Bahrain
ุงูุจุญุฑูู
Bahrain is compact, modern, and heavily English-speaking, so you'll get by easily โ but the rides and food run on regional super-apps. Careem is the go-to for getting around Manama (regular metered taxis exist too), while Talabat dominates food delivery. Connectivity is excellent on 4G/5G; grab a local eSIM or a cheap Batelco/STC tourist SIM and you're set.
Power & Plug
British-style three-pin type G sockets, usually switched. UK plugs fit directly; everyone else needs a type G adapter.
Basic phrases
Arabic
- Helloุงูุณูุงู ุนููููAs-salaamu alaykum
- Thank youุดูุฑุงูShukran
- Excuse me / SorryุนููุงูAfwan
- YesูุนูNa'am
- NoูุงLaa
+10 more below
Tipping
A 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if not, round up or leave 10%. Tip valets and bellhops 500 fils to 1 BHD.
๐Rideshare & Taxi
See all โCareem
Middle East rideshare super-app. Owned by Uber but operates locally.
๐บ๏ธNavigation & Maps
See all โ๐ฑMessaging
See all โ๐ฑFood Delivery
See all โโ๏ธTravel Planning
See all โBooking.com
Largest hotel inventory globally with free-cancellation default filter.
๐ถeSIM & Data
See all โAll Arabic phrases
What to know before you go
โ Do
- Dress modestly in public and at the Grand Mosque; women should carry a scarf.
- Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items.
- Accept offered Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates โ refusing can seem rude.
- Be discreet during Ramadan: don't eat, drink, or smoke in public in daylight.
- Ask before photographing locals, especially women.
โDon't
- Public displays of affection.
- Disrespecting Islam or the royal family in conversation.
- Drinking alcohol outside licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants.
โ ๏ธ Common scams to know
- Unmetered street taxis quoting flat tourist fares โ insist on the meter or use Careem.
- Pushy souk vendors in Manama inflating 'pearl' and gold prices; bargain hard.
- Inflated bar tabs at some hotel nightspots โ check prices before ordering.