Money and duty free for Bahrain
Currency and Money
Currency information
The Bahraini dinar (BHD) is divided into 1,000 fils. Banknotes currently in circulation are 20, 10, 5, and ½ dinars. Coins are in the denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, and 5 fils.
The dinar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1 BHD = 2.65957 USD.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, at smaller shops, markets, or more remote areas, credit cards may not always be accepted; cash might still be preferred.
ATM
ATMs are available in major cities.
Banking hours
Sun-Thu 07:30 to 14:00.
Currency restrictions
The Bahrain Customs Department does not state any restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can import, although you may be required to prove the assets of the money you possess.
Currency exchange
Currency exchange is available at the airport, banks, hotels, and bureaux de change, with banks and exchange offices usually offering better rates than hotel counters.
Bahrain duty free
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Bahrain by persons aged 18 and over:
• 1 electronic hookah device
• 1 electronic tobacco heater
• 10 electronic cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 400 cigarettes or electronic cigarettes, or 400 nicotine pouches, or 250g of tobacco
• 60ml filling for electronic hookahs
• 250g pipe tobacco
• 3 liters of alcoholic beverages
• 12 cans of beer
• Gifts worth up to 300 BD
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports into Bahrain include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and items that violate national security or public morality.
Restricted imports requiring prior authorisation include animals, animal products, plants, firearms and ammunition, certain chemicals, films and publications, and telecommunications equipment.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Banned Exports
Prohibited exports include any items banned from import, and restricted exports such as antiquities require authorisation.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
