Living in Bahrain

Special Circumstances

*Water is drinkable though often highly saline.

*Conservative dress is recommended.

*Prohibited: import of pornography, firearms, ammunition, or of items such as knives,

  swords, or daggers that are capable of being used as weapons. Videotapes may be

  screened by customs in Bahrain and either confiscated or held until the traveler departs

  the country.

*Consumption of alcohol is allowed in most bars and restaurants, except during the month

  of Ramadan. If there is any indication that a driver has consumed alcohol, authorities will

  regard that as evidence of driving under the influence of alcohol. The penalty for

  drunken driving may be incarceration or a fine of 500 Bahraini dinars, the equivalent of

  $1,300. This fine can be increased to up to double that amount, depending on the

  circumstances of the case and the judge’s decision. Under Bahraini law, convicted drug

  traffickers may receive the death penalty.

Commercial Hours

The working week, number of hours worked and timing vary considerably. Here are the main commercial hours:

• Government offices: 07.00-14.15 Saturday to Wednesday.
• Commercial organisations: Hours vary but 08.00-15.30 or 08.00-13.00 and 15.00-17.30 are common. Five day weeks are becoming favoured though many establishments still work Saturday to Thursday.
   
• Shops and supermarkets: Many open 08.30-12.30, 15.30-19.30 six days a week. Markets and shops open Friday mornings (times vary).
• Commercial banks: 07.30-12.00 Saturday to Wednesday, and for many branches, 15.30-17.30 on the same afternoons, 07.30-11.00 Thursdays.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, which precedes Eid-Al-Fitra . When Moslems fast during daylight hours business life slows measurably and Moslem employees are allowed shorter working hours than normal.

Money and Currency

The Bahraini Dinar is linked with the US dollar at

US$ 1= BD 0.375 and is divided into 1000 fils. Notes are available in the following denominations: 500 fils (brown), one dinar (red), five dinars (blue), ten dinars (green), and twenty dinars (peach). Coins come in units of 10,25, 50, and 100 fils. Money can be changed easily at any commercial bank or at one of the money changers found in the Soukh. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency.

Exchange Rates

Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.376 (2003), 0.376 (2002), 0.376 (2001), 0.376 (2000), 0.376 (1999)

Expats in Bahrain

The large expatriate community in Bahrain's proves that Bahrain offers a very attractive and truly cosmopolitan lifestyle comparable to any of the capitals in the world. The strong and stable currency, the peaceful, crime-free environment and the liberal government are the chief factors attracting foreign nationals to Bahrain. For gourmets, Bahrain offers a gastronomic tour of the world's cuisines including Arabic delights, American, Chinese, Filipino, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Mexican, Mongolian, Thai, and many more.

Quality serviced apartments, stand-alone villas, and compound villas are available for rent in Bahrain, within a wide range of prices. An average fully-furnished, three-bedroom villa with all amenities (including shared swimming pool and tennis courts) will cost around USD 2,000 per month.

A municipal tax is applicable: 10% of the rent payable on all unfurnished apartments and 7.5% of rent payable on furnished apartments, for both residential and commercial purposes. Temporary visitors to Bahrain can choose from a large number of hotel accommodations for a variety of budgets.

To drive in Bahrain, foreign nationals need a national and an international driving license. Other ways of getting around are limousine rentals or taxis.

Sources:

http://www.thebahrain.com/bh_national.asp