Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LEGAL MATTERS
Breaking the law can have severe consequences. For more information, see the Expats
chapter (
Click here
)
and consult your embassy.
MAPS
The
Bahrain Map & Pocket Guide
(BD1), published in cooperation with Tourism Affairs,
Ministry of Information is available from the airport, Bahrain National Museum and
bookshops. It has useful up-to-date information on the reverse, together with a good map
of Manama.
MONEY
Bahrain's currency is the Bahraini dinar (BD). One dinar is divided into 1000 fils. There
are 500 fil and 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinar notes. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50,
100 and 500 fils. The Bahraini dinar is a convertible currency and there are no restrictions
on its import or export.
ATMs & Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Bahrain. Most banks have ATMs that
accept Visa, Cirrus and MasterCard cards, while the Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK)
has ATMs that take Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Amex cards.
Money Changers
Money (both cash and travellers cheques) can be changed at any bank or moneychanging
office. There is little to choose between banks and money changers in terms of exchange
rates and it's rare for either to charge a commission. Currencies for other Gulf States are
easy to buy and sell.
Tipping & Bargaining
A service charge is added to most bills in restaurants and hotels in Bahrain, so tipping is at
your discretion. An appropriate tip for good service would be around 10%. Airport porters
expect 200 fils per bag despite their services being covered by the airport tax. Taxi drivers
do not expect a tip for short journeys. For longer journeys (over 5km), 10% would be ap-
propriate.
Bargaining in the souqs and in most shops, together with asking for a discount, is ex-
pected.
OPENING HOURS
The weekend in Bahrain is on Friday and Saturday for most commercial and government
organisations.
Banks
7.30am to 3pm Sunday to Thursday
