Banking Hours

• Commercial banks: 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Saturdays to Wednesdays, and for many branches, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on the same afternoons; 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursdays.
• HSBC opens their Adliya branch from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Banks

Bahrain is the financial services centre of the Middle East. Utilising sophisticated worldwide communications, it serves both a regional and international clientele and provides a complete range of financial and banking services including well-developed offshore facilities.

Climate

In common with the rest of Bahrain, Manama has extremely hot, humid summers, and mild winters. Temperatures may rise as high as 38°C (100°F) in summer, as is the case in the rest of the country. Winters are generally a lot milder, with average temperatures in January around 17°C (63°F). The annual average rainfall is approximately 77mm.

Clothing

Dressing is conservative.

Credit Cards & Travellers' Cheques

Both forms of payment are widely accepted in hotels and larger business establishments. Bahrain has a very low crime rate, but it is still wise to note separately the serial numbers of your cheques or credit cards and the telephone numbers to call in case of loss. The following numbers should be useful should your cards / cheques be lost or stolen.

• American Express: 228822
• Diners Club: 530188
• MasterCard: 207485
• Visa: 207485

Currency

The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BD), divided into 1,000 fils. Notes come in denominations of 500 fils, and 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinars. The name dinar derives from the Roman denarius. The dinar was introduced in 1965, replacing the Gulf Rupee at a rate of 10 rupees = 1 dinar. Coins come in units of 10, 25, 50, and 100 fils. The BD is linked to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1 = BD 0.375.

Money can be exchanged at the airport, bureaux de change, commercial banks in Manama or at moneychangers operating in the souq. ATMs are available in the larger towns. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are widely accepted at hotels and the larger retail stores. Smaller shops generally prefer cash.

Customs

Travellers to Bahrain who are over 18 years of age do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g tobacco (in open packets); perfume up to 237ml; 1 litre alcoholic, liquor and 6 cans of beer for non-Muslim passengers only; and gifts to the value of BD 250. Arms and ammunition, methylated spirits, drugs and jewelry require an Import Permit.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz except in Awali where it is 110 volts, 60Hz. Bahrain uses UK style 3-pin power outlets.

Emergency Call Numbers

• Fire / Ambulance / Police: 999
• Traffic / Accidents: 1768-8888 or 1768-5999

Health

No vaccinations are required for visitors to Bahrain, but Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Medical facilities are good in the main cities. There are many well-stocked pharmacies in the country. Water is deemed clean and safe by the authorities; bottled water is widely available.

Local Area Information

Bahrain, a group of 33 islands, with an area of 707 square kilometres, is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. Taking its name from the largest island Bahrain, it is linked by causeways to Muharraq (international airport) and Sitra (industrial area and tank-farm). There are numerous other uninhabited tiny islands.

Manama is the capital city of Bahrain and is the country's largest city with a population of approximately 155,000, roughly a quarter of the country's entire population. This modern capital's economy is based on the service sector, banking and finance. The lifestyle is cosmopolitan, safe and relaxed. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and used by most businesses.

Mobile Phones

Bahrain is covered by a GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone network.

Public Phones

Public phone booths are conveniently located, some accepting freely available phone cards and some coins.

Shopping & Business Hours

The work week varies considerably by the company. Generally, the weekend days are Thursday and Friday. The main commercial hours are:

• Government offices: 7:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Saturdays to Wednesdays.
• Commercial organisations: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (hours vary per organisation).
• Shops & supermarkets: 8.30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. six days a week. Major malls are open from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Some markets and shops open Friday mornings (times vary).

Taxes

Bahrain is a tax-free country and you will not be required to pay any taxes to the Government.

Time Zone

GMT +3.

Tipping

Waiters and taxi drivers expect a 10% tip if there isn't a service charge already added to the bill. Porters will be happy with about 100 fils per item of baggage.

Visa

All persons who wish to enter Bahrain need a visa, except citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates). Visas are relatively easy to obtain on arrival and are extendable. All visitors also require a passport valid for at least six months, and tickets or documentation for return or onward travel. Visit www.evisa.gov.bh to obtain a visa online.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.