Check Requirements

Bahrain International Airport offers extensive duty-free area features a wide range of international brands across multiple product categories, making it a premier shopping destination for travelers.

Duty-Free Categories Available:

• Perfumes and Cosmetics - Wide selection of international brands
• Electronics - Latest gadgets, phones, and accessories
• Gold and Watches - Luxury timepieces and jewelry
• Fashion and Accessories - Clothing, bags, and lifestyle products
• Souvenirs - Bahraini souvenirs and local crafts
• Alcohol and Tobacco - For eligible passengers
• Confectionery and Gifts - Chocolates and specialty items

Shopping Locations:

• Departures Area - Multiple duty-free sections after security
• Arrivals Area - Limited shopping options for arriving passengers
• Before Check-in - Some retail outlets available before security

Bahrain Duty Free, established in 1990, has been operating duty-free facilities at Bahrain International Airport for decades and operates shops at both Departures and Arrivals areas within the airport, staffed by over 400 employees. The duty-free shops offer competitive pricing and exclusive airport-only promotions. Customers can collect orders when departing or returning, and the shopping experience includes personalized service and multilingual staff support.

Additional Services: Currency exchange services are available throughout the terminal. Tax refund services are not currently offered at Bahrain International Airport, and special promotional events throughout the year make Bahrain International Airport an attractive shopping destination for international travelers.

Most shopping malls in Bahrain follow consistent operating schedules, though hours may vary slightly between different establishments and during special occasions or holidays.

Standard Mall Hours:

• Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Thursday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM or midnight
• Saturday: Similar to weekday hours (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM)

Major Malls Operating Hours:

• The Avenues Bahrain: Saturday-Wednesday 10 AM-10 PM, Thursday-Friday 10 AM-midnight
• Seef Mall: Saturday-Tuesday 10:00-22:00, Wednesday-Friday 10:00-23:00
• City Centre Bahrain: Sunday-Wednesday 10:00-22:00, Thursday-Friday extended hours
• MODA Mall typically operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.

Additional Notes:

• Food outlets, cinemas, and entertainment areas often extend to midnight
• Hypermarkets like Carrefour may have extended hours - Saturday-Wednesday 8:30 AM-midnight, Thursday-Friday 8:30 AM-1:00 AM
• Traditional souks usually open in split shifts, generally around 8:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–10:00 PM, though individual shop hours may vary.
• Some convenience stores and select standalone shops operate 24/7, but shopping malls in Bahrain do not run 24 hours

Bahrain has invested in modern healthcare facilities that meet international standards with cutting-edge medical technology and is becoming a growing medical tourism destination in the Gulf region, thanks to continuous investment in modern healthcare.

Major Medical Facilities:

• Royal Bahrain Hospital - 70-bed multispecialty facility providing quality care
• Bahrain Specialist Hospital - First private hospital in Bahrain with Joint Commission International Accreditation
• Salmaniya Medical Complex - Main government hospital
• American Mission Hospital - Well-established healthcare provider
• King Hamad University Hospital - Modern teaching hospital

A number of hospitals and medical centers in Bahrain hold recognized accreditations, including JCI and high-level NHRA certifications, reflecting strong compliance with healthcare standards. Bahrain attracts skilled doctors and specialists from around the world who have received education and training from leading international institutions.

The healthcare system covers all major specialties including emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, cosmetic surgery, and oncology. Major hospitals have English-speaking staff and offer translation support for international patients, making it accessible for tourists requiring medical attention.

Tap water in Bahrain meets international treatment standards, but quality can vary in buildings and storage tanks, so it is generally not recommended for drinking unless properly filtered or boiled. Most locals and tourists rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Bottled water is widely available throughout the kingdom and is the recommended option for visitors.

Key Points:

• While Bahrain’s tap water is treated, it may not be consistently safe to drink in many buildings due to storage and piping conditions, so bottled or filtered water is generally preferred.
• Bottled water is easily accessible at hotels, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets
• Boiling tap water before consumption can make it safer for drinking
• Some residents install reverse osmosis systems for home water filtration
• The water supply comes from desalination plants blended with groundwater

While tap water can be used for bathing and washing, visitors are advised to drink bottled water and use filtered or bottled water for making ice, while using tap water for brushing teeth is generally considered safe. Due to Bahrain’s hot climate, staying well-hydrated is important, and many health experts recommend increasing daily water intake to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Several vaccinations are recommended or required for travel to Bahrain, depending on your health status, travel plans, and countries visited before arrival.

Routine Vaccinations (Recommended):

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID-19 (current vaccine)
• Chickenpox (Varicella) – recommended for travelers who have never had the disease or vaccination. Shingles vaccine is generally for older adults and not specifically required for travel.
• Pneumococcal vaccine – recommended for older adults or travelers with chronic health conditions, but not required specifically for Bahrain.
• Meningococcal vaccine – usually not needed for Bahrain, except for travelers joining Hajj/Umrah or those arriving from outbreak areas.

Travel-Specific Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers due to food/water exposure risk
• Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers to most regions
• Typhoid - protection against food/water contamination (shot lasts 2 years, oral vaccine 5 years)
• Polio – ensure you are fully vaccinated; an adult booster may be considered if you have not had one since childhood, depending on your risk and travel plans.

Special Requirements:

• Yellow Fever - required if traveling from countries with yellow fever transmission risk
• Rabies - recommended for long-term travelers or those potentially exposed to animals

Timing Considerations:

• Schedule appointments 4-6 weeks before departure
• Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks
• Oral typhoid vaccine must be refrigerated and requires ability to swallow pills

Additional Health Precautions:

• Travel health insurance recommended
• Prescription medications should be properly documented
• Basic first aid supplies for minor health issues

Some vaccines such as Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, or Shingles are not required for all travelers, but may be recommended depending on age, health conditions, and length of stay. Consult a travel medicine specialist or your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your specific itinerary and health history.

Bahrain has significant internet restrictions despite offering high-speed connectivity, with government censorship affecting various types of online content.

Content Blocking:

• Political websites and content critical of the government
• Religious sites deemed inappropriate or promoting sectarianism
• Human rights organizations and activist platforms
• Pornographic content and adult material
• Proxy and VPN services to circumvent blocking
• Certain international news sites may be blocked during politically sensitive periods.

Government Monitoring:

• Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) oversees content filtering
• All ISPs required by law to block sites when ordered by authorities
• Authorities conduct regular monitoring of websites and social media platforms, particularly focusing on political and activist content.
• Special government unit dedicated to identifying content for blocking

Legal Framework:

• Press and Publications Law provides basis for content restrictions
• Cybercrime legislation enables blocking for "national security" reasons
• Cybercrime legislation includes broadly worded provisions that allow blocking of sites deemed to incite violence, hatred, or threaten national security.
• Vague definitions allow broad interpretation of what constitutes harmful content

Practical Impact:

• Freedom House rates Bahrain's internet as "Not Free" (28/100)
• Social media monitoring is extensive
• VPN usage is discouraged and subject to restrictions, with some services occasionally blocked.
• Business and tourism websites are largely accessible, with limited exceptions.

User Experience: While technical infrastructure is excellent, users should be aware that political discussions online carry risks, and accessing blocked content may have legal consequences.

Yes, purchasing a local SIM card in Bahrain is straightforward and highly recommended for affordable connectivity during your visit.

Where To Buy:

• Bahrain International Airport - all major carriers have counters/stores in arrivals
• Operator retail stores - Batelco, Zain, and stc (VIVA) locations throughout cities
• Shopping malls - widespread availability in major shopping centers
• Some supermarkets or convenience stores may carry prepaid SIMs, though the most reliable places are airport kiosks and operator retail shops.

Requirements:

• Valid passport (mandatory for registration)
• Registration generally requires only a valid passport; in some cases, operators may also request basic contact details.
• Payment methods vary — major stores and airport counters accept credit/debit cards, though smaller shops may prefer cash.

Major Carriers:

• Batelco - largest network with extensive coverage
• Zain - competitive pricing and good urban coverage
• stc Bahrain (formerly VIVA) — modern network with attractive data packages.

Activation Process:

• Purchase and insert the SIM card
• Register using passport details as required by law
• Follow activation instructions provided by retailer
• Configure device settings for mobile data access

Tourist Packages:

• Prepaid plans specifically designed for visitors
• Data bundles ranging from daily to monthly options
• International calling add-ons available
• Top-up options available at numerous locations

Cost: Tourist SIM cards usually cost around BHD 3–7 (USD 8–20) depending on the included data and voice allowances.

Bahrain is a small island nation where intercity travel is quick and convenient, with multiple transportation options suitable for different preferences and budgets.

Taxi Services:

• Most convenient option for direct, door-to-door travel
• Metered taxis are widely available and regulated
• Journey times are usually 15–30 minutes between nearby urban areas, though travel may take longer during peak hours.
• Cost: Typically BHD 2–7 ($5–18) for most city-to-city trips, though longer routes or night-time rides may be higher

Private Car Rental:

• Offers maximum flexibility for exploring at your own pace
• Well-maintained road network with clear signage in Arabic and English
• Parking available in most city centers and attractions
• An international driving license is recommended, though many rental agencies also accept a valid national license with passport.

Public Bus Network:

• Budget-friendly option connecting all major cities
• Regular schedules with air-conditioned comfort
• Longer journey times due to multiple stops
• Fares are affordable and vary by route or ticket type, with options such as single-ride tickets and rechargeable GO Cards.

Ride-Hailing Apps:

• Uber and local alternatives operate throughout the kingdom
• Transparent pricing and convenient booking
• Usually available throughout the day in major cities, though availability can vary late at night or in less busy areas.

Pro Tips:

• Traffic is generally light except during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
• Distances are short – Bahrain is a compact island nation (about 780 km²), making travel between cities quick.
• Consider combining methods - bus for budget travel, taxi for convenience.

Bahrain's public bus system is modern, affordable, and comprehensive, operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company under government supervision.

System Overview:

• 26 well-planned routes covering major cities and residential areas
• Over 600 designated bus stops throughout the kingdom
• 140 modern, air-conditioned buses operating daily
• Real-time updates available through official apps and websites

Key Routes Connect:

• Manama (capital city)
• Muharraq (including the international airport)
• Isa Town, Riffa, Budaiya, and Saar
• A1 Airport Line - direct service between airport and city center

Pricing:

• Single journey: 275 fils (around $0.73) with GO Card.
• Daily cap: 700 fils (around $1.85) with GO Card – once you reach this amount in one day, further rides are free.
• Monthly pass (28 days): BHD 12 (around $32) with GO Card.

Payment Methods:

• All fares are paid using the rechargeable GO Card – cash payments to drivers are no longer accepted.
• GO Card - rechargeable card available at various locations
• Currently, the GO Card is the main method of payment, and cashless travel is mandatory.

Tips for Using Buses:

• Download the official app for route planning and real-time schedules
• Arrive at stops early during peak hours
• Keep your ticket until the end of your journey
• Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers.

Dining with Bahrainis offers wonderful cultural insights, and following traditional etiquette enhances the experience significantly.

Dining Etiquette:

• Always use your right hand for eating - the left hand is considered unclean in Islamic culture
• Wait for the host to begin eating or invite you to start
• Try a little of everything offered to show appreciation
• Compliment the food - hosts take great pride in their hospitality
• It is polite to accept extra servings if you wish, but you may also decline graciously with thanks.

Traditional Floor Dining:

• Sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee when meals are served on floor mats
• Never let your feet touch the food mat or point soles toward others
• Remove shoes before entering the dining area

Hospitality Customs:

• Arabic coffee and dates are typically offered first as welcoming gestures
• Reciprocating invitations is a kind gesture and appreciated, but not always expected from visitors.
• Traditional gatherings are often gender-segregated, with men and women hosting guests separately.
• Stay for tea or coffee after the meal - leaving immediately is considered rude

Tipping Culture:

• A 10–15% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills; leaving a small additional tip is appreciated but not required.
• Carry small change (fils) for convenient tipping in various situations

Remember that alcohol is served in licensed venues, but respect if your hosts abstain.