Scam in BahrainChanging money
Poor hotel exchange rates for Saudi riyals in Bahrain
How it works
Saudi riyals are widely accepted at about 10 riyals to one Bahraini dinar. Some hotels may give a worse rate, costing you a few percent. Change may be returned in dinars.
Warning signs
- The quoted rate gives you less than the stated 10-riyal-to-one-dinar rate.
- The hotel will not clearly explain the rate or change before you pay.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the exchange rate before handing over cash.
- Calculate the dinar amount and check your change.
- Avoid changing Saudi riyals unnecessarily if you can use them directly at the stated rate.
If it happens to you
Ask staff to explain the calculation and correct any difference from the rate you agreed. Keep the receipt and raise an unresolved dispute with hotel management.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue a heated dispute.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location and relevant vehicle or business details.
- Report theft, threats or an unresolved taxi dispute to police. For hotel theft, also notify hotel management and request that relevant records be preserved.
- Ask for a report reference or written record. Contact your insurer and provide the evidence it requests.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the poor hotel exchange rates for Saudi riyals scam in Bahrain?
Saudi riyals are widely accepted at about 10 riyals to one Bahraini dinar. Some hotels may give a worse rate, costing you a few percent. Change may be returned in dinars.
How can I spot it early?
The quoted rate gives you less than the stated 10-riyal-to-one-dinar rate. The hotel will not clearly explain the rate or change before you pay.
How do I avoid poor hotel exchange rates for Saudi riyals in Bahrain?
Ask for the exchange rate before handing over cash. Calculate the dinar amount and check your change. Avoid changing Saudi riyals unnecessarily if you can use them directly at the stated rate.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask staff to explain the calculation and correct any difference from the rate you agreed. Keep the receipt and raise an unresolved dispute with hotel management.
Where in Bahrain does this happen?
Hotels accepting or exchanging Saudi riyals.
How much can it cost me?
A few percent of the amount exchanged or paid.
How common is this scam in Bahrain?
Occasional. Bahrain has a fairly low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. Visitors should watch for taxi overcharging, poor hotel exchange rates, pickpocketing and bag snatching in old markets, and theft from hotel rooms.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or threats. Police can also help with a taxi driver who refuses to resolve a fare or meter dispute. Police station on Exhibition Avenue: go to the station if you need police help while in the Exhibition Avenue area near Hoora. Hotel management: report room theft or an exchange-rate dispute promptly. For theft, ask staff to preserve relevant security footage and room-access records. Taxi operator or booking service: use the contact details in your booking to report overcharging. Include the trip record, vehicle details and receipt. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: report the loss through your insurer's official claims channel. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of ownership.
Reviewed by @snuck