Smooch303
English expat in Bahrain
Forum posts
40
Contacts
1
About me
English
Registration: 07 February 2014
Exit visa info needed please
Hi all, Does anybody know anything about getting an exit visa for a British baby born in Bahrain? Failing that, does anybody have the number of a good, trustworthy agent please? Thank you :) Read More
Ramadan Rules by Omeath
My wife and daughter are coming over and I am not sure how Bahrain deals with Ramadan. What happens to the shops, bars and restaurants during this time? I am aware of the procedures in Saudi and UAE, but I have not experienced Ramadan in Bahrain.
I think it's limited access during Ramadan to non-members. Scottrace: what are the certain circumstances? Not that i would eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or anything anyway. I'm respectful ;)I think all the expat clubs allow their members in ... Read More
Ramadan Rules by Omeath
My wife and daughter are coming over and I am not sure how Bahrain deals with Ramadan. What happens to the shops, bars and restaurants during this time? I am aware of the procedures in Saudi and UAE, but I have not experienced Ramadan in Bahrain.
I think it's limited access during Ramadan to non-members. Scottrace: what are the certain circumstances? Not that i would eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or anything anyway. I'm respectful ;) Read More
Ramadan Rules by Omeath
My wife and daughter are coming over and I am not sure how Bahrain deals with Ramadan. What happens to the shops, bars and restaurants during this time? I am aware of the procedures in Saudi and UAE, but I have not experienced Ramadan in Bahrain.
Just to let you know, the British club is open and selling food and drink during Ramadan. I also saw what appeared to be a Muslim teenager walking around a supermarket eating the contents of her trolley. Read More
Bahrain pregnancy by Smooch303
Hello, Can anybody please offer advice on having a baby in Bahrain with no maternity medical insurance and the difficulties (or ease) involved. Thank you.
Thank you for the welcome although I've been here a few months now and chatted to you both before :) I'm looking for a good obstetrician that provides a maternity package that won't be paid by medical insurance. I've contacted a ... Read More
Bahrain pregnancy
Hello, Can anybody please offer advice on having a baby in Bahrain with no maternity medical insurance and the difficulties (or ease) involved. Thank you. Read More
Extend VOA visa? by steamsmyclams
Going to be heading off to Bahrain soon. I usually do a visit on arrival visa, the last three times I've been. However this time, thinking about doing an eVisa because I might have to extend my stay. Have heard some woeful stories on the eVisa ...
I believe the advice actually came from you originally scottrace. As a regular there, I will let you do the honours. I would only copy and paste your message anyway. One thing I would say is, I would give a more detailed description of the ... Read More
Extend VOA visa? by steamsmyclams
Going to be heading off to Bahrain soon. I usually do a visit on arrival visa, the last three times I've been. However this time, thinking about doing an eVisa because I might have to extend my stay. Have heard some woeful stories on the eVisa ...
I'm pretty used to people staring when I used to live in china but I don't like it when they make me feel awkward as most woman wouldn't but yes I'll take it as a compliment that I turn heads :) Read More
Extend VOA visa? by steamsmyclams
Going to be heading off to Bahrain soon. I usually do a visit on arrival visa, the last three times I've been. However this time, thinking about doing an eVisa because I might have to extend my stay. Have heard some woeful stories on the eVisa ...
I went at 3.30pm as recommended by someone and it was so quick, I had 1 person in front of me. I didn't even fill my form in properly and they didn't question it at all. But certainly I felt uncomfortable with the men looking at me but I have ... Read More
Extend VOA visa? by steamsmyclams
Going to be heading off to Bahrain soon. I usually do a visit on arrival visa, the last three times I've been. However this time, thinking about doing an eVisa because I might have to extend my stay. Have heard some woeful stories on the eVisa ...
Hi, Just a little update on this. I got my visa extension today with no problems. Well, the only problem was finding the place and putting up with the guys staring. I actually met an agent while I was there who seemed quite decent and who gave ... Read More
Paid in SAR living in Bahrain - best bank option? by Richards32
Hi everyone, In August I will be moving to Bahrain from the UK and family joining me soon after, my work will be in KSA and I will be commuting each day. I do not yet know 100% but presume that I will be paid my salary in SAR, I will be spending ...
Yeah I will do. Thanks jack :) Read More
Paid in SAR living in Bahrain - best bank option? by Richards32
Hi everyone, In August I will be moving to Bahrain from the UK and family joining me soon after, my work will be in KSA and I will be commuting each day. I do not yet know 100% but presume that I will be paid my salary in SAR, I will be spending ...
I was misinformed. Ok, I didn't listen properly. We save 拢100 on every 拢1000 we send. Or thereabouts. Apparently a lot of the guys at his work use this company. But it does give a better exchange rate then the banks. We will give it a go next month ... Read More
Paid in SAR living in Bahrain - best bank option? by Richards32
Hi everyone, In August I will be moving to Bahrain from the UK and family joining me soon after, my work will be in KSA and I will be commuting each day. I do not yet know 100% but presume that I will be paid my salary in SAR, I will be spending ...
What do you do if you haven't got an HSBC account in Bahrain tho Jo? We aren't planning on opening one so we just use SAAB account for everything. My husband also told me last night about some agency who deals with it that supposedly gives a ... Read More
Extend VOA visa? by steamsmyclams
Going to be heading off to Bahrain soon. I usually do a visit on arrival visa, the last three times I've been. However this time, thinking about doing an eVisa because I might have to extend my stay. Have heard some woeful stories on the eVisa ...
I got a VOA nearly 3 months ago when I flew into Bahrain so I'm due to renew mine within the next few days, I'll let you know if there are any problems. Fingers crossed :) Read More
Paid in SAR living in Bahrain - best bank option? by Richards32
Hi everyone, In August I will be moving to Bahrain from the UK and family joining me soon after, my work will be in KSA and I will be commuting each day. I do not yet know 100% but presume that I will be paid my salary in SAR, I will be spending ...
Hi Shaun, My husband is in the same boat. He is paid in dollars into his Saudi bank and then we transfer money directly from there to uk. It's a pain and you will lose a bit of money in exchange rates but I don't think there is a lot of choice. ... Read More
Hair salons by Lauga
Hello everyone. I recently moved to Bahrain and I麓m looking for a hair salon, any ideas? and how is the price? Thank you !
Yes thank you for the feedback. I've still not got round to going anywhere and my hair is just getting longer and longer. I really must go this weekend. Read More
Driving Questions by Omeath
We are moving to Bahrain in the Summer and I have a couple of questions; Which licenses can be used to hire a car in Bahrain? Which licenses can be exchanged for a Bahrain license without having to do any test? Specifically, my wife has Irish and ...
I rented a car with only my uk licence and I haven't ever transferred it over to a Bahraini licence. I don't even have a CPR so I wouldn't worry too much :) Read More
I'm in Bahain by 3daddict
Hi All, Quick update, I'm in Bahrain now :D , still in a hotel while I'm looking for a flat. I have been looking in Saar, Amwaj, Seef and Reef Island. I think i'll go with Reef Island option as it's in the middle between school and my ...
I live in Mahooz and have a lovely place close enough to walk to bars and restaurants but very quiet also. I can recommend the area :) Read More
Recommended Brunch locations? by care1018
I've been to the Crowne Plaza for brunch and was wondering what are some recommendations for brunch locations. My friends and I are looking to go this week, a majority of them have gone to Dragon as well so we are trying to find somewhere new. ...
I have been to masso in the palace boutique hotel which was lovely food and brunch at Sofitel which was really lovely too and great drinks but I did get food poisoning from what I think was a dodgy oyster. We tried 338 in adliya and walked out ... Read More
Moving to bahrain -timeframe for moving by 1bex
Hi My husband will be relocating in August , he will be working in damman saudi and we are hoping to live in saar bahrain in a compound (commuting daily) i have few questions from personal experiences would be great please what time frame should ...
We are/were in the exact same position. My husband was working and living in Saudi for three months while his probation period passed and he got his iqama. I moved over in February. We had a hotel for two nights while we house hunted. We found a ... Read More
Hello im new here. by chiachia
:cheers: Hihi i just got here about two weeks with my husband. I would love to meet some new people. im a housewife and it will be lovely have tea time/ female group with more housewife or some girlsfriend. :)
That's great farhaz, it certainly makes things easier. This has certainly made me a lot more confident in meeting up with chia. Read More
Hello im new here. by chiachia
:cheers: Hihi i just got here about two weeks with my husband. I would love to meet some new people. im a housewife and it will be lovely have tea time/ female group with more housewife or some girlsfriend. :)
Wonder what it could be? :/ :gloriaOh dear, my secret language has been uncovered! :D Chia and I have been chatting and realise our husbands work together, Bahrain is so small!! Read More
Hello im new here. by chiachia
:cheers: Hihi i just got here about two weeks with my husband. I would love to meet some new people. im a housewife and it will be lovely have tea time/ female group with more housewife or some girlsfriend. :)
That must be my top 5 interests also..... as well as sunbathing :) I assume by nailing you mean having your nails done? It means something different in the uk ;) I will send you my number in a private message. Read More
Hello im new here. by chiachia
:cheers: Hihi i just got here about two weeks with my husband. I would love to meet some new people. im a housewife and it will be lovely have tea time/ female group with more housewife or some girlsfriend. :)
Hello, I'm also a housewife in Bahrain always looking to meet new people. What interests do you have? Read More
Leasing vs Renting a Car in Bahrain by brightonguy
Hello all, Could you please let me know the difference between leasing and renting a car in Bahrain based on your experience? - Why should I lease a car instead of renting it? - Can I own the car at the end of the lease term? Either for free or at ...
And would you definitely recommend renting or leasing over buying in Bahrain? Read More
Hair salons by Lauga
Hello everyone. I recently moved to Bahrain and I麓m looking for a hair salon, any ideas? and how is the price? Thank you !
Let us know how you get on at tony and guy. I've read a few bad reviews of them. Thank you to everyone else for the recommendations. Read More
Incoming mail by Smooch303
Hello, How would I get a package sent over from my mother in the uk? Any advice on the best ways to receive it at my home. Also, I'm looking for a very good western hairdresser around Manama if anyone can recommend one. Thank you.
On a separate note, can food be sent in? Read More
Incoming mail by Smooch303
Hello, How would I get a package sent over from my mother in the uk? Any advice on the best ways to receive it at my home. Also, I'm looking for a very good western hairdresser around Manama if anyone can recommend one. Thank you.
Great, thanks for the replies. It would literally only be used for personal packages so I think a courier would be easier. Read More
Incoming mail by Smooch303
Hello, How would I get a package sent over from my mother in the uk? Any advice on the best ways to receive it at my home. Also, I'm looking for a very good western hairdresser around Manama if anyone can recommend one. Thank you.
Thanks Jo. I was trying to avoid the charges to join aramex as I probably won't have much sent here. But I had a few packages go missing in Malaysia so I definitely don't want that happening again. Maybe using dhl or a courier is best. Read More
Helicopters by Stakan
Helicopters buzzing around is just a fact of life here. However, this evening seems to be different. We live on Reef Island and for the last few hours they have been circling literally non-stop. It seems something more than normal is going on. Any ...
They were circling Mahooz/adliya for quite a while at midnight too. Read More
Incoming mail by Smooch303
Hello, How would I get a package sent over from my mother in the uk? Any advice on the best ways to receive it at my home. Also, I'm looking for a very good western hairdresser around Manama if anyone can recommend one. Thank you.
Brilliant. Thank you silver. I've decided against tony and guy, I'm not fussed about the price but I could find only two reviews on them and both were bad so I'm going back to the drawing board. Read More
Incoming mail by Smooch303
Hello, How would I get a package sent over from my mother in the uk? Any advice on the best ways to receive it at my home. Also, I'm looking for a very good western hairdresser around Manama if anyone can recommend one. Thank you.
That's great, thank you. And they will definitely deliver to my home here? I don't need to set up a PO BOX? Read More
Incoming mail
Hello, How would I get a package sent over from my mother in the uk? Any advice on the best ways to receive it at my home. Also, I'm looking for a very good western hairdresser around Manama if anyone can recommend one. Thank you. Read More
Hair salons by Lauga
Hello everyone. I recently moved to Bahrain and I麓m looking for a hair salon, any ideas? and how is the price? Thank you !
So, what is the best salon to use? I would prefer a western hairdresser so I can explain exactly what I need for my curly hair. Read More
New to Bahrain by Smooch303
Hello, I've just moved to Bahrain from the UK. I have many questions but for now I'll just introduce myself. I've moved over to join my husband who works in Saudi and will commute. We are looking at apartments to rent today. Any advise will be ...
Thanks everyone for your help, i'll let you know how it goes :) Read More
New to Bahrain by Smooch303
Hello, I've just moved to Bahrain from the UK. I have many questions but for now I'll just introduce myself. I've moved over to join my husband who works in Saudi and will commute. We are looking at apartments to rent today. Any advise will be ...
Thanks for your reply Farhaz. Where do we actually go to get driving license converted? Read More
New to Bahrain by Smooch303
Hello, I've just moved to Bahrain from the UK. I have many questions but for now I'll just introduce myself. I've moved over to join my husband who works in Saudi and will commute. We are looking at apartments to rent today. Any advise will be ...
Thank you for your replies. We moved into a new apartment yesterday which is close to Adliya but I believe its actually in Mahooz. We did use an agent for ease and convenience. She picked us up from our hotel and drove us around all day and still ... Read More
New to Bahrain by Smooch303
Hello, I've just moved to Bahrain from the UK. I have many questions but for now I'll just introduce myself. I've moved over to join my husband who works in Saudi and will commute. We are looking at apartments to rent today. Any advise will be ...
We have been looking at apartments all day and I think we have found one we like although I can't remember the area. Al something. Our next hurdle is a car rental. Please message me if you can be of assistance. We can rent or buy. Whatever proves ... Read More
New to Bahrain
Hello, I've just moved to Bahrain from the UK. I have many questions but for now I'll just introduce myself. I've moved over to join my husband who works in Saudi and will commute. We are looking at apartments to rent today. Any advise will be ... Read More