While there are long-haul buses linking the major cities in Bahrain, there is little in the way of local public transport. The only way to get around without hiring a car is by taxi; meters should be insisted on, although there are surcharges for night time fares (between 10pm and 6am), and hotel or airport pick-ups. Taxis are easy to find on the main streets, or at taxi stands. Hiring a car is the only other practical way to get around Manama, which is not considered pedestrian-friendly and has no sidewalks.
GMT +3.
Electrical current in Bahrain is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are used.
The official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). The Bahraini dinar is linked to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1=BD 0.376. 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.
The international direct dialling code for Bahrain is +973. There are no city or area codes. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Internet is available at most of the larger hotels in Manama.
999 (General Emergencies)
2020 | 2021 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) | 24 May - 26 May | 13 May - 15 May |
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) | 31 Jul - 2 Aug | 20 Jul - 22 Jul |
Muharram (Islamic New Year) | 20 Aug | 9 Aug |
Ashura | 29 Aug - 30 Aug | 18 Aug - 19 Aug |
Prophets Birthday | 29 Oct | 18 Oct |
National Day | 16 Dec - 17 Dec | 16 Dec - 17 Dec |
Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer temperatures in July rising to 113°F (45°C) and winter temperatures in January as low as 45°F (7°C). The most pleasant time to visit Manama is in autumn (October and November) when warm temperatures are tempered by a soft breeze. Manama has an arid climate with little rainfall.
Many hotels operate courtesy buses for their guests to and from the airport. Taxis operate at the airport.
Budget, Europcar, Hanco, Hertz, Oscar, Avis, Gulf, Sixt, Al Kobaisi, and other companies operate from Bahrain Airport.
There are taxis outside the terminal, but they tend to overcharge foreigners. It is better to phone for a metered taxi service. It is about a 15-minute drive to Manama.
Facilities include banks and currency exchange services, restaurants, cafes and bars, gift shops, a post office, communications centre, tourist information, and a prayer room. The Bahrain Duty Free shopping complex is internationally acclaimed. Disabled facilities are good.
Short and long-term parking facilities are available in front of the terminal. The cashier counters are available at the exits and they are open 24 hours. A free shuttle bus service operates between the terminal and the long-term car parks.
Free wifi is available throughout the terminal.