Shopping in Bahrain
MONEY
Currency
1 Bahrain Dinar (BD) = 1000 Fils. Currency abbreviation: BD, BHD (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation to the value of 20, 10, 5, 1 and 1/2 BD as well as 100 fils; Coins with denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.
Credit cards
Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express and Visa are accepted in hotels and larger shops. Withdrawals are easily possible with a credit card. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. There are plenty of ATMs available, especially in the capital. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Sat-Wed 7.30 a.m.-2 p.m., some also open in the afternoon. Thursday 7.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (deviations are possible)
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions on the import and export of local currency. Foreign currency must be declared upon arrival and may only be re-exported in the amount of the declared amount.
Currency Exchange
There are currency exchange facilities at the airport, in the larger hotels and in exchange offices, where you can get the cheapest exchange rates. There are a few ATMs in Manama where you can withdraw cash in local currency with an international credit / debit card. A return exchange is sometimes problematic, so it is recommended to only exchange the amount of money required.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
According to areacodesexplorer, the following items can be imported into Bahrain duty-free (people over 18 years of age):
400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250 g tobacco (in opened packages);
1 liter of spirits and 6 cans of beer (non-Muslims only);
0.23 ml of perfume in opened bottles;
Gifts worth up to 250 BD.
Prohibited imports
Weapons, narcotics and drugs, pornographic material, cultured pearls, ivory and items made from ivory. Dogs and cats from continental Europe.
SHOP
Overview
There are numerous large, air-conditioned shopping centers in Bahrain, of which the largest and most famous such as the Bahrain City Center or the Al ‘Ali Mall are located in the Seef district. Mainly imported goods from western manufacturers are offered here, but Arabic clothing items such as abaya (a coat-like overgarment for men made from sheep’s wool or camel hair) or jalabiya (non-waisted garment) can also be found here. There is a branch of the French department store chain Géant in the Bahrain Mall. Exclusive luxury brands can be found in the Moda Mall in the Bahrain World Trade Center.
Pearls are the most important indigenous product. The Tourist Office in Manama offers various arts and crafts. The famous red pottery comes from the village of A’ali. Weavers are based in Bani Jamra and basket weavers in Jasra.
In the Adliya district, there are a few shops where you can buy classic souvenirs such as copper coffee cups, silver jewelry, lapis lazuli and carpets. Most of these items are imported from Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Iran.
Whoever walks through the Bab al-Bahrain (Bahrain Gate) in Manama is immersed in the world of the souks, which come to life every evening. In the winding alleys, for example, exotic spices, water pipes and colorful fabrics are offered. A real experience, not just for shopping, is the gold souk with its shiny displays.
Opening hours
Sat-Thu 8 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.-7.30 p.m., Fri 8.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. Some shops in the souks are also open on Friday mornings.
