Isa Town, Bahrain 🇧🇭
#1946
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Isa Town is a suburb of the capital city, Manama, known for its residential areas and community-focused lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 100,000 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 100 Mbps (Fiber optic connections available) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BHD (Bahraini Dinar) ≈ 2.65 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Batelco, Zain, and Viva |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and local banks accept international credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments and houses for rent; platforms like Property Finder and Bahrain Property Market are useful. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer furnished apartments for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Most affordable options start from BHD 15 per night for hostels. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near Alqadam neighborhood for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying in the new government housing developments for quiet living. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Bahrain offers flexible coworking options with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lilou - known for its peaceful ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attend monthly meetups organized by Bahrain Startup Center for local entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Bahrain Expat Community Facebook Group for updates on gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Isa Town. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bahrain has limited bike rental services; however, scooters are available through Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Amwaj Islands Beach, approximately 25 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air is the main airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Near Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway for easy access to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Due to limited public transport, taxis and apps are recommended for ease. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public bus tickets cost BHD 0.2 per ride; monthly passes are not commonly available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services operate to neighboring towns and cities, with departures from central Manama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Royal Bahrain Hospital offers good medical care for expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | U Yoga Studio provides yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Echo Fitness are popular gyms in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available, including Wash & Go. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Machboos, a traditional Bahraini rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe D'Illy is known for its vegan-friendly menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Chocolaterie is famous for its exquisite pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Isa Town Market offers local produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mumzworld and Carrefour offer extensive online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenues Mall has various cafes and restaurants with a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bahrain's local breweries like Jood offer tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Expat bars like The Diplomat offer a variety of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out the stalls at Souq Manama for local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi, Indian, and Italian are well-represented across restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bahrain Fort and Ahlia University are notable sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bahrain National Museum showcases the island's heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is significant. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al-Fatih Mosque, one of the largest mosques, welcomes visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bahrain International Music Festival takes place every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Manama Souq offers a taste of local culture and commerce. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Bahrain National Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Isa Town Market is popular for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live music events throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in the Al-Fateh area for vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bahrain Cooking Academy offers classes for traditional Bahraini dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the historic buildings in the Muharraq neighborhood. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Visit the Dilmun Burial Mounds for archaeological history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Areen Wildlife Park is a great escape for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sitrat Park offers a nice green space for relaxation. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts around the Bahrain Bay offer stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the Northern Governorate for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks in Bahrain allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several stores in Isa Town provide electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs and community centers offer ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council provides English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Isa Town library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check 'Game On' for video gaming opportunities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Bahrain; gambling is illegal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 750 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 30,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 39,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 33,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 36,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax rate |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% withholding tax on dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% personal income tax |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT rate |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules currently apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% for property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Bahrain has a zero-tax regime for digital nomads. |