Our Travel Tips - Connect Bahrain

Visa on Arrival: Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. However, it’s best to check your eligibility in advance. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days.

eVisa: Bahrain also offers eVisa services for tourists, which can be applied online before travelling www.evisa.gov.bh

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond you arrive.

Residence visas: A residence visa will be applied for by your company once you have signed your work contract.

Passports are used as ID for visitors in Bahrain, as well as photo driving licenses.

Residents will need to apply for a CPR (Central Population Registry). This is an identity card given to all residents and citizens. Your company will apply for this on your behalf once you have signed a contract. Children will also be given a CPR.

Bahrain has a fantastic climate, with bright blue skies and warm weather.

The cooler season runs from November to April. The weather is more pleasant during these months, with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. It can get quite chilly in January and February with a cold wind and occasional rain.

The summer lasts from May to October. It can get very hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid the midday heat. The humidity starts in July and lasts until October.

Be respectful. Bahrain is a Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders, and men should avoid wearing shorts in places like mosques. It is also advised to dress conservatively when visiting shopping malls and public places.

Ramadan: If you’re visiting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan (dates vary), be mindful that restaurants may not serve food or drink in public during daylight hours. Also, eating, drinking, and smoking in public may be considered disrespectful.

Handshakes: A handshake is a common greeting. However, avoid shaking hands with the opposite sex unless the other person offers their hand first.

Although Islam is the dominant religion on the island, there are many other religions. Bahrain is a fantastic example of peaceful coexistence amongst many religions.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available, and apps like Uber and Careem operate in Bahrain. When getting any airport taxi, ensure that the driver uses the meter or agree on a price in advance. Often there are added fees associated with airport pickups/drop offs.

Public Transport: Bahrain has a bus network, but it is very limited. Renting a car can be a good option for exploring the island, or getting about before you purchase a car.

Driving: If you plan to rent a car, you’ll need an international driving permit, or your home country license. The road network is generally good, and driving is on the right-hand side.

Currency: The local currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). It is one of the strongest currencies globally. The value is pegged to the US dollar. Saudi Arabian Riyals are also accepted in Bahrain.

Credit Cards: Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards. However, carrying cash for small transactions in markets and local shops is advisable.

ATMs: ATMs are widely available in major areas, but be aware of transaction fees for withdrawing cash from international banks.

Banks: If you are a resident you will be able to open a Bahraini bank account once you have your CPR.

Benefitpay: Benefit pay is an app which allows you to make payments via phone numbers and IBAN numbers. You can only use it when you have a Bahraini bank account. It is an easy and safe way to make payments.

Official Language: Arabic and English are the official languages in Bahrain.

Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic Arabic phrases, like “Shukran” (Thank you) and “As-salamu alaykum” (Hello), can be appreciated by locals.

Healthcare: Bahrain has a good healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals. It is recommended to have private medical insurance or travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Safety: Bahrain is considered a safe country for travelers. Petty crime is extremely rare.

Water: Tap water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. As a resident you will be able to have water delivered to your house on a weekly basis. You will need to purchase a water cooler.

Bahrain Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient fort offers insights into Bahrain’s history and is a must-see.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, open to tourists for guided tours.

The Bahrain National Museum: A fascinating place to explore Bahrain’s culture and history.

Manama Souq: The traditional market is perfect for shopping for souvenirs, spices, and local crafts.

The Pearling Path: Discover historic Muharraq and wander around the ancient Pearl Merchant houses and old alleyways.

The Tree of Life: A Prosopis Cineraria tree that is over 400 years old, situated in a barren area of desert, it is the only one of its kind in this area and it is not certain how the tree survives with little rainfall.

A’ali Pottery: Visit these family run workshops and shops, which use age-old techniques to shape clay on revolving wheels. You can even have a go at creating some pottery of your own.

Basket Weaving House: One of the oldest crafts in Bahrain, passed down through generations. You can visit this warehouse and see the ancient weaving. There are also many items to purchase.

Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre: a stunning architectural feat, carved from the rock of Sakir desert, Beyon Al Dana is an exceptional venue with a 10,000 seat capacity. A great place to enjoy live entertainment in Bahrain.

Bahrain International Circuit: Book a tour of the home of motor sport in the Middle East, home to the Bahrain F1. You can also test your racing skills by racing on the karting track at the BIKC.

Block 338: A lively area in Manama filled with restaurants, cafes and bars. This area has a great atmosphere and is a wonderful place for lunch or dinner.

Jarada: A disappearing tidal island which appears at low tide. It is a beautiful sand bar 40 minutes from Bahrain by boat.

Bahrain Bay & The Avenues Mall: Head to Bahrain Bay, home to luxury hotels, restaurants, and a large shopping mall.

Souqs and Malls: While traditional souqs are great for picking up souvenirs like spices, textiles, and jewellery, malls like City Centre Bahrain, Marassi Galleria Mall and The Avenues offer international brands and entertainment.

Gold: Bahrain is famous for its gold, and you can find beautiful pieces at competitive prices, especially in the Gold Souq in Manama.

Voltage: Bahrain uses a 230V supply with a frequency of 50Hz. The plug type is British-style (Type G), so bring an adapter if your device uses a different plug type.

Electricity is expensive so be mindful when using AC. If you are renting a villa or apartment you will have to register at EWA (Electricity and Water Authority) and pay electricity and water bills on a monthly basis. You will also need to pay a deposit when you set up your account. Please note some rentals are rented on a inclusive basis and electricity/water will be included in your rent.

Try Local Dishes: Bahraini cuisine features a mix of Arabian, Persian, and Indian flavors. Try dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat), hummus, tabbouleh, and freshly baked Arabic bread. You will find many ‘hole in the wall’ style bakeries where you can buy delicious flat bread.

Dates and Sweets: Dates are an essential part of Bahraini culture, and you’ll find them in many shops. Bahraini sweets like baklava and halwa are also popular.

Cleanliness: Keep the environment clean by disposing of your rubbish.

Beaches and Water Sports: Bahrain is home to beautiful beaches and offers activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kite surfing. However, avoid littering the beaches and respect the marine life.

Whether you’re here for a few days, weeks, months or years we hope these tips will ensure you have a memorable and wonderful stay in Bahrain!

• Bahrain is the 3^rd smallest country in Asia (The Maldives in the smallest, and Singapore a close second).
• The White Bulbul is the National Bird of Bahrain. They are frugivorous (only eat fruit) and have a pretty whistling song.
• Bahrain was known as Tylos by the Ancient Greeks. It was the centre of the Pearl Trade.
• The highest point in Bahrain is The Mountain of Smoke. It sits at 134m high in the Southern Governorate. It derives it’s name from the haze that sits around it on humid days, making it look like a mountain of smoke!
• Oil was first discovered in Bahrain in 1932 by the Bahrain Petroleum Company.
• The name Bahrain means ‘The Two Seas’ and refers to the two sources of water, the fresh water springs and the surrounding sea.
• The Bahrain World Trade Center was the world’s first skyscraper to integrate wind turbines into its design.
• Bahrain is home to the Tree of Life, a single mesquite tree planted around 1583 in the southern desert. It is still unclear what sustains the tree as there are no obvious water sources nearby.
• Muharraq was Bahrain’s capital from 1810 to 1923 during the peak years if the pearling economy.
• Pearl diving has been a tradition for thousands of years. Most of the population worked in jobs relating to the sea prior to the discover of oil.
• Bahrain is an Archipelago. While many think of Bahrain as a single island, it is actually made up of 33 islands. It is located in the Persian Gulf, connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway.
• Manama is the Capital of Bahrain.
• The King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, is 25k long.
• Bahrain is home to the Bahrain International Circuit which hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix. It was the first F1 in the Middle East.