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Member since 10 March 2014

care1018New member10 March 2014 17:44:48

Hi!

I recently accepted a job in Manama and things are moving quicker than I thought. I received the flight info from my employer this morning and I leave on Sunday! I will tentatively only be working in Bahrain until the end of June. I am very nervous and excited! I'm curious about cell phones and providers. It was suggested to me to bring my current phone and just to find a company I could use over there. I've read some information on women's clothing, but any extra information on that would be greatly appreciated as well as any other advice/tidbits! Thanks again

brightonguy ViP

Member since 18 June 2012

brightonguyViP10 March 2014 18:17:08

1591

VIVA, Batelco, Zain are the mobile networks here in Bahrain. If you use data on your phone a lot, go with Viva. Based on a personal experience, it's very good.

care1018 New member

Member since 10 March 2014

care1018New member10 March 2014 18:35:37

I have to check with my current carrier as to how much data I use. Currently I have an unlimited plan and have not been too concerned with going over. I do believe that I will be using data a lot to keep in touch with friends and family as well as the typical search and app games. I appreciate the input! Thank you!

Gaber Member

Member since 14 December 2013

GaberMember10 March 2014 21:45:10

Viva is the best .....

Josnuggles ViP

Member since 05 September 2012

JosnugglesViP11 March 2014 07:48:44

2197

Dont use your current provider for data as you will get data roaming charges which are very, very expensive.

I use Batelco and for BD5 a month I get free calls to Batelco numbers and Unlimited 3gb internet - never have bad signal problems either.

care1018 New member

Member since 10 March 2014

care1018New member11 March 2014 18:19:45

I don't plan on using my current carrier, I wanted to check to see how much I regularly use to get an idea of how much I would possibly need while I am there

I appreciate all the information! Thank you!

silver356 Contributor

Member since 09 November 2012

silver356Contributor12 March 2014 11:59:33

135

Definitely bring your current phone and get a new sim here to start, I have viva too and haven't had any issues.

Farhaz Bahrain Expert

Member since 19 May 2013

FarhazBahrain Expert12 March 2014 13:08:51

2081

I tend to agree with the comments above. Viva generally has good reviews. Batelco works reasonably well too. But have not heard too much good about Zain. So that could be your order of preference.

Best wishes and welcome to Bahrain.

care1018 New member

Member since 10 March 2014

care1018New member12 March 2014 14:24:58

great! thank you very much!

Syed11 Active member

Member since 11 October 2013

Syed11Active member12 March 2014 17:45:24

#10

hey

just to add a little info...you will be getting a sim of viva by the LMRA executive on the airport itself as i got one almost a week back and i am enjoying the services of viva

Farhaz Bahrain Expert

Member since 19 May 2013

FarhazBahrain Expert12 March 2014 21:04:12

#11

2081

Oh yes, I heard about this new service the LMRA provides.
Everyone entering Bahrain on an employment visa for the first time is indeed given a Viva sim card. If my information is correct, it is a prepaid service.

Josnuggles ViP

Member since 05 September 2012

JosnugglesViP16 March 2014 11:10:05

#12

2197

If you decide to move away from Viva then ask for a service check in the area's you are in the most to see who provides the same signal.

They are all very similar though so I'm sure whoever you choose will be fine.

It's only about BD2 for a new sim card anyway so you can always choose 2 providers and get a cheap dual sim phone

Have fun

care1018 New member

Member since 10 March 2014

care1018New member31 March 2014 12:45:11

#13

thanks again!! all seems to be working out well!

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