Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Bahrain

What is special or unique about your city?

Bahrain is a small island off the coast of Saudi Arabia offering all qualities that a foreigner looks for when living outside their home country. Life as an expatriate in Bahrain is very pleasant, thanks in no small part to the Bahrainis themselves. They are friendly and well-educated, possessing strong ties to their Islamic culture, which results in an exciting experience for any expatriate living in Bahrain. Bahrainis are very tolerant of Westerners.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Newcomers' first impressions of Bahrain are positive more often than not. Bahrain's modern infrastructure exceeds most expectations. The selection of great shopping malls and fantastic restaurants is evidence that there is nothing to need for in Bahrain. Obtaining drivers licenses and other essential paperwork can be time consuming and a little frustrating, however.

Are these impressions likely to change?

The majority of newcomers' impressions do not change. This is largely due to the fact that the government of Bahrain has a long term plan in place to increase tourism and attract foreign investment; an important part of achieving this goal is making sweeping improvements throughout the country.

What is the local language?

The local language is Arabic, although the majority of business is conducted in English.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

A very high percentage of Bahraini people speak fluent English, so any English speaker can get by with ease, even if he or she doesn't speak Arabic.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Sense of dress should always be considered in order not to offend the local Islamic people. Shorts, short skirts and anything slightly revealing should be avoided in public areas.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

From May to November, extreme heat can affect day to day life. Temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, which prevents many outdoor activities.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Bahrain is generally a relaxed city.

Useful Links

Bahrain Facts and Geography www.1uptravel.com/geography/bahrain.html Living in Bahrain richardb.coolfreepage.com/bahrain.htm Gulf Daily News www.gulf-daily-news.com

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

A foreigner cannot obtain a Bahraini passport unless he or she has been a resident for more than 25 years. Foreign residents, however, are welcomed. It is strongly suggested that any foreigner wanting to come to Bahrain make prior enquiries at their nearest embassy of Bahrain as there are different requirements for different nationalities. You can only come to Bahrain as a resident if you are sponsored by a Bahraini or a company.

What kinds of visas are available?

Visitors/tourist visa -- can be obtained on arrival at the Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Corporate Council or GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates) are exempt from having to obtain this visa. The visitors visa costs BD 5 and is valid for two weeks. They are issued to most native-born nationals from Europe, Canada, Australia or New Zealand without any problems. US citizens must pay BD10 for a three-day visa or BD15 for seven days. British nationals will be issued with a three-month visa, which costs BD 3. It should not be assumed that visas will be issued for the spouse and children of the worker. The tourist visa is available to citizens from the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and the United States. Employment visa - This is required by those who wish to work legally in Bahrain and become residents of the country. A work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports (GDIP) are required before this visa can be issued. The sponsor or the company employing the expat must compile educational records and their reasons for justifying the employment of an expat. They can then submit the employment visa application. In addition, all American and Canadian passport holders can be issued a 5 year multiple entry visa for temporary business visits of one month's stay per visit. British passport holders can be issued a three-month entry visa, valid for one month's stay on each visit. This can be issued by the GDIP in Bahrain or by any Bahrain Embassy.

What is required to obtain these visas?

A valid passport is required to obtain these visas. Vaccination certificates against yellow fever are required for travellers arriving from endemic areas. Children under the age of one are exempt. Resident permits and employment visa - It is up to the sponsor to ensure all correct documentation is provided to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in order to obtain these permits. When the employment visa has been approved the sponsor then has to apply for a Non-Objection Certificate, which the foreigner has to present on arrival. The Resident Permit and CPR (Central Population Registration) card are applied for after the arrival. Resident Permits are also required for spouses and dependents. It is more difficult for certain nationalities to obtain these permits then others, such as nationals from the African Continent and Eastern Europe. Once the transferee has obtained the Employment Visa, Non-Objection Certificate, the CPR Card and has undergone a medical examination the Resident Permit will be granted by the Ministry of Immigration and Passports. Please contact Crown Bahrain for more information.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Strictly speaking the spouse is not permitted to work; however, if the spouse is sponsored separately by the company of employment then he or she may. It is common for spouses to obtain work in Bahrain. As long as the company he/she would like to work for can justify the employment then there will not be any complications. Keep in mind that this arrangement is not feasible if the couple has children, as the husband and wife must both be under the same sponsorship in order for the children to be sponsored.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

The main form of identification is the CPR Card. This should be carried at all times.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

It is always recommended that a foreigner register at a hospital within a short time of their arrival. A Bahraini drivers license can only be applied for after a Resident Permit has been obtained.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Alcohol - You can bring in one bottle of alcohol as accompanied baggage, however if sent unaccompanied, a duty of 110 percent will be charged. Books, video cassettes, CD's and DVD's with religious or pornographic contact should not be brought into Bahrain. Cordless telephones are restricted -- purely because they will have connection problems. Some models are allowed and Crown Bahrain can check this prior to the personal effects being sent from origin. Other prohibited items are: guns/weapons (even if decorative or toys), food, drugs and plants.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Nothing comes immediately to mind.

Useful Links

Detailed information about Bahrain visas www.newarabia.net/visa.htm

 

What is the local currency?

Bahraini dinars; each dinar can be broken down into 1,000 fils.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes come in denominations of one, five, 10 and 20 dinars. Coins have values of five, 10, 25 and 50 fils.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

If the country you are coming from is selling Bahraini dinars then it would be convenient to obtain some dinars prior to arrival to avoid any hassle. However, there are ATM machines at the Bahrain International Airport should you have the appropriate cards on arrival. You can also exchange currency at banks within Bahrain and at the many exchange bureaus.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash, credit card and Benefit are used. Benefit is a Bahrain banking system, which allows you to use your Bahrain ATM card in a similar way to a credit card. This means you can use your Bahrain ATM card at supermarkets, all major shopping mall complexes, some hospitals, even to pay your phone bill. Benefit is becoming more and more accessible everyday.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Credit cards are widely accepted. However, in the local souq (market), you will require cash.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

If the expatriate's company is paying the rent, then usually a telegraphic transfer (TT) bank payment -- a transfer from the company's bank account to the landlord's -- will be arranged. Private payments can also be arranged, though depending on the landlord a check or cash may be accepted. Utilities need to be settled either by cash, check or credit card.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

A bank account can be opened as soon as a resident permit and CPR Card are obtained.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Most bank services are provided in Arabic and English only.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

No.

What are typical banking hours?

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), in general. It is advisable to check with each bank, as they tend to have differing hours.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes. They are everywhere.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

The Bahraini dinar is hedged against the US dollar, which means that the currency fluctuates (strengthens or weakens) in tandem with the US dollar.

Useful Links

Banks in Bahrain www.newarabia.net/banking.htm

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Neighborhood is certainly a large consideration to take into account before initiating a home search in Bahrain. Living in the central city of Manama usually is more suited for single expats and apartment living, although there are plenty of villas if a family chooses to live in the city. Most families choose to live in the Saar/Budaiya areas on the outskirts of Manama. There is a large selection of villas in this area and many compounds, which offer great facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, squash courts and children's play areas. It is advisable that you work with someone who properly understands the needs of expatriates when selecting a home. There are many landlords who are happy to collect their rental check each month without honoring their commitments with regards to maintenance and general up-keep. Crown Bahrain can help you locate a suitable property.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Adliya is one of Manama's most popular areas. It is centrally located, and is home to some of Bahrain's most wonderful restaurants and bars. There are many apartments to choose from in this area; villas are also easy to come by for those who require a little more space. The British Club is located just outside this area. The Saar/Budaiya area is approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive from central Manama. The Dilmun Club, Country Club and the Bahrain Rugby/Football Club are in this area. An excellent area for families with many great compounds. The largest expatriate school (St. Christopher's) is located within this area.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Generally, expats opt to rent their homes.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

You will not typically need to pay any deposits up front.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

It depends on each individual landlord, however more often than not they are an additional cost to the rent.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

The majority of Bahrain is generally very safe, however there are certain areas that it is not recommended for an expat to live in a single, stand alone house. Crown Bahrain will offer advice on areas that best suit the needs of the expatriate.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Voltage: 230/110 Frequency (Hz): 50/60 All plugs are the standard UK shaped plugs. Square with three prongs.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Always try to negotiate on price. Landlords are known to be rather flexible with requests such as new curtains, carpet and asking for walls to be repainted. Some will even let you choose the colors and fabric.

Useful Links

Hotels in Bahrain www.newarabia.net/bahrain_hotels.htm

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Most expats in Bahrain choose private international schools for their children. There are some local bilingual schools, though the curriculum at these schools does not usually match that of the home country.

What are some examples of these schools?

Some of the most popular schools in the area include: St. Christopher's - This international school caters for children from elementary to secondary age. This is one of the largest international schools in Bahrain and offers the most extensive British curriculum. British School of Bahrain - Located in Adliya, it offers the British curriculum from kindergarten to year 10. Indian School of Bahrain - The Indian School is one of the largest expatriate schools in the Arabian Gulf region with a student population of six thousand students and two lovely campuses in Sitra and Isa town. Bahrain School - The Bahrain School follows an American curriculum and is a coeducational institute. French School - French curriculum from nursery to grade 9. Japanese School - A Japanese school, which offers classes in English and Arabic conversation.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Yes, particularly at St. Christopher's and the Indian School of Bahrain.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes, these are readily available. Some of the most popular preschools are: Little Gems, Nadeen International School and Children's House. St. Christopher's also has a preschool.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Very few schools offer transportation; whether your child's school does depends on your area. St. Christopher's does offer transportation and some Bahaini Bilingual schools do also. Most parents drive their children to school each day or arrange a car pool.

When does the typical school year start and end?

The typical school year starts at the beginning of September and finishes at the end of June or beginning of July.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

No; please contact Crown Bahrain if you have any further questions.

Useful Links

List of schools by curriculum www.studyinbahrain.com/by_curr.htm The Indian School Bahrain www.indschoolbh.com St. Christopher's School www.st-chris.net The British School of Bahrain www.britschlbahrain.com.bh/

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.