Social ConventionsBahrain is a tolerant country but visitors will avoid giving offence if they observe a few courtesies, especially with regard to dress. Cover knees and shoulders, except within hotel grounds where more casual clothing is acceptable.
At business and social functions, traditional Arabic coffee is served as part of the ritual welcome. Cups are held in the right hand: accept two cups - taking only one cup will embarrass the host; taking more than three will embarrass everybody else. Never pass or receive items with the left hand and avoid pointing with the soles
of your feet (for example, when sitting on the ground) as this is considered an insult.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline serving Bahrain is
Gulf Air (GF) (
www.gulfair.com).
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsBahrain International (BAH) (Muharraq) (
www.bahrainairport.com) is 6.5km (4 miles) northeast of Manama.
To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services run across the causeway to the main island (journey time - 15 minutes).
Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, first aid, bars, snack bars, restaurants, nursery, prayer room, tourist information, post office, car hire and car parking.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Mina Salman,
Mina Manama and
Mina Muharraq. These ports offer a quick and efficient entry into the country from all parts of the world. Passenger ferries operate between Iran and Bahrain (journey time – 16 hours). A port tax may be payable.
Getting There by RoadA car drive to Dhahran (Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia) takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Bahrain using the King Fahd Causeway. A toll fee of approximately BD2 is payable by persons driving out of Bahrain. Normal Saudi Arabian visa regulations apply.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Bahrain by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco in opened packets.
• 1l of alcoholic beverages and six cans of beer (non-Muslim passengers only).
• 8oz of perfume.
• Gifts up to the value of BHD250 (approximately US$600).
Prohibited ImportsFirearms, ammunition, drugs, methylated spirits and jewelry. There is also a temporary ban on all live poultry and birds from Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong [SAR]), Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Korea (Rep), Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirThere are no internal flights within Bahrain.
Getting Around by WaterTransport between the smaller islands is by motorboat or
dhow. For details, contact local travel agents.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. Manama is served by an excellent road system. Road signs are written in English and Arabic.
Bus: Routes serve most towns and villages.
Taxi: Metered taxis are readily available. They can be hired in the street or from stands outside hotels and at major tourist attractions. They are identifiable by their orange side-wings and yellow number plates. Share-taxis which carry up to five passengers are also available. These are recognizable by a yellow circle with the license number in black painted on the driver's door and by their white and orange number plates. There are several designated pick-up points. Meters are not used and fares should always be agreed beforehand. Radio cabs are also available.
Car hire: Most of the major international car hire companies operate in Bahrain with representatives at the airport and at big hotels.
Regulations: Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on highways and between 50-80kph (31-50mph) on all other roads.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is necessary (must be obtained prior to arrival) and must be endorsed by the Traffic and Licensing Directorate. Valid UK license (if applicable) will be valid for three months only.
Next Page »
