Information for an American Man living in Bahrain

ashcroft wrote:

1.  Is it safe for an american male (32), and for an asian woman to live there? 

Most definatly. In fact, probably safer than living in any major city in the west..well, until you try to cross the road of course. There are plenty of white folks over here, and even more asians; Indians, Pakistani, Filipinos, Thai's, Chinese..you name it... There is a massive US military base here, so plenty of Americans, loads of English and French folk too, but more in the private sector I'd say..I nor anyone I know has ever been threatened or robbed or murdered. People will tell you to stay clear of certain areas..I haven't and yet to end up in any trouble.

2.  What is cost of living?

We pay 450bd for a 1 bedroom flat in Adliya. I like it here, but you can easily find a villa for 1200-2000bd if you so wish in a 'good' area full of expats if thats your thing. Adliya is quite mixed, locals and expat population.

A car sets you back about 200bd a month unless you buy. Not sure 1 car will be enough either..it's hellish outside 5 months of the year. Taxis are an option, but not that cheap if your wife/partner will be out and about much.

Probably something like 2 to 300bd on grociers maybe..? This can be lowered if you don't buy the imported brands from any of the large super markets and get locally sourced vegetables, etc..

Additionally, make sure your employer offers medical..if not, you should account for this too..but I have no clue on that really.

3. Things to do in free time?

Pretty much what you do anywhere to be fair..Eating out, smoking shisha, having a cold beer and occasionally drop by one of the irregular art exhibitions, go to the Bahrain fort (formerly portuguese fort), national museum, the grand mosque is quite spectacular inside, cinema (though half the movie will be censored if theres much swearing or 'eroticism'), go karting, haggeling (In the souq, the market in the old town, expect to pay at least twice the price because you are western..so haggle..!!!), socialise with friends, etc, etc.. Or if you are such way inclined..shopping? There's alot of water based activity and some islands to visit..but not really a great deal of culturual things to engage in once you have been here for 3 days and seen it all. Flying is quite cheap too, so a trip to Qatar (a very boring place in comparison to Bahrain), the UAE, Oman, etc are all quite affordable nearby destinations to go see for a weekend, long weekend.

4.  Any other useful information that might help.

Bahrain is an island, and as islanders go..the way of life is generally quite slow and relaxed. Out of the entire GCC and wider Arab population, Bahraini's have been the most pleasant I have come across. They are exceptionatily generous and kind people. I've been to dinner at peoples houses I met on the street, I have been and lived in many places and this has never happened anywhere else.

Also, fish is stupidly exepnsive and there are no beaches to really talk about. These I find to be odd things about an island nation.

Also, not sure how well you know the Islamic calender..but just prepare yourself to follow the lunar cycle so you can prepare your holidays. It keeps on taking me by surprise and all of a sudden I have days of work.

Thanks so much.

Hope it helps.

Ashcroft