Bahrain is an intriguing blend of modern skyscrapers and rich history, from the bustling souks of Manama to the old Bahrain Fort. The country is known for its flourishing financial center, vibrant culture, and breathtaking desert scenery. Knowing how to obtain cash is essential whether you are shopping in luxury malls, experiencing traditional markets, or visiting the Formula One circuit. This guide includes vital information on cash and ATMs in Bahrain, such as withdrawal fees, transaction limits, currency rates, and card acceptance, to enable you make payments with ease.
Where to find ATMs in Bahrain?
ATMs are widely available in urban areas (Manama, Muharraq, Riffa). They are also many ATMs in city centers, shopping malls (e.g., City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall), and near bank branches (e.g., Ahli United Bank, National Bank of Bahrain). You will also find ATMs in Tourist Areas (Bahrain Fort, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Amwaj Islands) and in or near high-end hotels. ATMs are available at Bahrain International Airport. ATMs are less common in rural areas, but these regions are small and easily accessible from urban centers.
Best ATMs to use in Bahrain for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Bahrain are those owned by popular banks such as:
- National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)
- Bahrain Islamic Bank
- Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
- Khaleeji Commercial Bank
- Gulf International Bank
- Ahli United Bank
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some international banks also have their ATMs in Mauritius namely HSBC and Standard Chartered.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Bahrain.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Bahrain, some ATMs may prompt you to accept or decline conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in BHD).
- If you select ‘Accept’, the ATM will convert your money at the selected exchange rate. You need to pay an extra charge for this
- If you decline, the ATM will convert at the bank/card logo’s exchange rate (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
So, to avoid added expenses, choose ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in BHD’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Bahrain?
Yes, Bahrain ATMs accept foreign debit and credit cards.
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus, JCB and American Express cards. They don’t accept cards like UnionPay and Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
ATM opening hours
Many ATMs in Bahrain run around the clock 24 x 7, particularly those positioned away from bank premises. ATMs on bank premises, on the other hand, may only be accessible during the bank’s operating hours, which are normally 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday.
What are ATMs called
Majority of the ATMs will have the signage of the bank name in big clear visibility. They may or may not specifically used the word ‘ATM’.
PIN type at ATMs
ATMs accept 4-digit PINs. Some may accept longer 5- or 6-digit PINs too.
Language options at ATMs
Bahrain ATMs typically present Arabic and English as the primary languages. Some also offer languages like Hindi. If you’re not familiar with it, live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be handy but go ahead cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Bahrain?
ATMs dispense cash in Bahraini Dinar (BHD).
ATM withdrawal limits in Bahrain?
ATMs in Bahrain have maximum withdrawal limit per transaction between BHD 500 to BHD 2,000, most commonly being BHD 2,000 (all figures in Bahraini Dinar BHD). ATMs typically do not have daily withdrawal limits so you can use the ATM multiple times if you need to withdraw more cash.
ATM Fees in Bahrain
Bank ATMs in Bahrain typically do not charge any fees to foreign card holders so there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Bahrain!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Bahrain. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to Minimize Cash Withdrawal Fees in Bahrain
- Utilize ATMs with lower fees within the country.
- Use ATM Fee Saver app to find ATMs that offer fee-free or low-fee services.
- During ATM transactions, opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” options.
- Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
- Refrain from using ATMs found at airports, as they often have higher fees.
How to find fee-free ATMs in Bahrain?
Use the ATM Fee Saver app for iOS and Android. It provides ATM PINs, fees, withdrawal limits for foreign cards, and a fee calculator for precise charges. The app also offers cash tips for over 100 countries, including Bahrain.
Safety at ATMs
Bahrain is a popular tourist destination with plenty of ATMs and a reputation for safety. However, it is wise to use ATMs in crowded, well-lit areas and pay attention to your surroundings. Keep an eye out for any unauthorized transactions on your bank statements as a precaution. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, keep your card visible while making purchases, carry a backup card, and routinely check your card transactions using your bank’s app for extra security.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Bahrain takes your card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retrieve the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retrieve and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs
All of Bahrain’s major bank ATMs offer free cash withdrawals.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Definitely! In Bahrain, ATMs typically accept cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other nations.
Bitcoin ATMs
Bahrain does not presently have any Bitcoin ATMs. The country’s cryptocurrency laws may have an impact on the lack of these services.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Bahrain
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs.
Citibank: Yes, Citibank runs some ATMs, in Manama.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: Yes, HSBC has a significant presence with multiple ATMs throughout Bahrain.
Standard Chartered: Yes, Standard Chartered operates several ATMs here.
