Bahrain - Info & Facts

Suggested Length of Stay

Though Bahrain is not normally a stopover destination, 2-5 days will give you a good overall experience of the country.

 

Modes of transport

 

Roads

Bahrain roads are reasonably well maintained.

Public transport

Trains

Bahrain has no train network.

Taxis

Most visitors get around Bahrain by taxi, although persistence is needed to persuade drivers to use their metres.

Flying

Bahrain has no internal flights.

Boat

There are three boat services open to the general public: the small Qalat Bu Mahir ferry that takes passengers from the Bahrain National Museum to the fort and the two services that take passengers to the Al Dar Islands and the Hawar Islands.

 

Health Precautions

No vaccinations are required for visitors to Bahrain.

 

Food and Drink

Food is excellent in Bahrain and has a global flavour. Most restaurants fall within the midrange price bracket, but cheap eats include street shawarma and falafel wraps. Top-end restaurants tend to be attached to luxury hotels in the major cities, where a number of excellent boutique cafes have sprouted. In rural Bahrain, you’ll find more eateries than restaurants, and good cafes might be attached to a tourist site.

Cafes are widespread across the country, with many excellent ones attached to key sights like the National Museum and Riffa Fort.

 

Money

The official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change, commercial banks in Manama or at money changers operating in souks. ATMs are available in larger towns. Credit cards are widely accepted.

 

Time Zone

GMT +3.

 

Visas

Australians need a valid passport and a visa, obtainable online (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a one-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival. A two-week extension is possible.

 

Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts in Bahrain

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. The Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia provides consular assistance to Australians in Bahrain.

 

Bahrain Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia

Bahrain does not have an embassy in Australia; the nearest Embassy of Bahrain is in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

Electricity

The electrical current in Bahrain is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are used.

 

Getting there (stopovers)

Emirates and Etihad fly daily to Manama from most Australian capitals.

 

Tipping

Most restaurants and hotels in Bahrain add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to their bills. However, you may leave a tip at your discretion. Taxi drivers expect a 10 percent tip and porters will be happy with about 100 fils per item of baggage.

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