(Last updated: 28 May 2011)

Visas

Australian nationals may obtain a 14 day visit visa on arrival for Bd5 which is approximately A$20 and may be paid for in local currency or US dollars.

Please note that entry will be denied if your passport has an Israeli stamp.

Climate

It can get extremely hot and humid in Bahrain from June to September, with high temperatures averaging 40°C during the day. November to March tends to have warmer days and cool nights.

For weather details in Bahrain, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Ground transport

A taxi to the city centre takes approximately 15 minutes, although the major hotels offer a pick-up service. It is advisable for visitors to take transport from their hotel whenever possible. A journey by taxi from the airport to the centre of town where all the five-star hotels are located costs approximately BD6.

A bus service operates 24 hours and the journey from the airport to the city centre takes 15 minutes. Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget and Hertz are also available at the airport.

Hotels

Major hotel chains such as the Sheraton, Intercontinental, Le Meridien and Holiday Inn are all available in Manama. Most of them allow bookings to be made online.

Five-star business hotels will cost Bd85 per night plus 15 per cent service charge.

Four-star hotels will cost Bd65 per night plus 15 per cent service charge.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Bahrain. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Individuals should take sensible precautions and ensure that travel documentation, including passports and any necessary visas, for themselves and their dependents are valid and up-to-date.

Health

Vaccination certificates are not normally required, but visitors are advised to check with their local medical practitioner before travelling.

Medical services are available throughout Bahrain and physicians from all fields of medicine are available. Medicines and drugs are easily available in pharmacies but occasionally prescriptions with generic names are required, as brand names tend to differ from country to country.

To avoid gastroenteritis, exercise caution in eating certain foods and wash your hands frequently.

Tipping

Tipping in restaurants and for taxis is 10 per cent.

Time zones and time differences

Bahrain is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Bahrain does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

To find out the current time in Manama, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Bahrain's country code is 973.

For calls to Bahrain from Australia dial: 0011 + 973 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Bahrain to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Government offices and banks are open 7.00am-2.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday.

Public and private businesses are open 8.00am-5.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday.

Public holidays

2011
November 17 – Eid Al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
December 7 – Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year)
December 16 – Ashoora
December 16 – National Day (two days)

2012
January 1 – New Year’s Day
February 4 – Prophet’s Birthday
May 1 – Labour Day
August 18 – Eid Al-Fitr
August 19 – Eid Al-Fitr
August 20 – Eid Al-Fitr
October 25 – Eid Al-Adha
October 26 – Eid Al-Adha
October 27 – Eid Al-Adha
November 14 – Islamic New Year
November 22 – Ashoora
November 23 – Ashoora
December 16 – National Day
December 17 – National Day

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. Generally, if a holiday falls on a Friday, a day is given in lieu.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Bahrain Dinar (BHD).

Electricity and water

Bahrain's power supply is 220 volts and 110 volts, 50Hz; 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The European two-pin plug is standard. Adaptors for Australian three-pin plugs are not widely available.