Bahrain

Travel tips for Bahrain: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. Travelers in 2025 report Bahrain is highly cashless, with foreign cards working flawlessly almost everywhere. You can easily rely on cards for Ubers, restaurants, and even barbers, though keeping a few dinars for rare small souq vendors is a smart backup.

Try the food

  • Machboos (مجبوس): A fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with tender meat, chicken, or fish, often garnished with roasted nuts and raisins.
  • Muhammar (محمر): A unique sweet rice dish flavored with date syrup or sugar, traditionally served alongside savory fried or grilled fish.
  • Bahraini Tikka (تكة بحرينية): Bite-sized pieces of beef or chicken marinated in black dried lime and spices, then grilled on skewers over charcoal.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
  • Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: المعذرة (Al ma'adhira)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hatha?)
  • The bill please: الفاتورة لو سمحت (Al fatoora law samaht)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)

Essentials

Plugs
Type G
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
999 (all services)
SIM tip
Purchase a tourist SIM card from Batelco, Zain, or stc at the kiosks in the arrivals hall of Bahrain International Airport, or install an eSIM prior to arrival.

Etiquette

Dress modestly in public areas by covering shoulders and knees, and leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants if a service charge is not already included in the bill.

Airports in Bahrain