As I prepare for my upcoming move to Bahrain I have multiple questions. One is about shipping personal goods to Bahrain.
We can't carry everything as luggage, but we don't have so much that it's worth using a relocation service either. We want to ship several parcels to Bahrain containing things like our child's toys (no toy guns capable of firing projectiles) and books. We also want to ship clothes and other miscellaneous things. For the amount we have, this is far more cost effective than using a relocation service.
I've read this thread: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=280219 and still have some questions. I've also read a bit about Bahrain Customs, but I'm confused.
Can we just send parcels (multiple boxes of no more than 20 kg each) through standard post? The post office where I am now, and services like DHL and FedEx, have said they will send parcels up to 20 kg each with no problem. However, will there be any issues receiving them on the Bahrain end? Will they just be sent directly to the address listed or will there be some effort required there?
Also, I read unclear info about prohibited items. In some places I read that books, audio & video material are fine as long as they are not of immoral content. Yet in the Ministry of Interior's Customs Affairs Travel Directory it says that books, audio & video material must be declared. As I said, my child has a lot of children's books in our native language that we want to send. I also have many music CDs that I would like to bring and some DVDs too. And no, none of them are adult content. I'll have to list these things on the packing list. Any issues with that?
Finally, what are the currency rules when arriving in Bahrain? In most places I read that there are no restrictions or declarations required on foreign currency. However, in Ministry of Interior's Customs Affairs Travel Directory says that It is necessary to fill the Currency Declaration Form by the passengers before departing and arriving to the Kingdom of Bahrain, bringing with them money or precious metal. So which is it?
Thanks!