Tips and information for travellers to Bahrain

Business Hours

Government offices are open Sunday to Thursday, 7.00am to 2.00pm. The private sector follows the same work week and generally operates between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm, with a one-hour break for lunch. Retail establishments are typically open until 8.00pm, although opening hours are frequently extended to midnight on weekends.

VISA

As part of the GCC political and economic bloc, the kingdom does not require visas for residents of other GCC member states, except Qatar. All other nationalities must have an entry permit. Tourist visas are available upon arrival for nationals of 67 countries, while e-visas are available for 116 countries. Tourist visas allow for a stay of up to 14 days at a cost of BD5 ($13.26). The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs office of the Ministry of Interior can assist with obtaining visas at www.evisa.gov.bh.

Tipping

A service charge of 15% is commonly added to the bill in most restaurants, in addition to a 5% government levy. It is typical, but not necessary, to leave an additional 10% for restaurant staff.

Communication

The country code for Bahrain is +973. SIM cards are available through the mobile operators Batelco, stc Bahrain and Zain, and can be purchased on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. A passport is required to obtain a SIM card. Data speeds of up to 5G are available with unrestricted access to voice and instant messaging apps.

Transport

Public transport is limited to a bus network, therefore car is the most efficient way to get around Bahrain. Taxis are available from most hotels, restaurant areas and shopping centres. By law, taxis are required to use their meters, with the minimum charge set at BD2 ($5.30). Car-hire companies can be found at the airport and in the city centre. Ride-sharing apps Uber and Careem also operate in Bahrain, and generally charge cheaper fares than taxis. An international driving permit is required to drive private cars in Bahrain and must be approved by the General Directorate of Traffic.

National Character

While Bahrainis are interested in and open to foreign cultures, they are also very proud of their own identity, history and culture. Locals are willing to share their customs and traditions with people who are interested to learn.

Dress

A suit and tie is the usual attire for foreign men in meetings, and darker colours are preferred. Jackets are not necessary in all environments. Women should avoid sleeveless attire; conservative yet stylish is a good choice. Many Bahraini men choose to wear traditional attire such as the thobe (ankle-length robe) and ghitra (headscarf) either in white or a red-andwhite-chequered pattern. Head attire among women varies, with Bahraini women also commonly wearing an abaya (full-length black robe).

Etiquette

Although Bahrain has a liberal social atmosphere and a large expatriate community, tourist should remain considerate of local sensitivities. It is considered impolite to accept or give anything with the left hand, engage in public displays of affection, show the soles of one’s feet, and eat, drink or smoke in public during the month of Ramadan between sunrise and sunset. When it comes to giving gifts, good options include imported chocolates, plants, or a souvenir or traditional gift from your home country.

Health

Both public and private health care facilities are available and of high quality. Payment is generally expected at the time of treatment. Pharmacies are widely available in cities and medication is affordable.

Electricity

Bahrain uses the UK 230-V, 50-Hz, three-pin electrical system. Adaptors are necessary for international plugs and can be easily obtained from hotels or shopping malls.

Language

While Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, English is widely spoken and prevalent in the business community. Official and business documents, as well as commercial and public signs, are often written in both English and Arabic. It is also common to hear Farsi, Urdu, Hindi and Filipino, among other languages.