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What is the local currency?
What denominations does it come in?
What is the best way to exchange currency?
What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?
Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.
By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?
Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?
Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?
What are typical banking hours?
Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?
What is the local currency?
Bahraini dinars (BD); each dinar can be broken down into 1,000 fils.
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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.
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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 if you have the appropriate cards on arrival. You can also exchange currency at banks within Bahrain and at the many exchange bureaus.
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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 and some hospitals. Benefit is becoming more and more accessible every day.
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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.
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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, depending on the landlord. Utilities need to be settled either by cash, check or credit card.
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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.
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Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?
Most bank services are provided in Arabic and English only.
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Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?
No.
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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 may have differing hours.
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Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?
Yes. They are everywhere.
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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.
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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. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.