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Guide
Isa Town, Bahrain π§π
#1946
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Isa Town is a suburb of the capital city, Manama, known for its residential areas and community-focused lifestyle. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 100,000 residents |
π» Internet Speed | Average of 100 Mbps (Fiber optic connections available) |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 BHD (Bahraini Dinar) β 2.65 USD |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Available from Batelco, Zain, and Viva |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and local banks accept international credit cards. |
π Accommodation | Options include apartments and houses for rent; platforms like Property Finder and Bahrain Property Market are useful. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer furnished apartments for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Most affordable options start from BHD 15 per night for hostels. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near Alqadam neighborhood for easy access to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying in the new government housing developments for quiet living. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hive Bahrain offers flexible coworking options with good amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lilou - known for its peaceful ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Attend monthly meetups organized by Bahrain Startup Center for local entrepreneurs. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the Bahrain Expat Community Facebook Group for updates on gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Isa Town. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bahrain has limited bike rental services; however, scooters are available through Lime. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Amwaj Islands Beach, approximately 25 minutes by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air is the main airline. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air serve international routes. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Near Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway for easy access to the capital. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Due to limited public transport, taxis and apps are recommended for ease. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public bus tickets cost BHD 0.2 per ride; monthly passes are not commonly available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services operate to neighboring towns and cities, with departures from central Manama. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Royal Bahrain Hospital offers good medical care for expats. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | U Yoga Studio provides yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Echo Fitness are popular gyms in the area. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available, including Wash & Go. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Machboos, a traditional Bahraini rice dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe D'Illy is known for its vegan-friendly menu. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | La Chocolaterie is famous for its exquisite pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | The Isa Town Market offers local produce and affordable goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mumzworld and Carrefour offer extensive online shopping options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offer grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenues Mall has various cafes and restaurants with a lively atmosphere. |
π» Local Brewery | Bahrain's local breweries like Jood offer tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Expat bars like The Diplomat offer a variety of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Check out the stalls at Souq Manama for local street food. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Sushi, Indian, and Italian are well-represented across restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Bahrain Fort and Ahlia University are notable sites. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Bahrain National Museum showcases the island's heritage. |
π° Historical Sites | Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is significant. |
π Religious Sites | The Al-Fatih Mosque, one of the largest mosques, welcomes visitors. |
π Annual Events | Bahrain International Music Festival takes place every October. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Manama Souq offers a taste of local culture and commerce. |
π Theater Venues | Bahrain National Theater hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Isa Town Market is popular for local crafts and goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Various venues host live music events throughout the year. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the murals in the Al-Fateh area for vibrant street art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Bahrain Cooking Academy offers classes for traditional Bahraini dishes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art features local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Check out the historic buildings in the Muharraq neighborhood. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Visit the Dilmun Burial Mounds for archaeological history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Areen Wildlife Park is a great escape for nature lovers. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Sitrat Park offers a nice green space for relaxation. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts around the Bahrain Bay offer stunning views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Visit the Northern Governorate for birdwatching opportunities. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks in Bahrain allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Several stores in Isa Town provide electronic repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Clubs and community centers offer ping pong facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | The British Council provides English language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Isa Town library provides quiet study areas. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and gatherings. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Check 'Game On' for video gaming opportunities. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Bahrain; gambling is illegal. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 750 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = BHD 30,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = BHD 24,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 650 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = BHD 39,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 550 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = BHD 33,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = BHD 48,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 450 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = BHD 36,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax rate |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% withholding tax on dividends |
π¦ Tax System | No personal income tax system. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% personal income tax |
π§Ύ VAT | 5% standard VAT rate |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules currently apply. |
π Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% for property transfers. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Bahrain has a zero-tax regime for digital nomads. |