5hutterbug
Indian expat in Bahrain
Forum posts
80
Contacts
8
About me
Indian
Lives in Getting there....
Registration: 11 November 2013
validity of work visa
Hi Ricky, As far as I know, the work visa is valid for a period of 6 months from the date of issue. Hope this helps. Read More
Contract Termination and rental deposit by Jamin_306
Hi, i was just wondering if there are any laws that protect me from loosing my deposit if my contract is cut short from my employers and i have to go back to my own country?
If you have the diplomatic clause in your contract, then you are okay. It should state that on losing your job you can vacate the property at any time giving 1 months notice Read More
Electricity + Water tariffs increase by double!! by gunner757
Electricity and water tariffs for expats in Bahrain will increase by double, starting March 2016. The increase would continue until 2019, reaching the actual production cost of these two vital services. This was officially stated yesterday by ...
How will this affect expats renting their apartments/villas from Bahraini landlords? What about all-inclusive rental contracts? Read More
Bahrain International Air Show 2016
With BIAS 2016 just around the corner, I'd like to know about our forum members' experiences from the past. The website mentions 5 hours of flying display. Does this mean 5 hours every day? If so, what are the timings of the air ... Read More
Obtaining a Credit Card by OL1
Hello all. I have recently arrived in Bahrain and have got to the stage where the company I am using to hire a car (Budget) are asking for a credit card in order to carry on my monthly rental service. First of all what do I need to obtain a credit ...
If used wisely, credit cards are really helpful. For example, with my credit card, I get unlimited airport lounge access for myself and a guest at (almost) all airports in the world. I also get a BOGO (Buy one, get one) promotion on movie tickets ... Read More
Salary for consultant urologist in bahrain by Dralramli
I have an offer to work in Bahrain in private hospital, and I would like to have an idea about salaries for consultant urologist. Many thanks
The documents need to be submitted by the employee directly to NHRA. Please clarify with Human Resources. Read More
Salary for consultant urologist in bahrain by Dralramli
I have an offer to work in Bahrain in private hospital, and I would like to have an idea about salaries for consultant urologist. Many thanks
In the private sector, salaries for Consultants range from 3500 to 4500 BHD per month. Working hours are 8 hours in 2 shifts, 6 days a week. The usual annual vacation is 30 days. By the way, licenses for medical professionals are granted by the ... Read More
Expat Blog Get-Together from Bahrain by gunner757
Guess we should arrange "大咖福利影院 Get-Together from Bahrain " :cool:
Bummer! I'll be away during these holidays too. Anyway, have fun! Read More
Expat Blog Get-Together from Bahrain by gunner757
Guess we should arrange "大咖福利影院 Get-Together from Bahrain " :cool:
Sounds like a great idea. Count me in! Read More
salmaniya towers by ricky raj
hello all, does anybody have any idea of the quality of accommodation in salmaniya towers .is it good? i could not find any info in the net and hence.any information will be very much appreciated.thank you.
Salmaniya Towers are located just opposite Salmaniya Hospital. Many expat Doctors live here. These are three bedroom furnished apartments without TV or Internet. Coin operated washing machines are kept in a common area near the roof. The rent is ... Read More
Bringing External Hard Disk,Pendrive,Laptop etc to Bahrain..?? by HemanshuN
Hello Everyone, I will be coming to BAHRAIN for the first time in Jan 2016. I am planning to bring external HDD(1TB), most of it contains Family photos/home videos (gatherings and occasions), English and Hindi movies, songs,software,personal docs ...
I echo what logicalindian says Read More
Beach in Bahrain - is there any? by kom340
HI, does anybody know at least one public or private beach in Bahrain?
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Malkiyah beach. Just google "Malkiyah beach, Bahrain". It's about 15 km away from Al Jazair public beach Read More
Driving license by zoe2016
What are the requirements in order to get a driving license here in Bahrain ? How many months to process?
The waiting period for males for a behind-the-wheel driving test is about 10 months now. If you have a valid driving license from one of the following countries, then you don鈥檛 have to undergo an evaluation driving test to get a Bahraini ... Read More
UAE visa... Heads up by Lindochka
As some of you might know I've been going batty trying to arrange a visa to the UAE and that I've opted to get one through an agent. He's told me that as of 1 Oct all GCC residents who aren't Brits, EU citizens, American or Canadian ...
Just a heads-up for people opting for the official online UAE visa service for GCC residents: The website is terrible to say the least. I tried their service twice. Each time, I would reach the end and after putting in the credit card information, ... Read More
Is there a cheaper option for getting an MRI?
The charge for an MRI at public hospitals is also150 BHD. On top of that, you'll probably get an appointment after 3 months Read More
STD test in Bahrain by Jamesrobertson764
Hi, Bit of an unfortunate request - does anyone know where you can get a simple STD test in bahrain? Just the urine test for the Likes of chlymidia. thanks, James
Try approaching Thyrocare - www.thyrocaregulf.com Read More
GPS Navigation App by Slwarner80
What GPS Navigation apps does everyone use on here for getting around Bahrain?
Google Maps will use your data plan. For a good offline GPS system that does not use your data plan (you basically download the map once), I'd recommend Here Maps from Nokia, available for iOS, Android and Windows phones. Read More
Need advise on salary by archie007
Hi Forum members, I am in the middle of an ongoing discussion with a Telecom Company for moving to Manama, Bahrain. I have done my Engineering and have 3 years of experience. I am not offered any salary since the discussion is still on, but I do ...
As Dr. Sunil mentioned, I'd also encourage you to factor in tax savings when comparing your Indian remuneration with the salary being offered here. At present, you may be paying 25 to 30% of your salary as taxes. Read More
tourist visa in us by antonette14
good day im a filipino citizen and working in bahrain can i be approved a tourist visa to usa i will apply here in bahrain thanks hooe someone could help me thanks
You don't need to go back to your own country. You can apply for a visa from Bahrain. We did this a couple of months ago. Read More
Amoxycillin by GuestPoster95685
Is it possible to get this over the counter in Bahrain... or do I need to visit a doctor? If so, do I go to a hospital outpatients or are there things such as GPs in Bahrain? thanks
You may not be able to get antibiotics over the counter in Bahrain. You'll need to consult a family physician first. All hospitals have GPs. Alternatively, you can visit your local health centre. Read More
Work Visa application - Health Care Status: B by bedh
Hi all I have finally been able to check the employment visa status on the LMRA website. Among others, it states Health Care Status: B. Could someone let me know what this status B means? Do expats pay for their own health care costs in Bahrain ...
I totally agree. Nothing works fast here Read More
Game of Thrones Seasons 1 - 5
Hello, Is anyone a Game of Thrones buff here? Does anyone have DVDs/Blu Ray Discs of seasons 1 to 5? Does anyone know of a video lending library that has them? I'd love to borrow them for viewing and return afterwards. Read More
Best VPN service? by Ocfemjc
So got HMA VPN and it is rubbish, disconnects in seconds, if does connect it is so slow nothing loads. What VPNs are decent and actually work here???
I use Private Internet Access (PIA). There's a sale going on right now - $60 for two years for new customers. As Subarbansam said, you'll definitely take a hit with the speed if you use a VPN service. I use it only when needed. Read More
Formula 1 Race Live Telecast
On which channels is the Formula 1 race telecast live? I have an OSN HD connection provided by the landlord. Can someone please guide me? Read More
Work Visa application - Health Care Status: B by bedh
Hi all I have finally been able to check the employment visa status on the LMRA website. Among others, it states Health Care Status: B. Could someone let me know what this status B means? Do expats pay for their own health care costs in Bahrain ...
Status B means either that the X-ray needs to be reviewed and/or the person is not covered by the Ministry of Health for medical insurance. Read More
Work Visa application - Health Care Status: B by bedh
Hi all I have finally been able to check the employment visa status on the LMRA website. Among others, it states Health Care Status: B. Could someone let me know what this status B means? Do expats pay for their own health care costs in Bahrain ...
LMRA status B: means you have no medical insurance with ministry of health. The x-ray report needs to be seen for final opinion. As far as health care costs are concerned, it depends on the contract with your employer. If your employer does not ... Read More
Getting a car loan in Bahrain by KatyaR
Hello! Just wondering if it's easy to get a car loan from the bank if you are an expat? What was your experience like? Thank you in advance.
When I was contemplating a new car loan, this is what I found: National Bank of Bahrain would give me a loan @ 8% interest. I have a salary account with them. For local Bahrainis, the rate of interest was 3% Standard Chartered Bank would give me a ... Read More
MS Office for Mac
Have you tried using LibreOffice? Works great and best of all, it is FREE. Here's the link in case you want to try it out: https://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-fresh/?type=mac-x86_64&version=4.4&lang=en-US Read More
Library by krseetha
Is there any public library available for expats in Bahrain. I saw one public library near a training center in adiliya but I understood that it is not for the general public.
I have a Kobo Aura HD and a Kobo Glo. I just download what I need. I have more than 2650 novels in ePub format. Read More
Is my salary offer adequate? by drnishantradke
Dear Jo, Brighton Guy, Farhaz and other who have responded to a lot of previous requests... I would like to congratulate you all on a great job of compiling responses and threads. I have been offered 2500 BHD as a comprehensive package in which I ...
Rule number One: Never, ever, surrender your passport. Make that a non-negotiable condition of employment. As Khush420 pointed out, it is illegal in any country in the middle east for the employer to ask for employees' passport. Your passport is ... Read More
Is my salary offer adequate? by drnishantradke
Dear Jo, Brighton Guy, Farhaz and other who have responded to a lot of previous requests... I would like to congratulate you all on a great job of compiling responses and threads. I have been offered 2500 BHD as a comprehensive package in which I ...
Dr. Nishant, Welcome to the forum. What position are you being offered? Is your employer the Ministry of Health or a private hospital? For a Consultant's position, the salary is a bit low. Even for a Specialist/Chief Resident position, you ... Read More
Car Rentals that don't ask for Credit Card ?
I second that. However, they will ask for a 50 Bahraini Dinar refundable deposit, though. Read More
Drivers license in Bahrain by cayala
I have my US drivers license. Will I need to take a test to get a license in Bahrain?
I agree with the comments above. I got mine in 20 minutes flat. I suggest you go to the traffic directorate in the evening around 5 pm. That way, you will not have to wait long. When I went, there were no people waiting. Take passport size ... Read More
laptop prices by Ocfemjc
Sorry wasn't quite sure where to post this one. I need to get a new laptop. MacBook air is what im thinking however not sure whether to get one here in Australia or waiting until I'm in Bahrain mid next month. What's the price of ...
I am not sure about prices in Australia, but the prices here are slightly more than the prices in the US. For example, a 13 inch MacBook Air costs about US$ 50 more than what it would cost in the US. For warranty purposes, spending about 50$ (~ 19 ... Read More
is there a bus ride from bahrain to abu dhabi or abu dhabi to bahrain? by phoemprinz
is there a bus ride from bahrain to abu dhabi or abu dhabi to bahrain? how much?....
If you are in Bahrain for more than 6 months with a valid residence permit, you may be eligible for a visa on arrival at GCC countries (except Saudi Arabia). Read More
Flu Shots
Walk into your local health center. They will give you the flu shots with the 3 BD fee that is charged for all expatriates. Read More
BAH Airport parking by relwell
Taking a small trip because I have a few days. I am finding conflicting reports about parking at BAH. Do I want Lot A so I can just walk to the terminal? Unfortunately, the only time I have been to the airport was when I landed several months ...
I have never ventured into it in my car. Car Park B has always been confusing to me, because they keep changing its purpose and rates. So I avoid parking there. I do, however, walk through it to get to the Terminal building from Car Park C, because ... Read More
Health System - Benefits at Government Hospitals by Arabian Knight
Can I know the benefits for the expats who are on Self Sponsorship ? Are they eligible for access to Governemnt Hospitals ? Salmaniya Medical Complex ? I found this online : [b][color=#3B35C9]Primary health care is the conrnerstone of health ...
I forgot to mention that official working hours for all Government Hospitals and health centers are 7 am to 2:15 pm, Sunday thru Thursday. Emergency medical care is provided to all expatriates without any charge or discrimination. Once you are ... Read More
Healthcare Questions - For Expats by XTang
I have been searching for a definitive answer for this one. So thought to consolidate different snippets to get a clear idea. So what is the status of healthcare for expats in Bahrain in the below types of clinics? please respond with your ...
As far as I know, for all specialty hospitals, one has to be referred by the local health center. I forgot to mention that official working hours for all Government Hospitals and health centers are 7 am to 2:15 pm, Sunday thru Thursday. Emergency ... Read More
Healthcare Questions - For Expats by XTang
I have been searching for a definitive answer for this one. So thought to consolidate different snippets to get a clear idea. So what is the status of healthcare for expats in Bahrain in the below types of clinics? please respond with your ...
Okay, here鈥檚 what I know of the Healthcare options for expatriates in Bahrain: Each person with a valid CPR card is allotted a specific health center in Bahrain. This depends on the address registered in the CPR card. All patients, Bahrainis ... Read More
Health System - Benefits at Government Hospitals by Arabian Knight
Can I know the benefits for the expats who are on Self Sponsorship ? Are they eligible for access to Governemnt Hospitals ? Salmaniya Medical Complex ? I found this online : [b][color=#3B35C9]Primary health care is the conrnerstone of health ...
Okay, here鈥檚 what I know of the Healthcare options for expatriates in Bahrain: Each person with a valid CPR card is allotted a specific health center in Bahrain. This depends on the address registered in the CPR card. All patients, Bahrainis ... Read More
BAH Airport parking by relwell
Taking a small trip because I have a few days. I am finding conflicting reports about parking at BAH. Do I want Lot A so I can just walk to the terminal? Unfortunately, the only time I have been to the airport was when I landed several months ...
Any experience with Car Park B, Farhaz? Charges are similar (1 BD per day) for short to medium term parking. Read More
BAH Airport parking by relwell
Taking a small trip because I have a few days. I am finding conflicting reports about parking at BAH. Do I want Lot A so I can just walk to the terminal? Unfortunately, the only time I have been to the airport was when I landed several months ...
You are right, Brightonguy. Here is the link: http://www.bahrainairport.com/reach-us-anytime/parking-rates.html Read More
Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia by 5hutterbug
I am planning to take a road trip to the UAE from Bahrain with my wife and 2 kids. All of us have valid Bahraini residency permits. Is it easy to get a transit visa for road travel through Saudi Arabia? What are the steps involved and the time ...
Thanks, Gunner. Your help is really appreciated. I had already read this and a few more things online before posting my question. 1. I do not intend to have a layover during my flight as I am planning a road trip 2. Do I have to apply to the Saudi ... Read More
Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia
I am planning to take a road trip to the UAE from Bahrain with my wife and 2 kids. All of us have valid Bahraini residency permits. Is it easy to get a transit visa for road travel through Saudi Arabia? What are the steps involved and the time ... Read More
Arabic lessons by Raphiolepis
Is there anyone in the Manama who can provide beginning Arabic lessons for me and my husband? thank you
You will have to physically go to the school to register. Timings are: Thursdays 4 PM to 6 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 11 AM. Course fee: 30 Bahraini Dinars Read More
M.. S.. B.. by Zs82
My son is turning five in june and i am not happy with his current school. Would appreciate to hear any reviews of this school. Thanks
The tuition fees seem pretty stiff. When I compared, they were more than the British School of Bahrain, which is not cheap by any stretch of imagination Read More
Car rental by Bettyheart
HI Guys, I need to rent a car(feeling brave enough to tackle the roads here now). Any recommends from anyone who recently hired a car? Something small will do me just fine. Look forward to your thoughts as always.
The first month I landed here, I rented from Udrive. This is my second month and I have rented from Tooranco. 170 BD per month for a 2013 Nissan Sunny. I checked out many others, and found Tooranco to be the most competitive in pricing Read More
Do you recommend Mazda ? by 3daddict
Hi, I'm about to buy a new Mazda 3, I'd like to know if anyone has good or bad feedback about Mazda in general. Regards, M
My friend is the head of Mazda service. He gave a very honest review of Mazda, not because he was working there. According to him, Mazda cars are manufactured totally in Japan and hardly have problems. Most of the time, they need to do only minor ... Read More
hello - no more message frm men!!!!!!! ok by paramorelover
hello how r u all. it been 3 yrs and i finally graduate frm university of bh!!! yay!!! i have been member on 大咖福利影院 for 4ever. what rly annoy me nowadays, is the amount of msg i get daily frm men. this is 大咖福利影院. u meet expat. u dnt date ...
I believe it is called 'Spray and Pray" Read More
Which SUV will u suggest going to & from Bahrain, Kobar??? by Happy wife
Hi... Need your advice....which SUV is best to travel to and from Bahrain, Kobar..My hubby is working in kobar & travelling everyday...Thanks in advance
Thanks. Any other suggestions for a car in the 10k BD price range? Read More
Which SUV will u suggest going to & from Bahrain, Kobar??? by Happy wife
Hi... Need your advice....which SUV is best to travel to and from Bahrain, Kobar..My hubby is working in kobar & travelling everyday...Thanks in advance
Thanks, Jack. I've also heard of the lifetime warranty on Hyundai. Is it true that the re-sale value of Hyundai and Kia is much less than that of Toyota? Read More
Which SUV will u suggest going to & from Bahrain, Kobar??? by Happy wife
Hi... Need your advice....which SUV is best to travel to and from Bahrain, Kobar..My hubby is working in kobar & travelling everyday...Thanks in advance
Can anybody share their opinions about the Hyundai Santa Fe? Any pointers on Warranty and service will be highly appreciated Read More
School Admission-September 2014 Start by reading_2014
Hi all, I have contacted the following schools so far for my 3.5 year old son and the responses received are mentioned below: 1)Nadeen School-No. 123 on the waiting list. Apologies no admission this year. 2)The British School Bahrain:No place this ...
We have also received an email regarding openings at the infant school. Here's a link to the article that scottrace mentions: http://www.gulfweekly.com/articles.aspx?articleid=32389 Read More
Visa progress or rejected by GDNPR by Bibitoutou
Hello everyone, I need please to know what means the below message received when i checked the process of my visa on LMRA site. "Application is in progress with the GDNPR and will have a decision soon , if approved it will move to: await payment ...
Congratulations. Have a good one! Read More
Travel and Health by relwell
Hello all - About 8 years ago my friend had some blood clots that ended up in her lung. Messy business, really. So they busted them and the doctors said that there was a good chance she was free and clear, and that was a one-off. This past ...
From your description, your friend seems to be suffering from Pulmonary Thromboembolism - a potentially fatal condition. The fact that the condition has recurred demands that a proper evaluation be done to find the cause. I will not go into the ... Read More
Used car: pre-buying check by Gioxx
I have to do a technical check to a car I would like to buy. Is anyone knowing a garage where I can do this? Area: Muharraq/Arad/Hidd/Amwaj. Thanks!
The forum does like information to be shared on the actual forum as it means other people with similar questions can find the answers easily. So please share for all..I was worried that someone might misconstrue this information as advertisement. ... Read More
Used car: pre-buying check by Gioxx
I have to do a technical check to a car I would like to buy. Is anyone knowing a garage where I can do this? Area: Muharraq/Arad/Hidd/Amwaj. Thanks!
Although I have no personal experience, I have come across a few independent mechanics who offer this service. They might not be in the areas that you have specified. I have sent you the details by a private message. Please let us know your ... Read More
Confused overinformed?
No attestation of educational documents was required for my work visa. You might want to wait for other members' answers to get a better picture Read More
Hardware and Tool set
Before moving to Bahrain, I was planning to buy a tool set for home use e.g. Screwdriver and for tinkering with cars e.g. spanner, wrench, etc. Can anybody guide me on what I would need to buy: Tools with Metric measurements or Imperial (British) ... Read More
indian tv channels in bahrain and DTH Connection, bahrain by subhash786
Hi, I'm moving to Manama, Bahrain from Mumbai, India. Please tell me about DTH connection available to watch indian channels and sports channels. Can i take my tata sky set top box to bahrain? does it work there? Thanks :)
Subhash, As far as I know, the only DTH from India that works in Bahrain is Airtel. So, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment with your Tata Sky connection. As Farhaz has pointed out, it is illegal to carry set top boxes from other ... Read More
Visa progress or rejected by GDNPR by Bibitoutou
Hello everyone, I need please to know what means the below message received when i checked the process of my visa on LMRA site. "Application is in progress with the GDNPR and will have a decision soon , if approved it will move to: await payment ...
I cannot agree more with you, Jo. One's patience is tested to the limits while working with the Government machinery here. As they say, "A watched pot never boils" Read More
job offer in bahrain
Hi nanhi9 The average salary for an Optometrist in India is Rs 203,826 per year. For the first five to ten years in this position, salary increases somewhat, but any additional experience does not have a big effect on pay.At the present conversion ... Read More
Delay from GDNPR regarding dependent Visa by S.Tipu
Hi, Could you please assist me to know the reason of delay from GDNPR. ..Nearly three weeks have been passed & the status remains same as below. This is dependent VISA for baby and below is the status which is displaying on portal. 聯Application is ...
My visa has finally been processed today and my status updated accordingly on the LMRA website. So I guess things are starting to fall into place. Finally. Read More
Visa process of behrain. by tahishah
How much time it takes to obtain work visa for Bahrain. I got an job opportunity in Bahrain, I received Offer Letter last month but still I don't receive visa from employer. Please tell me how much time I've to wait for visa.
I agree with Farhaz. We signed offer letters in January, but still no sign of visa. Patience, my friend..... Read More
Landlord Negotiations by Stakan
I聮ve have not rented a flat here before (and I聮ve not rented one anywhere in a long time). Plus, I am not a very good negotiator really. I聮ve read some posts on this topic, but I am hoping to get more input and maybe create one thread that pulls ...
Nothing new for a long time. Come on, people. Please share your views. Read More
School panic by Js-mom
Hi my husband has been offered a job in Kobar and myself and our 3 boys are in the process of organising a move to Bahrain. I'm wondering if anyone could help me with some advise about schooling. I have seen from the forum and from contacting the ...
We had the same predicament. We had applied in early January at St. Chris and BSB. St. Chris are absolutely full and refused to even consider putting the children on waiting lists. BSB accepted our applications and conducted an overseas assessment ... Read More
Independent Garage for Used Car Evaluation by 5hutterbug
Is there a good garage/mechanic to which one can take a used car for evaluation before buying? Typically, these guys would charge a fee and carry out an independent evaluation of the car and point out potential trouble spots. Such a service would ...
Thanks, Farhaz. This is exactly what I had in mind. Would you mind sharing this mechanic's information on the forum? If not, can you send me a PM with the name and contact number? Thanks for the other tips, jazzy851. It would help if an ... Read More
Independent Garage for Used Car Evaluation
Is there a good garage/mechanic to which one can take a used car for evaluation before buying? Typically, these guys would charge a fee and carry out an independent evaluation of the car and point out potential trouble spots. Such a service would ... Read More
Job offer - Consultant Doctor at Salmaniya Medical Complex by 5hutterbug
Greetings! My wife and I are both doctors. We have been offered jobs at the Salmaniya Medical Complex as Consultants in our respective fields. The salary offered per month is xxx BD for me and xxx BD for my wife. Accommodation is on our own. Is ...
Thanks, Josnuggles, Brightonguy and silver356. Read More
Job offer - Consultant Doctor at Salmaniya Medical Complex by 5hutterbug
Greetings! My wife and I are both doctors. We have been offered jobs at the Salmaniya Medical Complex as Consultants in our respective fields. The salary offered per month is xxx BD for me and xxx BD for my wife. Accommodation is on our own. Is ...
Thanks. We will definitely need to talk about annual bonus in the offer. Transportation is included in the lumpsum offer. Air tickets for the entire family at the start of the contract and at the end are included. The contract is for one year, ... Read More
Job offer - Consultant Doctor at Salmaniya Medical Complex
Greetings! My wife and I are both doctors. We have been offered jobs at the Salmaniya Medical Complex as Consultants in our respective fields. The salary offered per month is xxx BD for me and xxx BD for my wife. Accommodation is on our own. Is ... Read More