Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
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 same level of production as Saudi Arabia. Because the country cannot solely rely on the income produced by oil, it has looked at developing other sources of income to grow the economy.
Currently imports to Bahrain stand at PHP3.7 billion while exports are at PHP35.2 billion. Under a trade agreement signed in 2016, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) are expected to establish a general cooperation framework that will promote bilateral economic relations.
Compare money transfer companies below
How do I compare transfer companies when sending and receiving money between the Philippines and Bahrain?
- Exchange rates. Different organizations will have different rates depending on the cost associated with that specific currency to them. All these organizations have currency converters on their websites that convert Philippine pesos (PHP) to Bahraini Dinars (BHD).
- 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. Organizations have a minimum amount they are willing to transfer. Any less will not make it worthwhile for them, as the amount should be enough to cover all associated costs.
- Transfer fees. The transfer fees between different organizations differ significantly and need to be measured against the exchange rate offered. It is important to take into account that this fee is not the full fee charged. The Bahraini organisation/bank where the money is transferred will also charge a transaction fee.
- Transfer methods. All of the above-mentioned organizations offer a range of methods for transferring money, but read the fine print carefully as a transaction that is done over the counter can be up to PHP547 more than by making use of Internet banking or a cellphone application.
- Transfer time. The transfer time as shown in the table can change should something happen on the Bahrain side. The time is the average 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 the Philippines and Bahrain?
- MoneyGram. MoneyGram offers international transfers between the Philippines and Bahrain. Your recipient can pick up the cash you send from their nearest Bahrain Financing Company branch. In emergencies where same-day receipt of money is required, there is an emergency service that can be used. It 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. To use the bank account option, your sender will have to expressly request it. Cash pickups are also possible. There is a transaction limit based on the amount of money being sent, the method used for the transaction and the delivery time. There is also an option to get your first transaction free. Payment can be made by both debit or credit card and you will receive a tracking number. The emergency money transfer option is known as Money in Minutes and the cash is sent to the receiver’s mobile phone.
- Xpress Money. When sending money to Bahrain via Xpress Money, the only option is to send it by Cash Pick-up. Visit an Xpress Money agent and provide your valid ID, the receiver’s details, and then hand over the cash. You will receive a receipt and 16-digit pin which must be shared with the receiver.
How to handle emergency cash transfers in Bahrain
Moneygram, Western Union and Xpress Money offer cash pickup services with same-day delivery (often within minutes). ANZ customers subscribed to the Platinum Emergency service option can receive emergency help when abroad. ANZ will advance up to around PHP190,000, which will be billed to the cardholder’s account within 30 days. The cash can be collected at the nearest Western Union or other appropriate transfer facility.
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 or 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 money out to pay for something.
What are the steps to send and receive money from 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 need 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 are expecting to 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 may 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
- Have 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