Time: GMT +3.

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz except in Awali where it is 110 volts, 60Hz. Bahrain uses UK style 3-pin power outlets.

Language: Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and is used by most businesses.

Health: 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.

Tipping: If service charge is not added to the bill, waiters and taxi drivers expect a 10% tip. Porters will be happy with about 100 fils per item of baggage.

Safety: 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.

Customs: Although it is a liberal state, Bahrain is an Islamic country and many locals find scanty clothing and immoderate public behaviour offensive. Visitors should dress and act respectfully when out and about. Religious and social sensitivities should be observed and respected, especially during religious festivals. Foreigners are not expected to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, but it is considered extremely rude to eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. Homosexuality is illegal.

Business: Bahrain is generally more liberal than its Arab neighbours, but women should nevertheless ensure that they wear extremely conservative clothing; men are expected to wear smart suits and ties. Bahrainis prefer to do business with someone they know; otherwise a letter of introduction from someone they know is expected before arranging a meeting. English is used as the language of business, but expect prolonged small talk and personal enquiries before sitting down to business, as building a trustworthy relationship is important; greetings, using titles, are also important. Impatience is considered rude and plenty of time should be allowed for decision-making. For meetings, punctuality is important and business cards are routinely handed out to everyone, using both hands and preferably with the Arabic translation on the back of the card face up. It is important to study a received card for a while before putting it away. Business hours are Sunday to Wednesday 7am to 2.15pm, Thursday 7am to 2pm. During the holy month of Ramadan working hours are reduced.

Communications: The international direct dialling 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.

Duty Free: Travellers to Bahrain over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g tobacco (in open packets); perfume up to 237ml; 1 litre alcoholic liquor and 6 cans of beer for non-Muslim passengers only; and gifts to the value of BD 250. Arms and ammunition, methylated spirits, drugs and jewellery require an Import Permit.