FASTFAX BAHRAIN

Bahrain is a very pleasant country to visit. Manama is the major city on this island nation and will be your center-point of your visit. Other cities and towns can be visited during the day as the island is quite small. The country is connected to Saudi Arabia via the Kind Fahd Causeway (see pic here).

Weather & Climate

Bahrain is an island nation in the sweltering Arabian/Persian Gulf. The weather is great in the winter months (Sept-Mar) and is a good respite from icy climes back West.

Religion

Bahrain is a Muslim country, though predominantly Shi'ite rather than Sunni. Religion is apparent throughout the country, especially among the older locals, and the call to prayer, which is broadcast five times a day via speakers on the country's mosques. Bahrain is also much more tolerant than its Gulf neighbors in terms of Western ways, but caution should be exercised, especially in the more rural areas of the country. Bahrainis are extremely friendly on the whole, and very welcoming, you will get invitations to people's houses (take them!) for dinner, or coffee.

During Ramadan, the country effectively shuts down during the day and you are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke outside in public (in respect to the Muslim fasters). Ramadan is a month long holiday and the date changes every year. Other Muslim holidays tend to draw large crowds from neighboring countries.

Language

Arabic is the language of the country, though since most people (about 65% of the population) in Bahrain are foreign workers, English is very widely spoken, you shouldn't have any problems regarding speaking to people or finding your way around.

Clothing

Dress modestly, unless going out to a nightclub. Men and Women shouldn't wear shorts or tank tops around. Do dress even more modestly in the rural areas, as there are still untrammeled parts of the country where Westerners aren't tramping around. Stick to your hotel's private beach rather than just plopping down in the sand wherever - you will have unwanted attention.

Visas

All visitors require a visa, except for neighboring GCC countries and visitors from England with a valid passport good for six months. You may get a visa upon arrival, either at the airport or at the Saudi border crossing. It's wise to phone your local embassy or consulate before traveling to double check requirements. The website for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the USA is http://www.bahrainembassy.org/ and contains important contact information.

Note: If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will be denied admission to the country.

Driving

International Driving Permit is not required, but can be welcome. Application and info for US drivers on AAA's website here: http://www.csaa.com/.

Driving in Bahrain is quite safe, though maneuvering around the roundabouts can take a few trials. Do not drink and drive, the penalties are very strict. If you drink, take a taxi (though be sure and demand that they use the meter). You can rent a car from all of the major car rental companies.

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol is available in hotels only, see our Bahrain nightlife section for explication. There are quite a few nightclubs and bars in the country, though they are are affiliated with hotels. You may want to ask around to find the "in" spot at the moment, as it often changes. Visitors from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait find Bahrain an accessible watering hole and are apparent revelers in the country, especially during Muslim holidays. Most bars and discos have a very discriminating door policy, usually only letting in Westerners in Western dress, and very rarely the single male of any nationality.

Drug use is not tolerated and the penalties are very, very severe. Do not use or buy or transport illegal drugs of any kind.

Money

Bahraini Dinar, broken down into 1,000 fils per Dinar. One USD is about 38 fils. One Dinar is about $2.65 US.

Change your money either in the airport in Bahrain or at your hotel. Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs available.

Vaccinations Needed: None.

Annoyances

Bahrain is a very safe and hospitable country to visit, with an incredible welcoming culture. You should avoid taking pictures near any military site or in the airports. You should also be fairly respectful while in public, don't be excessively drunk or disorderly, this is the biggest insult to the Bahraini people. When haggling for prices, don't be rude about it, it's part of the shopping experience, but make it a pleasant and fun one, rather than a demanding one ("give me that rug for $10 right now!").

Gay & Lesbian Travel

Homosexuality is against the law in Bahrain and is not culturally tolerated, especially in public. Discretion should be followed, but you shouldn't feel like you are being watched by the secret police either. For more info, check out http://www.gaymiddleeast.com/.

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