Manama, Bahrain Report of what it's like to live there - 08/26/08
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. I've lived in Europe and in the Caribbean.
2. How long have you lived here?
Long enough to start counting the months remaining (and they are still in the double digits).
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Most flights out of Bahrain leave at 1am and most people arrive on the 8pm flight...I would try to break up the flying time with a 2 day stop-over in Europe.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There can be 4 to 30 villas in a compound (neighborhood). Manama is about 30 miles wide - you can be at work (anywhere in Manama) in 15 to 20 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You'll either learn to do without, or you'll find something else that works. Pork (sold in special rooms) is US$28.00 a KG. I won't buy ground beef on the local market. The base has been out of ground beef since Aug 1. Although they have angus for US$6 /lb - try feeding your friends and family with that! Mozzarella is US$6.00 for grams of mozzarella! On the other hand, Coca Cola bottled in Bahrian is US$0.26 / can on the local market (more expensive on the base). Everyone uses net grocer.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
It is difficult to say. The things that I would ship are perishable. Either they are too expensive here, or they don't have them. I miss a good piece of beef, I miss Dole spinach in a bag, I miss good salads, I'd kill for mozzarella that I could afford to eat.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most American fast food places are here, but you can only eat so much of that and it is expensive. A 6pc chicken McNugget and Coke (no fries) will cost US$3.75. An all you can eat Chinese restaurant is US$50.00. 4 oz of steak will cost US$15.00. It is very expensive to eat here.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I pay US$150 a month for someone to clean my villa 3x a week and do my laundry 1x a week. Although I just read below that the person pays that much for a live in!
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I always hold my breath when I use my cards. Geant somehow swiped my card 5 times and managed to freeze my card. I'd carry cash, but everything is so expensive that you'd end up carrying over US$500 in you wallet.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes and no. There is English language TV - if you like watching a marathon of bad talk shows all of the time. This is where all of the bad TV shows come to die!
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
NONE
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many difficulties. If Manama can't remember to put parking spaces in their building plans, then they won't remember to put handicap features. Also, I've had quite a few elevators close on me - no safety features!
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Whatever. Manama has great roads - if you can see them. To get to my house I look for a light pole in the middle of the sand. When I see the light pole I know to turn (even though I can't see the road). Therefore, righ hand drive / left hand drive - does it matter?
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. No. No. There is NO public transportation for an expat or Bahraini. There are cars called taxis but I'm not sure what they do because if you call one they tell you that they have a car available in a few days. If you contract a limo company, they might come. You can find taxis at hotels, but a taxi ride anywhere will cost about US$15.00. That is a ripoff considering that gasoline is less than US$1.00 per gallon.
3. 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?
I'd bring any of the Toyota SUV's. They are a good size & you can manage your way around/ through any place. If you have a large SUV, you might have to back out of roads to let another car through.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
What high speed internet? There is crappy internet at a very high price. You can pay US$27 for 256kor US$160 for 2 mg.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Depends on how much money you want to spend. The phone company can charge a dollar a minute. Skpye is good and so is vonage. However, the internet is very expensive here ( and terrible).
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is a vet and there are kennels. Just be aware that the locals relly dislike dogs. The kids will throw rocks at your dogs.
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?
Define decent. Don't come here expecting to further your career. You can find something to keep you borderline sane and get US$5.00 / hr.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
I wear professional attire at work and jeans on the weekends. I'd be in big trouble if I went to the mall wearing shorts and a tank top or a spaghetti strap shirt/or dress. In public, most of the women wear abayas. You will stand out for not wearing one, so don't make things worse by REALLY standing out. On the other hand, you don't have to walk around wearing a turtleneck. I always carry a cardigan or a shawl just in case.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Most of my friends take Claritin daily. I'm not quite sure if the sand storms have anything to do with it. I would not come here if I had asthma. Health careis so-so. Right of way for an ambulance is not the norm here!
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Let me just say that if I had appendicitis - I'd buy an airplane ticket out of here asap. I trust the health care in latin america more than I trust the health care here. Basic health care is ok. Anyone can give you stitches. You just have to make sure that you won't get an infection.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid, hot, sandy, eye infection from the sand, hot, humid, sinus infection, hot, humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I'm single, but I do know that there are issues with some schools. Do your research and ask many questions. If I had kids I'd probably send my teenagers to school in the U.S. I haven't been impressed with the education.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
I've heard rumors that they exist,however it is too darn hot to go out and find other people to talk to.
2. Morale among expats:
All there is to do here is meet up for a drink. Families have a better time because they can plan playdates. Singles just hang out at the Rugby Club and count the days.
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?
I'm getting tired of repeating myself. Expect to either do NOTHING or drink. For example, the base currently has 1 selection of ground beef (the Angus beef). Then, there is the alcohol section at the base - there you'll find every kind of beer, hard liquor, red wine, white wine etc.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Manama is good for families (with young kids) because at least they have someone to be with! I've heard the older kids complain that there isn't anything to do here. Manama is TERRIBLE for adult singles (of any age). The kids are right, there is nothing to do in Manama.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I really don't think that would be wise!
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Racial - yes. Religious - not really. Gender - it depends - if you are a different race, then yes you will have problems. If you are a female and blond, then you will be ok.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Same old list from the other postings.nothing new to add. There is NOTHING to do here.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There aren't any local items.you can spend your money on cheap imported items made in India. For example Pashmina scarves start at US$6.00.
9. Can you save money?
Not a chance. In fact, you should pay off your credit card and student loans before arriving here. After a few months you'll be broke and planning a lavish trip out of here!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Bahrain is fine for two income families. Otherwise, good luck to you. If I had a choice I would not be here under my present condition (single)!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Pool float & beach party ideas.
3. But don't forget your:
Books and DVD's.
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?
You can survive here. You just have to have a good support system. Before coming here, stop shopping at your fav. stores for 30 days. When you go back in, look at everything that you put in your shopping cart - that is what you'll need here as your comfort items. If after 30 days you really look forward to Dove soap, bounce sheets, Zataran's, yellow rice, etc, then bring it with you.
