Transportation in the Early Days After Arrival

Stakan Contributor

Member since 25 July 2013

StakanContributor05 November 2013 05:31:19

192

Im curious to hear how people have sorted out their transportation in their early days in Bahrain.

I suppose it is best to take a taxi to and from work for the first few days, but that isnt a very good option for too long. With all the things that go along with moving to a new country, starting a new job, etc. it doesnt seem possible to spend any meaningful time shopping around for a car straight away too.

Im thinking for convenience renting (or leasing) a car makes the most sense for me instead of buying. But still, it takes some effort to find the right car, price, and provider. Like I said, Im curious to hear how others have dealt with this.

Also, I have a US driver license without an international permit (the international permit expired a several years ago and Ive not been back to get the US to get a new one). I understand that I can likely drive using the US license until I get my CPR, at which point I should be able to get a Bahrain license relatively easily. Is this correct? I did read in one place though that in order to get a Bahrain license using my US license I need it AND a valid international permit with it. That doesnt seem like it would really be required though. Any experiences on this too?

Thanks.

Josnuggles ViP

Member since 05 September 2012

JosnugglesViP05 November 2013 09:11:20

2197

Hi. I have been here for ages and still use my UK licence. I notice you aren't getting the feedback you need so why not call one of the rental companies and they will advise you regarding your licence. Once you get your CPR you can convert to a Bahrain licence anyway (you have to) I rented to begin with and now I lease.

Guest8795 Guest

Guest8795Guest05 November 2013 12:17:11

I'm not sure about converting from a US licence, but it was easy enough to get a Bahrain licence from a UK licence - just a quick sight test and a form to fill in. We rented cars to start with then bought used cars. There are plenty around, as people are always coming and going from here!

scottrace Serial expat

Member since 05 March 2013

scottraceSerial expat07 November 2013 04:49:45

283

Rental here is easy - there are loads of companies - even at the airport just to get you going in the early days (although they are over priced in my opinion).

And to be honest from bitter experience, I would say keep renting - dont buy!

silver356 Contributor

Member since 09 November 2012

silver356Contributor07 November 2013 14:12:53

135

Definitely just rent a car, so much easier. Small sedans start at about 170bd a month. Avenue Rental at the airport will give you that price or similar but you need to do it by the month - not weekly or daily.
You should be fine getting a bahrain licence without the international permit. I'm going to get mine in the next couple of weeks so will let you know if the international permit is required.

Can your employer offer any help with transport in the beginning?

brightonguy ViP

Member since 18 June 2012

brightonguyViP12 November 2013 04:07:35

1591

I learned how to drive a car in Bahrain and got my very first license here as well. With Josnuggles' help, I rented a car and keep renting it still. Both leasing and renting have pros and cons. I personally prefer renting but I also know many people who prefer leasing. Renting has the advantage of you being able to change the car whenever you want.

I still remember the very first day Josnuggles and I went into my newly rented car on the very same day I got my license and Jo thought me the golden rule for driving automatic gear cars (you learn how to drive on a manual car but everyone drives automatic gear here) - which was "automatic geared cars always go unless you hit the break. Nobody thought me that at the school.

Good days...