa cards.

3. There are ATMs linked to international networks.

4. A service charge is added to almost every bill in Bahrain, but it generally goes to the shop, not the waitstaff. An appropriate tip in a good restaurant is 10%. While tips aren't expected (especially in less expensive places), foreign waiters and waitresses are often paid appalling wages.

5. Bargaining is common and expected, and hotel rates are almost always negotiable.

6. Bahrain has a decent bus service linking most of the major towns with Manama and Muharraq. You can easily cover Manama and Muharraq on foot, though renting a car will make it easier to get to farther-flung attractions.

7. There are agencies in Manama at the big hotels. You'll need to get an International Driving Permit before entering the country (you can't get one once you're there); driving is on the right.

8. Bahrain's taxis are metered, and while you can hire them by the hour for sightseeing trips outside Manama, you should only do this if you plan to spend lots of time poking around remote spots where you're unlikely to find another cab.

9. If you are interested in traditional craftwork, it is seen in several places around Bahrain- for instance- dhows (fishing boats).

10. You'll discover that the mainstay of Bahraini culture is drinking traditional Arabian coffee. You'll find a coffeepot in a shop or a souk. Traditional Arabian street food, like shawarma (lamb or chicken carved from a huge rotating spit and served in pita bread) and desserts such as baklava are also ubiquitous. While a bit thin on Arabic food, Bahrain has a bonanza of Indian, Pakistani, Thai and other Asian specialties.

11. You are advised to avoid village areas, especially after dark, and areas, which have been the scene of demonstrations and incidents in the past. Local security precautions, religious and social sensitivities should be observed and respected.

12. Visas can be obtained on arrival, or from the Embassy.

13. Medical insurance- Make sure you are fully covered for medical treatment, hospitalization and medical evacuation, which can be very expensive.

14. Travel insurance- Make sure you are fully covered for unexpected losses or expenses (eg- cancelled flights, lost luggage, lost passport, stolen cash or credit cards). Keep passport, money, tickets and valuables in a safe place.

15. Bring enough funds for your stay and return journey. Don't change money on the streets; keep bank transaction receipts as proof of obtaining money legally.

16. Get a valid visitor's visa from your embassy, before traveling to Bahrain. (Visas may be obtained on arrival, however).

17. Respect local laws and customs. Dress in a modest way. Don't behave in a manner, which might insult Muslim sensitivities, customs and beliefs. Don't make rude gestures or swear - you could be taken to court and face a severe fine. Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned Upon.

18. Drinking is allowed and many bars and restaurants serve alcohol. Muslim sensitivities toward alcohol should be observed - it is an offence to be drunk in public. Do not drink and drive

19. Carry identification at all times, you might be asked to produce it at any time. Carry photographic identification, e.g. your passport, if possible.

 

The best time to visit Bahrain is between November and February, when it's not too hot. Avoid visiting during Ramadan, the Muslim month of daytime fasting, when things slow down considerably. (Ramadan ends in January or December through 2002.) You might also want to stay away during the Muslim festivals marking the end of Ramadan and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (ending in March for the next few years), or over New Year's Eve. At these times the country is swamped with merrymakers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and accommodation becomes very hard to find, especially at the lower end of the scale, where prices sometimes double.

Contacts-Bahrain

 

TELEPHONE SERVICES

Country Code: 973
IDD: International dialing is available
Outgoing Code: 0

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

All services - 999.

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION

Bahrain Tourism Company (BTC) PO Box 5831,
Manama, Bahrain: Tel: 530 530. Fax: 530867.

PASSPORT INFORMATION

Valid Passport required Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

VISA INFORMATION

Required by all except: Nationals of Kuwait; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Jewelry may only be imported under licence. Pearls are under strict import regulations.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE

TAX BD3 for international departures payable in local currency.

HEALTH MATTERS

Typhoid, Malaria, Yellow Fever
Other Health Risks: Cutaneous leishmaniasis; typhoid fevers and hepatitis A and B occur.

FOOD AND DRINK

Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

CURRENCY

Dinar (BD) = 100 fils. All credit cards and travelers cheques are accepted. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 60 locations.

MONEY WIRING SERVICES

MoneyGram: 800 010., Western Union: 214021.

CREDIT CARD EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Amex: +44 1273 696933
Diners Club: (973) 530188
Bahrain Visa: (1) 410 581 9091

TRAVELERS CHEQUES EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Bahrain Thomas Cook: +44 1733 318950, Bahrain.

BANKING HOURS

0800 - 1200 and usually 1600 - 1800 (Sat to Wed) 0800 - 1100 (Thurs)

COST OF LIVING

Accommodation ranges from the deluxe to cheaper family-run guesthouses

LANGUAGES

Arabic. English may also be spoken.

WEATHER

Summers are very hot. Winters are much cooler. Rainfall is only likely in the winter. Spring and autumn are pleasant.

RELIGIONS

Muslim (Shia and Sunni). Christian; Bahai; Hindu and Parsee minorities.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2000: Jan 01; 09/10; Mar 17/18; Apr 08; 17; Jun 17; Oct 27; Dec 09; 16; 31.
2001: Jan: 01; Mar 07-09; 27; Apr 05-06; Jun 05; Dec 16; 21.

RADIO FREQUENCIES

BBC: 15.58 12.10 11.76 9.410 VOA: 15.20 11.83 9.700 7.205.

WOMEN IN SOCIETY

Attitudes towards women are more liberal than in many other Gulf states. Bahrain is described as one of the friendliest countries in the Gulf to travel in.

TRANSPORT

SEA: Transport between the smaller islands is by motor boat or dhow.
ROAD: Manama is served by an excellent road system.Buses serve most towns and villages.
TAXI: Identifiable by their orange and red colouring. Those waiting outside hotels may charge more and between midnight and 0500 - fares increase by 50 %.