Last Updated on July 17, 2025 by Roslin Dwivedi
So, Why Did We Move to Bahrain?
Let’s start from the beginning.
We moved to Bahrain because my husband got a job here. That might be the reason for many people too. But beyond that, people move for all kinds of reasons—to send money home, to raise kids in a peaceful and modern city, or just to experience something new.
Living in Bahrain doesn’t mean giving up luxury or city life. But trust me—you’ll need to manage your money wisely. Life here can be beautiful, but also expensive. Especially if you’re here with your family, budgeting is your best friend.
So here’s everything I wish I had known before we packed our bags.
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Where is Bahrain
Let’s clear this up right away: Bahrain is a country, not part of the UAE.
It’s a small island nation in the Gulf, connected to Saudi Arabia by a bridge, and close to countries like Oman, the UAE, and Qatar.
There are direct flights from Bahrain to many locations worldwide and major airports in India. Gulf Air is their national airline carrier and its additional connecting hub apart from the other airports in the Middle East. Direct flights operate from India’s metro cities to Bahrain, and from Bahrain to most Middle Eastern hubs.
Manama is the capital city of Bahrain, and the local currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). At the time of writing this, 1 BHD = ₹220 INR.
Languages spoken: Everyone speaks Arabic and most speak English (you’ll be fine with English in most places)
Visa & Documents: What You’ll Need
The visa process wasn’t super smooth for us but ideally its pretty straight forward
The company hiring my husband needed our marriage certificate, our child’s birth certificate, and all his educational/work documents—plus document attestation from India.
We used PCC Apostille and Attestation Services, which cost us around ₹14,000. You can also get documents attested through the Indian Embassy in Bahrain.
You may need:
- Marriage certificate
- Child’s birth certificate
- Passport & visa copies
- Job offer letter
- Educational documents
Be ready to sign some documents in person at the Embassy.
The Embassy of India in Bahrain offers attestation for educational, non-educational, and personal documents, including Power of Attorney and employment-related papers. Documents must be authenticated by relevant authorities (like MEA or Bahrain MOFA) before submission. Applicants must sign in person at the embassy and provide valid ID. Fees vary by document type.
More info: Embassy Attestation Guidelines
Job Hunting: What I Learned Firsthand
Here’s what I figured out quickly: if you’re looking for an entry-level or mid-level job (something like admin, retail, customer service), the pay might not match the expenses here. A lot of those jobs start at around 250 BHD per month, which isn’t enough if you’re also paying for childcare, transport, and lifestyle expenses. For someone single, and starting out it could be a decent start.
That’s exactly why I didn’t take a job at first. I wasn’t comfortable leaving my 4-year-old home with a nanny, and setting up cameras and all added more costs. On the other hand, teaching jobs here pay really well—much better than in India, and teachers are respected too. If teaching’s your thing, go for it.
Other popular jobs include IT, accounting, and sales. Those are usually easier to find online or through local recruiters. Of course if you speak or can learn basic Arabic, it would be a nice skill to have. If you are already living in Bahrain, it might be much easier to find work as there are many vacancies for expats who are already in the country.
Teaching jobs in Bahrain pays really well. In India teachers are not valued enough but if you know that you can be a good teacher go ahead.
House Hunting in Bahrain
Let’s talk about house hunting in Bahrain.
Like most expats, we started by connecting with real estate agents—some through Google searches, and others through recommendations from friends and colleagues. Most agents will ask you about your budget, number of bedrooms, preferred locations, furnished vs. unfurnished, and any other personal preferences. Once they know what you’re looking for, they’ll take you around for viewings.
We had done something similar back when we moved to the Bahamas, so we kind of knew the drill.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
In Bahrain, many apartments come furnished, semi-furnished, or completely unfurnished. Naturally, unfurnished homes are cheaper, but we opted for a fully furnished apartment in Seef, and our rent was around 750 BHD per month.
The apartment was lovely—modern, clean, and close to everything. There were great restaurants, cafés, and even a cute little bakery just a short walk away. While everything in Seef was on the expensive side, we still loved stepping out occasionally to treat ourselves.
Life Around Our Seef Apartment
Our son’s school was a bit far, but we arranged for a school bus to handle pick-up and drop-off. There was also a playground about a kilometer away, and we’d walk there sometimes in the evenings. Those small routines really helped us settle in.
Best Areas to Consider:
- Seef – Luxurious, modern, great for young professionals or couples. Pricey.
- Juffair – Vibrant expat hub with restaurants and nightlife. Mid to high range.
- Adliya – Artsy and cultural, more local feel. Affordable.
- Riffa – Residential and peaceful. Good for families, more budget-friendly.
- Saar – Family-friendly with international schools nearby. Mid to high range.
- Manama/Karbabad – Central and affordable. Good for budget-conscious families.
Quick House-Hunting Tips:
- Agents usually charge half a month’s rent as commission
- Always negotiate rent and ask what’s included (water/electricity/Wi-Fi)
- Check AC units—they’re essential in Bahrain
- Be cautious with older buildings—inspect for pests or plumbing issues
- Look for places with parking, especially in busy areas
Where to Search:
- PropertyFinder.bh
- Bahrain Property World
- Facebook Groups: “Expats in Bahrain,” “Bahrain Apartments for Rent”
- WhatsApp groups—agents often share listings directly
Documents You May Need:
- Passport & CPR copies
- Work permit/residency (or at least job offer)
- First month’s rent + security deposit
- Signed lease agreement
Daycare in Bahrain: Not So Simple
Finding proper daycare in Bahrain is a little tricky.
You’ll find nurseries and early learning centers, mostly in areas like Manama and Riffa, but they’re not always full-day daycares like you might be used to. Some of them are part of schools, and others are private, with flexible timings and good safety standards but we didn’t find a lot of options near us in the Seef area. So if you’re a working parent, it’s something to plan for early.
Schools in Bahrain
Bahrain has some great schools. We didn’t go with the Indian school option, but chose a Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE) one that was mid-range in terms of fees and it turned out to be amazing. Our son loved it and settled in very easily. The teachers were kind and helpful, and he picked up so much in just a few months.
There are Indian schools (CBSE/ICSE) if you want something familiar, but also international options like British, American, and IB curricula if you’re looking for that.
Our Life in Bahrain
We loved Bahrain! When we arrived, we lived in Seef, a beautiful area full of high-rise apartments, malls, and cafes—but also one of the most expensive places to live.
After a few months of lavish living (and lots of Talabat deliveries 😅), we realized we needed to cut back. Just across a big road, we found Karbabad, a much cheaper neighborhood with everything from budget groceries to local restaurants.
That day—finding affordable shops nearby—was such a happy moment for us.
There were so many ways we enjoyed the home deliveries, went to manama to get some useful
before this we had lived mostly the tropical countries like Seychelles and Bahamas but Bahrain was totally different from all of these places. it is more modern, more lively.
Making Friends in Bahrain
I can’t stress this enough, find like-minded people.
Making friends when you move somewhere new is hard, but it’s also the most important thing. Expat groups on Facebook really helped. I met a few moms through school events, playdates, and just bumping into people at parks. Don’t be afraid to say hi. People and in general the locals are very friendly. Having even one or two friends makes a huge difference when you’re far from home.
Food and Restaurants
If you love food, you’ll love Bahrain. There’s such a big mix of cuisines Indian, Thai, Lebanese, Italian, American, you name it. From street food to fine dining, you’ll find everything delicious.
We did eat out a lot when we first came. Later, we started ordering less and cooking more at home for convenience. Most of the restaurants and nightlife scene is concentrated between Juffair and Seef.
Grocery Shopping & Markets
You’ll find everything from big supermarkets like Lulu and Carrefour to small corner convenience stores that are super convenient.
What saved us money was ordering directly from our local grocery store instead of using food delivery apps. They didn’t charge us for delivery and always brought things quickly.
Manama Souq is also a fun place to shop for traditional things and budget buys. Its great to wander around in the Souq if you are looking for souvenirs and or showing around visiting family.
Getting Around
Bahrain isn’t huge, but you still need to figure out transport.
We started with an expensive rental car (because why not, right?) but later switched to a smaller one to save money.
Other options:
- Uber and Careem (like Indian Ola)
- Public buses (cheap, but limited)
- Taxis (agree on fare before you get in)
Eventually, we started doing school drop-offs and pickups ourselves, and that saved us quite a bit too.
Apps and Services That Help
A few things made life super convenient:
- Talabat – food and grocery delivery
- Local stores – many deliver for free
- Cleaning services and maintenance people are easy to book through apps or word-of-mouth
We slowly learned that planning a bit ahead really helps save time and money.
Cutting Down Food Expenses
We had to figure out what worked best for us.
Here’s what helped:
- Plan meals weekly
- Stop over-ordering take-out from apps
- Buy in smaller quantities so nothing goes to waste
- Cook more often
- Use nearby local stores instead of big-name supermarkets every time
When It’s Time to Leave Bahrain as an expat
Leaving was emotional, but also came with a to-do list.
We used Facebook Marketplace and OLX to sell furniture, electronics, and other stuff. It worked really well.
For sending things back home, we asked around in local Facebook groups and found a reliable shipping service that packed and delivered everything for us.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Bahrain
Living in Bahrain taught us a lot. We came as strangers, learned how to adapt, made a home, and built a life for ourselves even if just for a few years. It’s not always easy, especially in the beginning. But once you find your people and your rhythm, things settle down.
Being an expat changes you; it teaches you how to live simply, how to adjust, and how to rely on yourself and your little community.
If you’re moving to Bahrain soon, go with an open heart and an open mind. You’ll have tough days, but you’ll also create memories that’ll stay with you forever.
Take care, and good luck on your journey.
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