- Download our Moving to Bahrain Guide (PDF)
Bahrain has a healthy economy with major industries that include the petroleum and aluminium production industries. It is one of the most important centres for Islamic banking in the Middle East. Expats relocating here can look forward to dealing with banking services that are efficient and reliable.
Money in Bahrain
The currency used in Bahrain is the Bahraini dinar (BHD), which is divided into 1,000 fils.
- Notes: ½ BHD, 1 BHD, 5 BHD, 10 BHD and 20 BHD
- Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 fils
Banking in Bahrain
With a strong and sophisticated banking industry, there are a number of good options for expats looking for a local bank in Bahrain. For those who prefer to bank internationally, there are also a host of foreign and multinational banks with branches in Bahrain.
Banks that are popular with expats in Bahrain include Arab Bank, HSBC Bahrain, Ahli United Bank, Citibank and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK). Many expats find it easier and more convenient to open a bank account with the bank their employer uses.
Opening hours for banks in Bahrain are generally between 7.30am and 2.30pm, from Sunday to Thursday.
Opening a bank account in Bahrain
Opening a bank account in Bahrain requires a fair amount of paperwork. Expats looking to open a bank account in Bahrain must appear at the prospective bank in person and present a number of documents. The exact requirements vary from bank to bank, but a passport, work and/or residence permit, and proof of residence (such as a utility bill or rental agreement) will usually be required.
ATMs and credit cards in Bahrain
There are plenty of ATMs in Bahrain, and expats won't need to look too hard to find one. The majority of ATMs offer 24-hour service.
Although Bahrain has been a predominantly cash-based society in the past, they are moving away from this. Expats will be able to pay with a debit or credit card almost anywhere now, with many establishments also allowing the use of online payment apps.
Taxes in Bahrain
One of the great incentives for expats moving to Bahrain is that there is no income tax levied against personal earnings. Expats will only be liable to pay social security, which amounts to 1 percent of their monthly income. Expat employers pay an additional 3 percent towards each expat employee's social security.
Before getting too excited, expats are strongly advised to research whether a double-taxation avoidance agreement exists between Bahrain and their country of origin though. If not, expats may have to pay tax in their country of origin on the money they earn in Bahrain. It's worth consulting a specialist expat tax practitioner in order to ensure all obligations are met.
Further reading
►For more on money matters, see Cost of Living in Bahrain
In-text image: Eduardo Soares via Unsplash
Are you an expat living in Bahrain?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Bahrain. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad can be intimidating, but learning about medical options such as family health insurance early on can help you successfully settle in.
Limited-time offer: 10%* off for life!
Get covered today and enjoy 10%* off your health insurance policy!
*T&Cs apply
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!