There is a wide range of
modern shopping complexes with imported luxury goods.
Pearls are the main local specialty, used in finely wrought gold jewelry. Famous
red clay pottery is available from the village of A'ali; hand-woven cloth from Bani Jamrah and textiles from Al-Jasra.
Manama is a great place for
night shopping: just stroll through the labyrinthine streets behind Bab al-Bahrain to discover how locals spend their evenings bartering in the clothes, textiles and gold souks.
Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1530-1930. Some shops
are open for a few hours on Friday mornings in souks.
Currency Information:CurrencyDinar (BHD) = 1,000 fils. Notes appear in denominations of BHD20, 10, 5, and 1, and 500 fils. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25 and 10 fils.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be exchanged at the airport, at most hotels and in banks and bureaux de change. Rates are more preferential at the bureaux de change than at the airport or at hotels.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in hotels, major stores and restaurants. Smaller shops may prefer to deal in cash. ATMs are available in major cities.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursSat-Wed 0730-1200 and 1530-1730; Thurs 0730-1100. Government offices, businesses and most offices are closed on Friday, which is a weekly holiday.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | BHD0.54 |
| $1.00= | BHD0.37 |
| €1.00= | BHD0.51 |
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