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Getting Established

Cell Phone
If you have a cell phone and would like to use it in Bahrain, it must be unlocked. Most carriers can unlock your phone, but most likely will have added fees associated with it. Check with your U.S. carrier before departing on international travel. You can purchase a SIM card for your unlocked phone on or off base upon arrival, which will provide you with a local Bahrain number. There are several wireless carriers in Bahrain, so look around to find the plan that is best for you. The three main cell phone operators in Bahrain are Batelco, Zain, and Viva. Unlocked phones may also be purchased locally ranging in price from $25 to $1000 depending on the type of phone you would like to use. It is highly encouraged that you have a phone with local cell phone service while in Bahrain.

Driver’s License
Expired stateside driver’s licenses disqualify personnel from driving Government Owned Vehicles (GOV) on base, in the performance of duties, regardless of state exemptions. Be sure to renew your driver’s license in the U.S. prior to your arrival here if you expect (or are expected) to drive a GOV. You may drive a Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) with a valid stateside driver’s license in Bahrain; no other local/international licenses are required.

Registration and Insurance
Whether you ship your vehicle from the States, or purchase one in Bahrain, you will need to register the vehicle with the Bahrain Traffic Directorate. This process can be started at the money exchange located on the second floor of the Freedom Souk.

Expired stateside driver’s licenses disqualify personnel from driving Government Owned Vehicles (GOV) on base, in the performance of duties, regardless of state exemptions. Be sure to renew your driver’s license in the U.S. prior to your arrival here if you expect (or are expected) to drive a GOV. You may drive a Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) with a valid stateside driver’s license in Bahrain; no other local/international licenses are required.

If you are shipping your vehicle, once it is cleared through Bahrain customs you will be notified by the VPC. Collect the customs clearance certificate of your Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) at the Personal Property Office (PPO). The PPO will issue a letter certifying the status of your POV title and a certification letter to register your POV at the Bahrain Traffic Directorate. Contact an insurance company of your choice to ensure that you have the required coverage for Bahrain. Local insurance companies will issue a proof of insurance card.

Registration of the vehicle with the Bahrain Traffic Directorate will be your responsibility. You are allowed to assign an agent of your choice to process your POV registration. The following are required by the Traffic Directorate for registering your POV: vehicle (for inspection); customs duty free certificate (provided by the VPC); letter from the PPO certifying the status of the title (provided by PPO); Letter of Certification to register your POV to Bahrain Traffic Directorate (provided by PPO); proof of insurance; CPR card of the owner; U.S. Driver’s License; Registration Fees (33.000 Bahraini Dinars approximately).

For more information on vehicles, including shipping your vehicle, purchasing a vehicle in Bahrain, and further details on regulations, insurance, and registration, see pages 10–11 of the Bahrain Welcome Aboard Packet.

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