Fair prices in Bahrain — what things really cost

Bus A2 runs from Bahrain International Airport to Bab Al Bahrain in the city centre for a flat fare of a few hundred fils, by far the cheapest way in. Pay the driver in coins or use a rechargeable GO card. It runs roughly every half hour during the day.

A taxi from the airport to central Manama is short but priced for the airport. Use the official taxi desk or rank and confirm the fare first; a ride-hailing app is often cheaper if you have local data. Insist on the meter or an agreed price before you set off.

City taxis are metered by law, starting from a set flag fare, and short hops across Manama are cheap. Make sure the driver starts the meter; if he refuses or claims it is broken, take another cab. Carry small notes and coins, as change can be scarce.

A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant is good value, with strong Arabic, Indian and Persian options. Note that many venues add a service charge and government VAT to the bill, so the final total can be a little above the menu price.

Bahrain's national dish of spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish is filling and affordable at a local restaurant. Busy neighbourhood places are cheaper and tastier than hotel versions; order it with a side of salad and daqoos (tomato-chilli sauce).

A shawarma wrap, falafel or fresh juice from a busy street stand costs very little and makes a great cheap meal on the go. Downtown and the souq have the best-value spots; look for a queue of locals as a sign of quality.

Sweet, milky karak tea and small cups of cardamom-scented Arabic coffee are everywhere and cost very little from a stall or cafe. A drink at a smart mall or hotel costs more than a roadside cup, but both are normal, not a scam.