CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................4 HISTORY OF BAHRAIN...........................................................................................................................5 DISCLAIMER & ERRORS........................................................................................................................6 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK......................................................................................................................6 TOP TIPS ..........................................................................................................................................................6 USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS..................................................................................................... 7 GETTING STARTED...................................................................................................................................8 On Arrival ....................................................................................................................................................8 Getting Legal..............................................................................................................................................8 Languages....................................................................................................................................................9 Time ...............................................................................................................................................................9 Working Hours .........................................................................................................................................9 Climate..........................................................................................................................................................9 Driving License .......................................................................................................................................10 Housing ......................................................................................................................................................10 Estate Agents ...........................................................................................................................................10 Communicating ......................................................................................................................................10 Sending & Receiving Letters & Parcels ........................................................................................10 TRANSPORT ................................................................................................................................................ 11 Buying A Car ............................................................................................................................................ 11 Taking Out A Loan ................................................................................................................................ 11 Car Registration...................................................................................................................................... 11 Safe Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Navigating .................................................................................................................................................12 Accidents....................................................................................................................................................12 Vehicle Care..............................................................................................................................................13 Taxis.............................................................................................................................................................13 Buses............................................................................................................................................................13 PERSONAL SAFETY.................................................................................................................................13 First Aid......................................................................................................................................................13 HOME AND LIVING ................................................................................................................................14 Internet.......................................................................................................................................................14 Help In The Home.................................................................................................................................14 Appliances .................................................................................................................................................15 Water ...........................................................................................................................................................15 1 Bottled Gas................................................................................................................................................15 Equipping Your Home.........................................................................................................................16 Recycling....................................................................................................................................................16 Hardware Stores.....................................................................................................................................16 MONEY MATTERS....................................................................................................................................16 Currency.....................................................................................................................................................16 Banking.......................................................................................................................................................16 Utilities .......................................................................................................................................................16 SHOPPING ....................................................................................................................................................16 Food .............................................................................................................................................................16 General Goods ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Tipping........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Books ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 Ethnic Arts/Crafts & Carpets............................................................................................................ 17 Photography .............................................................................................................................................18 Picture Framers ......................................................................................................................................18 Toys ..............................................................................................................................................................18 Tailoring.....................................................................................................................................................18 Miscellaneous Shops & Services .....................................................................................................18 PETS .................................................................................................................................................................19 Veterinary & Pet Services ...................................................................................................................19 Kennels ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 Pet Supplies ............................................................................................................................................. 20 Buying/Obtaining Pets....................................................................................................................... 20 MEDICAL MATTERS ...............................................................................................................................21 Dentist/Orthodontist ...........................................................................................................................21 Hospitals/Clinics....................................................................................................................................21 Ophthalmology......................................................................................................................................