Essential Travel Tips for Your First Trip to Bahrain

Planning your first visit to Bahrain? These practical tips will help you navigate the essentials, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the Kingdom.

Travel checklist with items like passport, map, and camera for planning a trip to Bahrain

Before You Go: Preparation is Key

Visa Requirements: Confirm your visa needs well in advance. Check eligibility and apply for your Bahrain eVisa online if required. Don't leave it until the last minute.
Travel Insurance: While not always mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost belongings is highly recommended.
Packing Essentials:
- Lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather (cotton, linen).
- Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) for public places and religious sites. See Customs & Etiquette.
- Swimwear for hotel pools/beaches.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned interiors or cooler evenings (especially Nov-Mar).
- Universal power adapter (Bahrain uses Type G sockets, same as the UK).
- Any personal medications.
Book Accommodation: Reserve your hotel or other lodging in advance, especially during peak season. Explore options in our Accommodation Guide.

Prepare thoroughly before departure.

Navigating the island.

Getting Around Bahrain

Bahrain is a relatively small island, making it easy to explore.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available, especially in Manama. Ride-sharing apps like Uber or local equivalents (e.g., Careem) are popular and often convenient.
Car Rental: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially if planning to explore beyond the main city areas. An International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required along with your home country's license.
Public Buses: An affordable option for getting around, though routes and schedules might require some planning.

Find more details in our Transportation Guide.

Money Matters

Currency: The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), which is divided into 1000 fils. BHD is pegged to the US Dollar. Learn more on our Currency & Exchange page.
ATMs & Cards: ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops.
Cash: It's useful to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, taxis, and bargaining in souqs.
Tipping: Tipping is not always mandatory but is appreciated for good service (around 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, small amounts for hotel staff).
Bargaining: Haggling is expected in traditional markets (souqs) but not in modern malls or fixed-price stores.

Handling finances during your trip.

Staying safe and healthy.

Health and Safety

Water: Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available and preferred by many visitors.
Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, especially during summer. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
Food Safety: Enjoy the local cuisine! Stick to reputable restaurants and cafes. Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
Safety: Bahrain is generally a safe country with low crime rates. However, exercise normal precautions: be aware of your surroundings, secure your valuables, and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Emergency Number: The general emergency number (police, ambulance, fire) in Bahrain is 999.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, malls, and many public areas.
SIM Cards: Local prepaid SIM cards with data packages can be easily purchased at the airport or mobile operator stores (e.g., Batelco, Zain, STC). This is often cheaper than international roaming.

Staying connected while traveling.

Final pieces of advice.

General Tips

Language: Arabic is official, but English is very common, especially in business and tourism.
Best Time to Visit: November to March offers pleasant weather. Summers (June-September) are extremely hot and humid.
Weekend: The weekend in Bahrain is Friday and Saturday.
Respect Culture: Be mindful of local customs and traditions as outlined in our Customs & Etiquette guide.

Enjoy your exploration of the Kingdom of Bahrain!