Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life (work/school/shopping) at my destination?
Yes. It is almost a necessity to have your own vehicle as public transport is not widely accessible, although the Bahrain government has plans to improve this.
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How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city?
Unless you are from a GCC country (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates) you have to obtain a Bahraini driver's license. You can apply for this once the Residence Permit and CPR card have been issued. The driver's license is obtained from the Traffic Directorate. It is advisable that you apply for an international driver's license before arriving in Bahrain so you can drive immediately.
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What side of the road do people drive on?
In Bahrain, we drive on the right hand side of the street.
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Describe typical public transportation an expat might use to get around the city.
Buses and taxis are the only forms of public transport that are readily available. The majority of expats use taxi services if they don't have their own vehicle. The bus service in Bahrain has improved immensely in recent times, with new buses and extended routes being offered. It is safe to travel on the local buses and there are more plans to improve the Bahrain bus services. Currently the bus service is mostly used by locals.
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Could an expat also use public transportation to get out of the city—to surrounding towns, recreation areas or suburbs? If so, list options.
Yes - taxis or the bus system can be used though it is quicker and less hassle to use a taxi. Though the bus routes do cover a large portion of the island, they are still relatively limited.
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In regards to transportation, are there any safety issues I should be aware of?
Taxi drivers will often try to avoid using their meter and then attempt to overcharge their passengers upon reaching the destination. Always ask the driver to turn on the meter immediately; if he refuses, find another taxi.
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Where do I buy tickets/tokens/etc. for the major public transportation?
For bus transportation, you pay cash as you enter the bus.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
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