travelling to Bahrain

lip gloss

Hi All,
I am traveling to Bahrain in a few weeks time and I have a few questions which
you all might be able to help with.

Flying with Etihad - Dublin to Abu D and then on to Bahrain. How are Etihad to fly with?

Do I need a holiday visa, only staying a few days?

Where can I get the currency when I arrive? I dont think I can get the money before I go.

Any advice on traveling to or in Bahrain.

Thanks in advance.

Idobai

Hi lipgloss sorry if this is too late and you've already been!

You can get your tourist visa when you arrive it's valid for thirty days, I think it's 10 B.D (mine was cheaper as I was a gulf resident at the time so not sure exactly) change your money when you get there airport and other exchange places tend to offer similar enough rates do not under any circumstances change it in Ireland you will be ripped off. Ethihad are fine if a little cramped. If you would like to have extra security by knowing you have currency then I would advise changing in the airport in Abu Dhabi you will get a good rate there as all the gulf currencies are tied to dollar so you will get the same as if you did it in Bahrain. Word of advice, if you are going with the intention of partying pick up a bottle of something in the airport to have in your hotel room... Pubs and clubs are v.expensive (as in a fiver for a bottle of water) and you won't be allowed by anything in off licenses as you need an alcohol license from your employer. It's cheap in the airport too. Nightlife is great, so have a ball! I've been twice as my best friend lives there and I used to live in UAE so let me know if you have any other questions!

stargazer 68

Hi Op. Do you know anyone in Bahrain? As Idobai said you can get your visa on arrival. Get your currency out of any bank machine with your debit card too if you dont want to change it on arrival. Plenty to do - depends on where you are staying and your plans for the few days. I lived there for 10 years but it has changed slightly since I was last there.

lip gloss

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your help. Can I use Euros to buy the local currancy or do I have
to pay for it in Dollars?
I believe that as a woman I have to be careful how I dress. I dont want to offend anyone
while Im there. Shoulders covered? Can I wear shorts? Dresses long or short?
Im visiting someone out here. Going early Oct, so its going to be hot!
Thnaks again.

Idobai

You can use euro!

Yes and no regarding dress, Bahrain is very liberal IN COMPARISONS to other gulf countries,I would recommend for your own self to keep shoulders and knees covered just because sometimes it can be unnerving if you draw attention to yourself and just cause you can get away with something doesn't mean you should, it's good if you to worry about offending! . When out at night in clubs etc you can wear whatever you would wear on a night out at home.

stargazer 68

October is a lovely time to go - cooling down a bit but still hot. Real barbecue time. If you know someone there then they are probably a member of one of the expat clubs - there are a few - so wear your usual there. Pubs and clubs are pretty much the same.

coylemj

OP, at the risk of stating the bleeding obvious - why don't you ask the person you're visiting for this advice? I know Bahrain is a small country but you can sometimes have different standards in different parts of the country. For example if you will be staying in an ex-pat compound, you will have far greater freedom in how you dress than if you were in an apartment or hotel and possibly having to share space with the natives, some of whom might be of a conservative bent.

You also need to get a feel from the person you're visiting as to which type of social events they're going to drag you to. If it's all ex-pats then there won't be a problem but for example if there's a company bash and your host's local boss and his wife will be there then you may be advised to cover up arms and legs. As with most Gulf countries, public drunkenness is frowned upon so go easy on the sauce when socializing!

lip gloss

Its a surprise visit. The person I am going to visit wont even know Im there so I was hoping to get some friendly advice before I went. Sorry for not being clear on that! Hopefully I wont be "dragged to any social event" sounds painful!

Another question. Are taxi easily available from the airport into the Mannama city centre?

Thanks.

Idobai

You can get a taxi from the airport no bother! The ones in the airport are metered etc! Whereabouts in Bahrain does your friend live? If it's amwaj where a lot of the westerners live then it'll be no problem getting a taxi and they will no where you're going. Really don't stress it's as easy to get around as anywhere else!

lip gloss

Thanks to every one for all your help.