Bahrain

[Trader]

I've looked through the history and found some great information but I have a few moew questions for some of you who live in Bahrain. They may be odd but I'm looking for info on some of the 'little' things:

1. Electricity--I understand it is 230 volt with the British style plug in?

2. Food--what is shopping like--good choice (compared to Canada or England), expensive???--large supermarkets or small local ones?

3. Any hockey rinks or teams--for adults and kids??

4. Pollution--is it fairly clean, ground, sea and air?

5. Cost of homes? Trying to look up Bahraining real estate websites with no luck. Can you even own? Histroically have prices been going up? Any opionions would be welcome.

6. Did you move you belongings or simply refurnish once in Bahrain? How are furnishing costs? ]

7. Shopping in general---cloths, electronics etc----I am assuming you a full choice of products? Good prices?

8. Car and gas prices?

I hope I do not come across as too ignorant but these are the types of questions that often don't get asked and I am trying to get a feel for life in Bahrain. Cheers for your patience :D

[TAF Oscar]

1. yep, 230v with British 3-pin plug, although most appliances are sold with Euro or US plugs, so adapters are cheap and plentiful!
2. both large & small supermarkets, choice isn't quite what you'd expect in Canada or UK but not far off. Large markets have selections of Euro/US foodstuffs as well as from other places like Australia, India etc.
3. We have an ice rink, not sure if there are any hockey teams. If you come here and there isn't, why not start one?
4. Reasonably clean, some air pollution from power stations, traffic etc but nothing dramatic.
5. Non-GCC citizens not allowed to buy, except at a new development Amwaj Islands, not sure of prices.
6. We brought our furniture with us, there is some local furniture makers and shops but we find choice a bit limited and expensive.
7. Plenty of choice, in general on the expensive side in the malls (of which there are plenty) local markets good for cheaper stuff.
8. Cars are relatively expensive and 2nd hand not very reliable due to environment (heat, dust) and often poor maintenance standards. Gasoline is 1 BD ($2.65) for 10 litres.

Apart from all that, great place to live especially with family.

TAFO:

[Trader]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

How about:

1. TV---satellite ???

2. Schooling---we have a 2 year old and were wondering about daycare and then school.

[TAF Oscar]

There are several Satellite packages ranging from $25 to $100 per month depending what channels you want, all the usual stuff available. Some compounds & apartments have free satellite.

Schooling: There are two British curriculum schools, our kids attend St. Christophers which is a "non profit international school", there are 52 different nationalities attending and we can highly recommend it:
http://www.st-chris.net/

Alternatively the British School of Bahrain:
http://www.britschlbahrain.com.bh/

Both sites give details of fees. The main American school is the Bahrain School:
http://www.studyinbahrain.com/sch/bah_sch.htm

Info on all schools in Bahrain can be found at:
http://www.studyinbahrain.com/by_curr.htm

TAFO: :cool:

[Nightrider]

Hi T/O...nice to see you still sitting in the sandpit....all the best and if I can see another overnight in BAH will let you know for another pint at the club....:ok:

[TAF Oscar]

Hey Nightrider! Good to hear from you, what are you up to since leaving Fantasy Island? I'm still here, and so's the Country Club ready for that pint! :cool: