Close-up of woman using automatic teller machine to withdraw money ()
Getting an account through the credit union will eliminate headaches when paying bills, transferring money, making purchases, getting cash and managing funds between U.S. dollars and Bahraini dinar.
DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS
• Most Bahraini businesses accept debit and credit cards, but some may not. Currency exchange rates may apply.
• It’s always best to carry Bahraini dinar when off installation.
• There are sometimes transaction fees when using debit cards, so having cash can be more economical.
NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Navy Federal Credit Union is the only financial institution on the installation. However, Western Union is available at the Navy Exchange.
ATM Base Locations:
o NFCU ATM #1 Bldg 261: Ground floor next to Navy Federal Branch Credit Union.
o NFCU ATM #2 Bldg 261: First floor next to the Wi-Fi Lounge/Internet Café and Movie Theatre.
o NFCU ATM #3 Bldg 263: Outside of the Housing Service Center at the Pavilion/Shawarma Truck.
PAYING BILLS
The most common way to pay bills for Bahraini services, such as rent and utilities, is through a Navy Federal Credit Union account. If you are a non-NFCU member, you may cash a personal check at the PSD cash cage then visit the Dinar Exchange.
To pay for utilities and rent, you need to:
• Withdraw funds in U.S. dollars equivalent to the amount in Bahraini dinar in the form of a cashier’s check.
• Then, visit the Dinar Exchange and convert the cashier’s check into a Bahraini dinar check.
MONEY TRANSFERS
• There are also options to wire funds.
• Use Western Union for money transfers.
BEWARE OF FEES
• Off-installation ATMs may require transaction fees depending on your account services.
MWR Dinar Exchange
Located on the first floor of building 261 Freedom Souk, the MWR Dinar Exchange is a local currency exchange service available for base patrons. The Dinar Exchanges offers monetary exchange services such as currency exchange, rent and EWA checks, vehicle registration, export, bill payments, driving license, CPR issues and renewals and traffic offenses. The Dinar Exchange is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) provides financial, educational and other needs based assistance to active duty, retired Sailors and Marines, their eligible family members, and survivors. Contact NMCRS at bahrain@nmcrs.org to book an appointment or request information about eligibility. All services are confidential and include financial counseling and interest free loans. Let NMCRS be your first resource, not your last resort.
