Bahrain: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occassion
January 1 New Year's Day
January 21 Eid al Adha
February 10 Islamic New Year
February 20 Ashoora
April 21 Prophet's Birthday
November 3 Eid Al Fitr
December 16 National Day

Weekend- Friday

Electricity

The standard electricity supply is 230 volts AC. Lamp fittings are bayonet and screw type, and 13 amp three pin plugs are used.

Customs & Duties

Non-Muslims are allowed to import two litres of alcoholic beverages. All passengers are allowed to bring 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 g of loose tobacco.

Post & Communications

The Batelco (Bahrain Telecommunications Company) in Bahrain runs one of the most modern international communications networks in the Gulf region. Services include telephone, telex, fax and telegraph facilities. Facilities are available for videoconferences, digital data networks, mobile links and satellite linked sky phones for direct communication with airborne aircraft. The main Telecommunication Centre in Manama is open daily from 6.30am to 11.30 pm. Services include local and international telephone calls, telex, fax and telegraph facilities.

The main Post Office is open Saturday to Thursday; from 7 am to 7.30 pm. Post restante facilities are available. Airmail to Europe takes three to four days. One day international courier service is also available.

Tipping

Service charge is usually added to almost every billand tipping is up to you.

English Language Media

Bahrain has two English language television channels. Radio Bahrain broadcasts in English from 5 or 6 pm till midnight. Bahrain TV also broadcasts BBC World Service TV 24 hours a day. Gulf Daily News is the English newspaper. International newspapers and magazines and some local business magazines in English are easily available.
Photography and Video is allowed but not of military installations and women in rural areas.