Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+3
Capital City: Manama
Population: 1.25 million
Area: 750357,021 square km, 290 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, English
Dialling Code: 973
Emergency: Police & Ambulance: 999
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required endorsed by the Traffic Department
Electricity: 230V AC 50Hz; 120V AC 60Hz (Awali)
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD 1 = 1,000 Fils)
Notes: BHD: 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20
Coins: Fils: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0730-1300 Sun-Thur & Sat-Wed (closed Fri)
Office: 0700-1415 Sat-Tue, 0700-1400 Wed (Government offices)
Shops: 0800-1230 Sat-Thur, 1530-1830 Sat-Tue, 1530-2100 Wed & Thur
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Dates may vary according to the lunar calendar
Business/Social Hints: If the visiting executive is a woman this must be clearly stated in initial correspondence. Women should dress conventionally, revealing clothes should not be worn. A headscarf is useful. Many business executives speak English. Business cards to have Arabic translation on reverse side. Islamic conventions apply. When passing or receiving food or gifts it is customary to use the right and not the left hand. Smoking is generally accepted. Alcohol is mainly confined to large hotels and restaurants
Tipping: If there is no service charge, tips in restaurants & for taxis are around 10%
