Your guide to compare international money transfer services when sending money to Bahrain.
Bahrain is a country in the Middle East with more than 30 islands in the Persian Gulf. This kingdom was one of the first states in the Gulf to discover oil but does not have the level of production that Saudi Arabia has. Because they cannot solely rely on the income produced by oil refineries, they’ve looked at other sources of income to grow their economy.
The most current imports from Bahrain stand at AUD$95 million with exports at AUD$900 million. The Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Bahrain has not been fully completed as there are still a few outstanding issues to be settled, but a live export agreement was concluded in 2014. The trade partnership between the two countries is ideal, as Bahrain is rich in oil and Australia in live animals and other agricultural and food products.
Compare money transfer companies below
Save money on your personal or business international money transfer today. Fill in the form and you’ll be contacted by a foreign exchange expert to have an obligation-free discussion about your options.
With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
- Buying property abroad
- Emigrating
- Regular overseas payments
- Risk management
- Forecasting
- If the provider quotes a different rate to the one above please let us know
There are a number of money transfer companies and banks that can help you to send and receive money between Australia and Bahrain. OFX and World First are some of Australia’s most well-known money transfer services and in the case study below we compare their costs with ANZ and NAB. When sending money from Bahrain, you can use MoneyGram, Western Union or Xpress Money.
Yasmeen has recently moved to Australia from Bahrain with the goal of becoming an avid sheep farmer. His wife and children are still in Bahrain and he likes to occasionally send them monetary gifts to cover some of their living expenses, and as birthday gifts. Yasmeen has a bank account with one of the top four banks and is doing some research to find out how much they would receive if AUD$1,000 is sent over.
| OFX | World First | ANZ | NAB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 AUD = 0.273 BHD | 1 AUD = 0.278 BHD | 1 AUD = 0.243 BHD | 1 AUD = 0.261 BHD |
| Transfer fee (minimum) | A$15 | A$10 | A$18 | A$22 |
| Amount received for AUD$1,000 | BHD 273 | BHD 277 | BHD 243 | BHD 261 |
| Transfer time | 3–5 business days | 1–4 days | 2 working days | 3 days |
| Transfer options | Bpay, electronic bank transfer | Cellphone app and online | Online, by phone, at local branch or foreign exchange centre | Online, facsimile letter of authority and local branch |
How do I compare transfer companies when sending and receiving money between Australia and Bahrain?
- Exchange rates. Different organisations will have different rates depending on the cost associated with that specific currency for them. All of these organisations have currency converters on their websites that will convert the Australian Dollars to the Bahraini Dinars.
- Pick-up methods. If there is the option to transfer to the same bank, always make use of that option as it tends to save time and money and any dispute can be solved much quicker and easier. Cash pickup locations are listed below.
- Minimum transfer amounts. Organisations have a minimum amount that they are willing to transfer as any less will not make it worthwhile for them and the amount should be enough to cover all of the associated costs. For example, OFX has a minimum requirement of AUD$250 while ANZ only has a maximum of AUD$150,000.
- Transfer fees. The transfer fees between the different organisations differ significantly and will, therefore, have to be measured against the exchange rate offered. It is important to take into account that this fee is not the full fee charged as the Bahraini organisation/bank to which the money is transferred will also charge a transaction fee.
- Transfer methods. All of the above-mentioned organisations offer a range of methods to go about transferring money, but read the fine print carefully as a transaction that is done over the counter can be up to AUD$14 more than by making use of Internet banking or the cellphone application.
- Transfer time. The transfer time as shown in the table can change materially should something happen on the Bahrain side. The time, as shown in the table, is the average amount of time it takes for an international transfer. It is up to 3–4 business days, but can take longer, so make sure to send money in advance.
How do you send and receive money between Australia and Bahrain?
- MoneyGram. This is one of the most convenient methods to send money to Bahrain. You can go to your nearest 7-Eleven and transfer money. The receiver in Bahrain can withdraw it at their nearest Bahrain Financing Company branch. Should you be in an emergency and need same-day receipt of money, there is an emergency service but only for transactions between AUD$50 and AUD$500. This is subject to operating hours, availability and local laws and regulations.
- Western Union. Western Union gives you the option to send money to the receiver’s bank account or mobile phone in Bahrain, should their country permit this option. When using the bank account option your sender will have to expressly request this option and will have to provide your BSB account number. Cash pickups are also possible. A transaction is limited to AUD$5,000 per transaction and there is the option to get your first transaction free. Payment can be made by both a debit and credit card and you will once again receive a tracking number. The emergency money transfer option is known as money in minutes and gets sent to the receiver’s mobile phone.
- Xpress money. When sending money to Bahrain, the only option is to send it by Cash Pick-up. Visit an Xpress Money agent and provide your valid ID and the receiver’s details and hand over the cash. You will receive a receipt and 16 digit pin which you must share with the receiver.
How to handle emergency cash transfers in Bahrain
ANZ customers who are subscribed to the Platinum Emergency service option can receive emergency help when abroad. ANZ will advance up to AUD$5,000 for every case, which will be billed to the cardholder’s account within 30 days, and the cash can be collected at the nearest Western Union or another appropriate transfer facility. Moneygram, Western Union and Xpress Money offer cash pickup services with same-day delivery (most times within minutes) which is a good option for emergencies.
Cash pickup locations in Bahrain for Moneygram and Western Union
Visit the following Moneygram and Western Union branches in Manama and Al Muharraq in Bahrain to receive your cash. Make sure that you have your government issued ID with you.
Western Union
Manama
- Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
43 Government Avenue
P.o. Box 597
Manama, 305
+973-17-207492
Office hours:
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM - BBK Manama Branch
Bldg 177 Government Road
Manama 304
+973-17-223989
Office hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday – Sunday 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Al Muharraq
- Bahrain India International
Exchange company
Sh.abdulla Road, opp. public Bus
Muharraq, BHR
+973-17-216036
Office hours:
Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM - Gulf Air Branch
Gulf Air
Muharraq Muharraq
+973-17-320933
Office hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:50 AM – 3:15 PM
Friday – Saturday Closed
Sunday 8:50 AM – 3:15 PM
MoneyGram
Manama
- Bahrain Financing Company
Shop 0; Building 150; Road 1507; Block 315
AL MANAMAH,
17228888
Office hours:
Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM - Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
Osama bin Zaid Avenue
Manama
+ 973 1720 7777
Office hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Saturday Closed
Al Muharraq
- Bahrain Financing Company
Building 1709
Road 1129
Block 211
Muharraq
Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 9 : 00 PM - Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
Avenue 1
Muharraq
Office hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 8: 00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Saturday Closed
Great tips for picking up cash in Bahrain
Bahrain is often in civil distress with the threat of terrorist attacks constantly looming. There are regular protests and demonstrations. Despite this, when it comes to the issue of carrying cash with you, the country is reasonably safe and has a low crime rate. Traveller’s cheques are always a safe option, but not accepted everywhere. When you carry cash, follow these simple rules:
- Don’t flash your cash.
- Don’t wear any type of bag around your waist that will identify you as a tourist.
- Try and dress like the locals. In Bahrain, where custom and tradition are taken very seriously, this might just be a general tip as well.
- Never put your cash in your back pockets; put it in pockets with zippers that are close to your body and that you can see.
- Keep your small notes and large notes in different pockets. You will usually only make use of smaller notes which means pickpockets don’t know where all of your cash is stashed when you take cash out to pay for something.
What are the steps to send money to Bahrain?
If you decide to make use of a bank account method to receive transferred cash you will require a bank account to receive money in Bahrain. To open a bank account in Bahrain you will go through the following:
- Residence visa
- Letter of ‘no objection’ from your employer (this needs to stipulate your salary to show that an amount will regularly be deposited into your bank account)
- Tenancy agreement (not always required)
- Photocopy of your passport
- Identity photographs
If you will receive money due to a company position, it is advisable to open an account at the same bank as your employer. This can offer favourable terms which might lead to quicker access to your salary.
For cash pickups and to send money via services like Moneygram, Western Union and Xpress Money, senders need to:
- Register with the service provider
- Have the money available in the right currency
- Valid government issued identification
- Accessible location details of the recipient
- Details of the recipient
Recipients will need to:
- Provide the tracking number (supplied by the sender)
- Have valid government issued identification
- Have a copy of the original transaction or receipt as a safety measure
