Manama, Bahrain Report of what it's like to live there - 06/24/09
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?
2. How long have you lived here?
One year.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
7 hours via London.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government, US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses on compounds, all are a little different. Compounds usually have a pool and a playground.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available here but expensive. My grocery bill is double what it was in US. It is an island, and most items are imported. But you can find great produce from other countries here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Not much. I order through APO as long as I don't need something immediately. We are allowed to shop at the NEX, too. You can get everything here, but it just costs more.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most major American chains are here, including Chili's, and they all deliver! Watch your waistline when the heat hits. A DQ Blizzard brought to your door is SO TEMPTING!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and some cockroaches.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and cheap. We have a live-in housekeeper/cook/nanny. She is great and works up to 40 hours a week for $400/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, nice gyms, and many compounds have a small facility for free.
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?
Safe, I use both.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, Catholic and Protestant. Mormon. Not sure if there are Jewish services. Obviously Muslim services.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, we bought an AFN box. The local paper in English is cheap. You can get all the magazines here, too, but it is cheaper to buy them at the NEX.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I get by fine with no Arabic. Everyone speaks English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It would be difficult but not terribly so. There are some ramps and elevators.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses are not recommended, but taxis are fine -- and not too pricey.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Any will work. Many people have huge SUVs to intimidate other drivers. I drive a Mazda, which is nice in tight parking here. A few of us bought second cars from other expats upon arrival and are having maintenance issues.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes and expensive. We pay over $100 a month for the fastest connection with the most downloads. If you download a lot, watch out! They will charge you a huge fee if you go over the limit.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You will need one because you will probably have a minor car accident. I use a prepaid one with Batelco. Decent service.
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?
No, but they do not seem to take good care of pets coming into Manama. (Gulf Air)
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Decent pet care, I believe.
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 really. Possibly teaching.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Most people dress well here. You rarely see shorts or short skirts; not many tank tops either.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate to Unhealthy. Dust has led to many sinus infections/allergies. Lots of mild illnesses get passed around.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Nothing additional required.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It is fairly safe here. I do not go out much late at night. Not too much petty crime, but car accidents are daily events, and you will have at least a fender-bender during your tour.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Germs spread quickly, and you will often have the most recent "bug" that is going around. Some sinus issues, too, due to the insane amount of dust in the air. Medical care is not expensive, and the quality is good for minor problems.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot. Hot. Hot. Dust storms and HIGH humidity.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Two great British curricula and a new Amercian one-Riffa Views. All have long waiting lists, so apply immediately. Dodd's school is traditionally used but it is an hour away from housing.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There are limited options.
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?
Great preschools, but again there are waiting lists. We used Budaiya preschool, and we were very happy with the reception class taught by another embassy spouse. Now our son will attend St. Christopher's.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, Chaoss and My Gym for the younger sets. Dancing and martial arts are also offered. Rugby club has soccer and rugby. T-Ball and horseback riding are also here.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large. Lots of oil companies with expats from all over.
2. Morale among expats:
Good. We all find it a little dull sometimes.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Dining out (or in) mostly. There are some nice movie theaters, but some scenes are cut out. There are many malls to walk around in. Social clubs are popular.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families and couples. Singles, especially women, may have a hard time. It is a moderate-to-conservative society. Many people wear the traditional dress.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Women who are dressed immodestly may get looks and sometimes be harassed. Locals are biased against many of the immigrant workers here, and some of them are treated very poorly.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
NO BEACH! You will spend your time at the pool, possibly join a club to socialize. Shopping and eating out are really it. Many people leave the island and travel because it gets a bit dull.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Great carpets and wood furniture. Lots of imported goods from India.
9. Can you save money?
Not much. Everything is more expensive, and you will leave the island to travel and take the edge off of boredom here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, it is a little dull, but also easy, relaxed living. My kids are small, so I wouldn't be off doing too much right now anyway. We all love the pool.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
dreams of the beach. There are no real beaches here! Bring your winter gear. Also, there are plenty of stray animals that need homes.
3. But don't forget your:
sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimsuit.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
It is almost impossible to be outdoors from June through August. Most expats go home for the summer months. Skip the "Tree of Life" visit. Manama is a permanent vacation, but one that you get tired of quickly. Learn to enjoy family time, and get together with friends, and this will be a nice post. Travel to Asia, Africa or other ME countries for culture and interesting activities.
