Bahrain -
Essential Information at a Glance
Entry
documents
GCC nationals and residents in the GCC for six months do
not require visas. British passport holders do not require
visas for a one month period. Passport holders from
western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada
can obtain two-tourist visas [renewable for 2 weeks] at
the airport. Other visitors with confirmed onward or
return reservations may obtain visas from Bahraini
embassies abroad or on arrival at the airport.
Currency
The Bahrain Dinar [BD] is linked to the US Dollar at US$
1= BD 0.377. The dinar is divided into 1,000 fils. Notes
are available in denominations of BD 0.500, BD 1,BD 5, BD
10 and BD 20.
Business
hours
The weekend holiday is on Friday. Government offices open
from
0700 - 1415 Saturday to Wednesday. Commercial
organizations business hours vary but are generally 0800 -
1300 and then 1500 to 1800 Saturday to Thursday with
weekends starting at lunchtime Thursday.
Banking hours
Banks are open from 0730 - 1200 Saturday to Wednesday and
0730 - 1100 Thursdays. Many branches are also open from
1530 - 1730 on weekday afternoons.
Shopping
hours
These can vary depending on the size and type of shop but
are generally 0800 - 1200 and 1530 - 1930 Saturday to
Thursday. Some shopping malls stay open all day, seven
days a week. Supermarkets tend to stay open later in the
evening.
Language
Arabic is the official language although English is widely
understood and used by most businesses.
Religion
Islam is the religion of Bahrain. There is freedom of
worship for other faiths. Visitors are requested to
observe a modest dress code when walking in public.
Climate
Bahrain is sunny all the year round. During the first
quarter of the year, temperatures average between 17-20°C
with occasional rain and cool evenings. By the end of
April temperatures can soar 31°C. At the height of summer
- July to September - humidity is high with temperatures
reaching 40°C and above. From October to April, there are
warm days and balmy, breezy evenings. Average annual
rainfall is only 70mm.
Taxis
Taxies are metered and available at the airport, hotels
and on the street . There is a small surcharge for taxies
from airport and after midnight. Taxies and limousines can
also be booked in advance from taxi firms and hotels.
Car hire
There are a number of international and local car rental
organizations in Bahrain with the large international
companies having 24 hours offices at the airport. A GCC or
international driving license is required.
Hotels and
Restaurants
Bahrain boasts a large number of hotels, ranging from 5
star to 2 star, plus serviced apartments blocks.
Restaurants are numerous, including international,
regional, local and ethnic cuisine, fast food and take
away outlets.
Media
Two English language and two Arab language newspapers are
published daily. Regional and International papers and
magazines are widely available. Bahrain has four
terrestrial TV channels, two radio stations plus access to
satellite TV networks.
Telephone
Bahrain has a fully digitized telephone service with
international direct dialing to most countries. Public
phone boxes take 100 fils coins and telephone cards while
a GSM mobile phone service is available. Easy access to
the Internet is also provided.
Time
Bahrain is three hours ahead of GMT. There is no seasonal
change of time.
