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Few scams

Western Asia

Tourist scams in Bahrain

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.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi overcharging and trips without the meterA driver asks for an inflated fare or takes the trip without using the meter. Most taxis use meters, but excessive price demands still happen. Reports of extreme overcharging are occasional.Across Bahrain, including airport trips and rides in Manama. 3Read
  2. 2 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor hotel exchange rates for Saudi riyalsSaudi 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.Hotels accepting or exchanging Saudi riyals. 1Read
  3. 3 ShoppingOccasionalImitation branded watches in souqsSouqs sell watches described as “rolexes”. Treat these as a warning about authenticity. Negotiating a price does not establish that a branded item is genuine.Local souqs. 2Read
  4. 4 TheftOccasionalPickpocketingA thief takes money or belongings from your pocket or bag without you noticing. No particular distraction routine is described.Especially old market areas known as souks. Pickpocketing is also reported in Manama. 2Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalBag snatchingA thief grabs a bag and takes it. No specific approach or escape method is described.Especially old market areas known as souks. Bag snatching is also reported in Manama. 2Read
  6. 6 Hotels and roomsOccasionalHotel-room burglarySomeone enters a hotel room and steals belongings. The entry method is not described. Hotel security does not remove the risk entirely.Hotels across Bahrain. Tourists have had rooms burgled despite hotel security systems and cameras. 1Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalRobberyBelongings are taken through force or threats. No particular tourist-targeting method or location is described.Across Bahrain. Violent crime is rare, but robberies do occur. 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Bahrain International Airport, MuharraqAirport taxi trips need care over the meter, vehicle choice and fare. A BD 2 airport pickup charge is stated.
  • Old market areas known as souksPickpocketing and bag snatching are reported especially in these areas.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check that the meter starts before the journey.
  • Use official taxis or the dedicated Uber and Careem airport pickup point.
  • Expect stated pickup extras of BD 2 at the airport and BD 1 at hotels.
  • Keep the booking details or note the vehicle details if a fare dispute develops.

Money

  • Learn the currency before shopping: one Bahraini dinar is divided into 1,000 fils.
  • Check prices carefully. A small-looking dinar amount can still be expensive.
  • When paying with Saudi riyals, confirm the rate and the currency of your change.
  • Check hotel exchange calculations before agreeing.
  • Treat branded watches in souqs cautiously and verify authenticity before paying.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in view, especially in souks.
  • Keep phones and wallets out of back pockets.
  • Separate your daily cash from spare cards and important documents.
  • Do not leave bags unattended while shopping or eating.

Where you stay

  • Check your room lock and report faults immediately.
  • Use secure storage for valuables when available.
  • Do not assume cameras or hotel security make room theft impossible.
  • Keep a private record of valuable items and important document details.

Nights out

  • Take extra care around Exhibition Avenue near Hoora, particularly at night. Women may encounter drunk men there.
  • Go out with a trusted companion and plan your return transport.
  • Leave situations that feel threatening and avoid arguments.
  • Keep your room key and valuables secure in hotel nightlife venues.

What travellers say about Bahrain

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Bahrain a high-risk place for tourist scams?

The crime rate is fairly low, and violent crime is rare. Taxi overcharging and petty theft are the main concerns described here.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a taxi?

Use an official taxi and check that the meter is running before the trip starts. Very high fixed-price demands are a warning sign.

Are airport and hotel taxi pickup charges a scam?

The stated extras are BD 2 for an airport pickup and BD 1 for a hotel pickup. These charges alone do not mean you are being scammed.

What should I do if the taxi driver did not use the meter?

The stated rule is that no charge applies when the meter is not used. Raise the issue calmly and call police if the driver refuses to resolve it. Avoid confrontation.

Can I lose money paying with Saudi riyals?

Some hotels may use a poor rate that costs you a few percent. Confirm the rate first. The stated rate is about 10 Saudi riyals to one Bahraini dinar, and change may come in dinars.

Are branded watches in the souq genuine?

Do not assume they are. Watches described as “rolexes” are sold in souqs. Verify authenticity before paying if you want a genuine branded watch.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Take extra care in old market areas known as souks. Keep your bag closed and in front of you, and keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets.

Can belongings be stolen from hotel rooms?

Yes. Hotel-room burglaries have occurred despite cameras and security systems. Check your lock and use secure storage for valuables when available.

Is there an area where I should take extra care at night?

Take care around Exhibition Avenue near Hoora, where women may encounter drunk men. Go with a trusted companion, avoid arguments and leave if you feel uncomfortable.

What should I do first if my bag or wallet is stolen?

Get somewhere safe, then freeze any stolen cards. Report the theft to police and keep the report details. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was taken.

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