Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
If you’re visiting Bahrain, consider the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (if you plan on interacting with animals)
Routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot are also recommended. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Bahrain, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BahrainCulture & Customs
Dress modestly; women should cover shoulders and knees, and men should avoid sleeveless tops. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Always ask before photographing people, especially women. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight.
Alcohol is available but drink responsibly and only in licensed venues. Homosexuality is illegal, so LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion. Women travelers and couples should be aware that some traditional settings may have gender-segregated areas. Use your right hand when greeting or eating, as the left is considered unclean.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Bahrain.
- Machboos: This is Bahrain’s take on spiced rice, often served with chicken, lamb, or fish. It’s seasoned with a blend of spices that create a rich, aromatic flavor. Think of it as Bahrain’s version of biryani, offering a taste of the island’s spice trade legacy.
- Ghoozi: A traditional dish often prepared for special occasions, ghoozi involves roasted lamb stuffed with rice, eggs, onions, and spices. The combination of flavors makes it a celebratory meal that showcases Bahraini hospitality.
- Qouzi: Similar to ghoozi, qouzi is another lamb dish but usually served over a bed of spiced rice with nuts and raisins. It’s a go-to for festive gatherings, highlighting the communal aspect of Bahraini dining.
- Samboosa: These are crispy, fried pastries filled with spicy meats or vegetables. They’re popular street food and a favorite snack during Ramadan, offering a crunchy, flavorful bite.
- Harees: A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), slow-cooked until smooth. It’s especially popular during Ramadan for its hearty and nourishing qualities.
Tap water in Bahrain is generally safe for locals to drink, but tourists might want to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. While the water is treated and potable, the taste and mineral content might not be what you’re used to. For peace of mind, grab bottled water, which is cheap and widely available.
The main language in Bahrain is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Bahrain includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Bahrain,
English is widely spoken and understood, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate. The country has a diverse expatriate community, with many residents hailing from English-speaking countries, which contributes to the prevalence of the language. Most signs, menus, and public information are available in both Arabic and English, catering to tourists and expatriates alike.
In urban areas, such as Manama, you will find that many locals, especially those in the service industry—hotels, restaurants, and shops—are fluent in English. Additionally, English is commonly used in business and education, further enhancing its visibility.
While Arabic is the official language, English serves as a second language for many Bahrainis. However, in more rural areas, proficiency in English may vary, so it’s helpful to learn a few basic Arabic phrases. Overall, travelers should find communication in English to be quite manageable throughout Bahrain, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Bahrain is BHD (ب.د).
ATMs: Bahrain’s pretty ATM-friendly, with machines all over cities and even in some malls. They usually accept international cards, so no worries there. Just watch out for those pesky withdrawal fees.
Cash or Card: While cards are commonly accepted in most places, it’s smart to carry some cash for smaller shops, street food, or markets. Bahraini Dinar (BHD) is the way to go.
Dollars or Euros: Don’t bother carrying USD or Euros for spending. You’ll need to convert them to BHD. Some exchange places take them, but the rates can be iffy.
Exchanging Money: Skip the airport exchange booths—they’re notorious for bad rates. Instead, hit up local banks or exchange shops in the city for better deals. Remember, the closer to touristy spots, the worse the rate can get.
In Bahrain, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. Restaurants often include a service charge, so check your bill; if not included, leaving around 10% is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture, and hotel staff usually receive a small tip for good service.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.