Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TELEPHONE
Bahrain's telephone country code is 973 and there are no area or city codes. The interna-
tional access code (to call abroad from Bahrain) is 00. There are several help lines includ-
ing local directory assistance (181) and international directory assistance (191).
Bahrain's telecommunications system is run by the government monopoly, Bahrain
Telecommunications Company (Batelco). International calls from Bahrain cost BD0.180
per minute to Europe, Australia and North America. Rates are reduced to BD0.160
between 7pm and 7am every day, as well as all day Friday and on public holidays. Local
calls anywhere within Bahrain cost 20 fils per minute.
Blue payphones take coins. Red payphones take phonecards, which are widely avail-
able from most grocery stores in denominations of BD1, BD3, BD5 and BD10.
Mobile Phones
Bahrain's mobile-phone network runs on the GSM system through Batelco and Zain. Vis-
itors can also purchase SIM cards for BD1, BD5 and BD10 at all Batelco and Zain outlets.
Recharge cards come in many denominations up to BD20.
VISAS
Visas are needed to visit Bahrain. For people of many nationalities, these can be conveni-
ently obtained at Bahrain International Airport or at the border with Saudi Arabia. A two-
week visa on arrival costs BD5 and is payable by credit card only. You can check your eli-
gibility for a visa on arrival online (
www.evisa.gov.bh
) as there are some restrictions cur-
rently in place (for example, for certain professions).
Multiple-entry business visas are available for citizens of many nationalities. Valid for
five years with maximum stays of 28 days; cost is BD20.
Visa Extensions
Two-week visa extensions can be obtained by visiting the
General Directorate of Nationality,
Passports & Residents
( 17 530 902;
www.evisa.gov.bh
;
Sheikh Hamad Causeway)
. The cost is currently
BD5 and they take 72 hours to process. Foreigners overstaying their visas are rigorously
fined.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Bahrain is fairly liberal compared to some other Gulf countries, which can be both a
blessing (less of the staring) and a nuisance (more of the hassle).
Getting There & Away
AIR
