Need Help with my move to Bahrain for work?

Question

I have recently secured a contract to work in Bahrain starting in August and will be coming with my wife.

I have been offered 1250BHD a Month and 450BHD Housing Allowance.

We are both UK Born and Bread of Indian descent (Muslims) and were wondering:

If there are any racial issues there, for us as we dont really fit into the typical brit expat profile, even tho we consider our selfs 100% brits?

Can anyone recommend any rental agents, and what can 350-450BD get me, Working in Diplomatic area so not too far from there. Any areas recomm?

Any Car leasing companies recommended? appx cost?

Whats the best way of sending money back to UK, i need to send approx 450BD back a month.

How easy will it be for my wife to get a job there? She currently works in social care.

Whats living and working in ramadhan like there?

Is it easy to get into Saudi, as i may go for Umrah Pilgrimage for a long weekend.

Do you think my salary minus my mortgage commitments will be ok for us to survive?

Thanks

Answer 1

Well, for a Brit or an Indian, this does not make a difference in Bahrain. Bahrainis are not racist and will treat you with respect.

For BD 450, you can definately get a good apartment, but maybe not in City Center. Prices there are a bit high. Real estate in Bahrain is amazingly booming, so bear that in mind.

BD 1250 is okay, but not WOW. It is way above average which is BD 500. Food and clothing can be very cheap in Bahrain, so do not worry a bit about that.

As for car leasing, you can deal with the international companies as they are more secure: such as Budget, Hertz, Sixt ..... etc. You can have the option of buying a car as well, either a new one through bank installments, or 2nd hand cars.

For money transfer, for cash you can use Western Union, but there are loads of exchange companies and banks that can help. The best in Bahrain (in terms of rates & charges) is Bahrain Financing Company. http://www.bfc.com.bh/

Your wife can get a job in Bahrain. But is it easy or not, it all depends on her luck. Expats are always required.

In Ramadan, all restaurants are closed in the day time, and life changes completely. Nightlife becomes amazing in Ramadan. Oh, and working hours decrease from 8 to 6 hours.

Going into Saudi does not have anything to do with being in Bahrain. It all depennds on Saudi. But there are some offices that transfer people to Makkah for Umrah & Hajj, and they do all this for you. You do not have to do it yourself. They charge usually for everything, and you can go for a  bus. It costs around BD 30 per person IMAGINE.

You can servive with that salary, but I doubt you can send BD 450 home from the beiginning. You'll need to settle and get used to life here, and then you can save.

For more questions, sms me and i will be glad to help. I can proudly say that I am the expert here :)

******************** OH AND FERAS, PLEASE DO NOT USE MY TAG LINE "bahrain expert".

Answer 2

Good list of questions I will answer each accordingly

1. No it is fine to come to Bahrain do not be worried. In fact, there are more Indians in Bahrain than Bahraini's, many of which are British. If you like to socialize there are many British Indian families and moving here would defintely not be a problem considering racial issues.

2. Well, nowadays 350-450 BD can't get you an apartment in Manama but there are several apartment buildings just minutes away from it in very strategical areas such as Adliya and Mahooz. These areas are filled with expats too.

3. Well a good car first hand will cost you around 4000+ BD but there are plenty of second hand cars too for less.

4. You can easily send your money back to the UK by registring at any bank, I reccomend Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, National Bank of Bahrain, and Shamil and Al Ahli Bank. HSBC and Standard Chartered are available international banks and you can simply send some money through them.

5. Well there is a large British/Indian community in Bahrain but to tell the truth there are little to no social workers as it is not a neccessity here in comparison to other countries. Jobs are not too difficult to find but the government are encouriging the employment of Bahraini people.

6. Working in Ramadan here is fine unlike England everybody is fasting, food courts are closed and it is against the law to eat or drink in public areas. There is a very festive mood and everybody enjoys a night out during Ramadan with the family or friends. Fasting will not be difficult because the sun sets from 5-6pm.

7. Going to Saudi is extremely easy for locals. If you want to go there for Umrah you need a special visa it isn't difficult to get one. Over the weekends thousands of Saudi people come here and Bahraini's go to Saudi by bridge.

8. Yes I think you could live comfortably for a while if your wife works that is a definite plus.

I hope I helped you

Feras

Answer 3

Apart from 1250 BHD compensation and 450 BHD housing allowance do you have anyhing else. What about medical insurance , car /conveyance allowance etc ?

The cost of living in Bahrain very much depends upon your standard of living and your expectations to save. If you wish to have a decent living and have proper education for your 2 children I would say a compensation of 3000-3500 BHD should be a good option. Schooling is costly and 250-300 BHD monthly can be expected. Rentals can be 700 BHD onwards for a good 2/3 BHK fully furnished apartment with all amenities. Settling for anything less than 3000 BHD may not be good.

Staying farther from city means you can save on apartment costs otherwise not. You can find apatments  1 BHK from 175 BHD onwards if you stay far otherwise expect 350 BHD or higher for fully furnished ones with all amenities.

You can get semi furnished for 350 BHD without all things included.

Without CPR Westnern Union/Bahrain Finance Company etc. Services charges vary based on amount send.  

Juffair/Hoora/Adliya/Gudaibhayya etc are not too far from Diplomat Area. Takes 1-1.5 BHD by taxi.

Working Hours are 6-7 hours in Ramadan Period (Sept 1st to Sept 30th) and less stressful

For Going  to Saudi you can go by road (King Fahad highway) or by air. You need to have a visa for that.

If you have mortgage commitments you might need to ask for more salary.

Visit the following links for school related information :-

The Infant School at URL :-

http:// www.talentschools.com

or mail : [e-mail]

Visit :- http://www.justlanded.com/english/Bahrai...

for cost of living and expect a change of +20-25%

Other Schools found here :

http://www.bahr-ehs.eu.dodea.edu/tuition...

http://www.thebsbh.com/fees.htm

http://www.st-chris.net/admissions/