Manama, Bahrain Report of what it's like to live there - 11/17/15
Personal Experiences from Manama, Bahrain
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No we have lived all around
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
West Coast USA, IT takes about 25-28 hours to get home depending on layovers.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years- 2014-2016
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is nice and spacious. It is about 15 minutes to the Embassy with good traffic, up to an hour with bad. Traffic is bad during rush hour and the drivers are crazy, but during other hours it is okay.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
They are rather expensive but with the COLA you are just fine. You can find anything you could possibly want here and if you cant then order from Amazon.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Maybe summer clothes because they are really expensive here, but you can order from any online retailer at US price shipping. Any specialty organic items you can't live without or oils. Other than that you really can find anything you need or have it shipped in.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is pretty much every American restaraunt you could want as well as every kind of food you want and they deliver to your door.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and geckos, but not too bad if you keep your house clean which isnt hard to do considering everyone has full-time maids.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Around US$500 a month for full time worker. Very affordable and easy to find.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Pretty much every neighborhood has gyms and the embassy does as well. There are gyms, but they are pricey.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We use our credit card everywhere and have never had a problem.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
All and any.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None- everyone speaks english mostly.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. It is not handicapped accessible at all.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There really isn't local transport. You can hire a taxi, but they are quite pricey. You are better off to definitely bring your car and get ready for some defensive driving.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes but it has its moments of dropping frequently. Expect dial up speeds, but you can definitely use Netflix and all of those,, you just need a VPN. Sometimes it is great- other times its horrible.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
There are lots of brands that people have and they all seem to work fine.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes but im not sure of the process as I dont own any.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not that I am aware of but the Embassy has lots of positions.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are plenty through the AWA and around the island from fridges to fill with food and many more.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
You definitely want to dress modestly and business like for work.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There are areas we cannot go to but for the most part I feel extremely safe here. The police are very good and are all over to keep things under control. It used to be much worse here, but as of now, it is good. There are protests occassionally but the RSO is great at notifying us, and they are usually in spots we arent supposed to go anyways.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health care has been excellent.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality is fine most of the time until sandstorms blow in. Then you just stay inside.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
If you suffer from dust allergies you probably dont want to come here.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is hot. Summers are unbearable, but if you can make it through July-mid November the weather cant be beat.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
All the schools here have been amazing. There was bad talk of the DODS school years ago, but it has really been great for us. The British schools are also top notch. Just be sure and register your children in January of the year before you come, because it is hard to get in.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There aren't many.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are preschools all over. They are rather expensive, but are for 1 1/2-4 year olds. They go until 1 pm and since people have nannies the drivers usually pick up the toddlers and take them home to their nannies.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, all schools have them as well as the Navy Base.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium and great community feel.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Malls, movies, and restaurants are the main things to do.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Its a great post for families. We have been extremely happy here minus the heat. Singles or couples may be bored quickly as there is not much to do, but traveling all over the middle eastern region would make it worth it.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Probably not.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Obviously the population is mainly Muslim, but you can be of other religions and no one seems to care or harass you.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
My kids have loved Bahrain. Each neighborhood has a pool and playground and there are lots of activities for them to do between the schools and Navy Base.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are plenty of British clubs, great food and malls although they are expensive. There are cinemas, and pools everywhere.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There is a large expat community. Everyone is very friendly and speaks English. It is a great family post and you can save money. It is an easy spot to head out to other Gulf countries.
9. Can you save money?
Yes
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How huge the houses were and that you really can order anything you need and it comes super fast. This really is a great post.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothing and coats.
4. But don't forget your:
Maxi skirts, linen pants, and flip flops.
