Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and is used by most businesses.
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The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), divided into 1,000 fils. Notes come in denominations of 500 fils, and 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinars. The BD is linked to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of US$1=BD 0.375. Money can be exchanged at the airport, bureau de change (which usually offer the best rates), commercial banks in Manama or at moneychangers operating in the souq. ATMs are available in the larger towns. Credit cards and travelers checks are widely accepted at hotels and the larger retail stores, but smaller shops generally prefer cash. It is easiest to carry travelers checks in U.S. dollars to avoid additional charges. Most offices, businesses and government departments are closed on fridays as it is a weekly holiday. Banks are usually open 7.30am-12pm and 3.30pm-5.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday, and 7.30am-11am Thursdays.
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The international direct dialing code for Bahrain is 973, and the outgoing code 00. There are no city or area codes. Public phone booths are easily located, some accepting freely available phone cards and some coins. The country is covered by a GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone network. There are several Internet service providers and Internet is available at most of the larger hotels in Manama.
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If service charge is not added to the bill, waiters and taxi drivers expect a 10 percent tip. Porters will be happy with about 100 fils per item of baggage.
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Although the crime rate in Bahrain is relatively low, visitors should be fully aware that along with other states in the Gulf region, the country is rated as high risk for indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Al Qaeda on Western interests. Visitors are advised to be vigilant at all times particularly in public places.
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No vaccinations are required for visitors to Bahrain, but Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Medical facilities are good in the main cities, but health insurance is recommended because visitors must pay for treatment. There are many well-stocked pharmacies in the country. Water is deemed clean and safe by the authorities, but visitors usually prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available.
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Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz except in Awali where it is 110 volts, 60Hz. Bahrain uses UK-style 3-pin power outlets.
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