Bahrain Taxis: Credit Card Payments Accepted?

If you're planning on taking a taxi in Bahrain, it's worth noting that some drivers will try to scam you, take you on detours, and claim that they don't accept credit card payments. To avoid this, you may want to consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, which are readily available and often cheaper than regular taxis in Bahrain. These apps offer the convenience of managing routes and payments through the platform, reducing the likelihood of being overcharged or taken on unnecessary detours.

Taxi drivers in Bahrain may try to scam you

Taxi drivers in Bahrain have been known to scam tourists. It is advised that tourists visiting Bahrain avoid regular taxis and use ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Careem instead.

Tricks and Scams

Taxi drivers in Bahrain may try to take you on a detour to increase the fare. They may also claim that they do not accept credit cards and ask you to go to an ATM. In some cases, they may even cancel your ride booking on the app and charge you a higher fare based on the meter.

Precautions

To avoid being scammed, it is recommended to use ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Careem, which are readily available and cheaper than regular taxis in Bahrain. These apps manage routes and payments, reducing the risk of being overcharged or taken on unnecessary detours.

Airport Taxi Scams

Airport taxi drivers in Bahrain are particularly notorious for overcharging passengers. It is advised to use ride-sharing apps or pre-book an airport transfer service to avoid being overcharged.

Alternative Transport Options

In addition to ride-sharing apps, other transport options in Bahrain include renting a car or using public buses, which are reportedly cheaper than taxis.

While scams can occur, taking precautions such as using ride-sharing apps or pre-booking airport transfers can help ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience in Bahrain. Being aware of potential scams and knowing your alternatives can help you navigate the local transport system with confidence.

They may also try to take you on detours

When it comes to taxis in Bahrain, it is recommended to use Uber or Careem to avoid potential scams by regular taxi drivers. Taxi drivers in Bahrain may attempt to take you on detours, claim that they don't accept credit card payments, and insist on taking you to an ATM. This can be a ploy to get you to pay a higher fare or to target you for theft.

To avoid this situation, it is advisable to use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, which are readily available in Bahrain. These apps offer several advantages over regular taxis. Firstly, they provide route management and payment processing through the app, eliminating the need for cash or credit card transactions inside the car. This reduces the risk of being overcharged or taken on unnecessary detours. Secondly, Uber and Careem drivers are often regular taxi drivers using the app on the side, so you benefit from their knowledge of city routes while enjoying the convenience and security of the app.

While some taxis in Bahrain may accept credit cards, it is not a given. To avoid any issues, it is best to assume that you will need cash for your fare. Always carry enough cash in the local currency (Bahraini Dinar) to cover your transportation costs.

Additionally, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when travelling in an unfamiliar place. If you do choose to take a regular taxi, be cautious of any attempts to take you on detours or deviate from the expected route. Stay alert, and if you suspect any foul play, don't hesitate to question the driver or seek assistance.

By following these precautions, you can minimise the risk of being scammed or overcharged during your taxi rides in Bahrain. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your personal safety and financial security.

They may say they only accept cash

In Bahrain, taxis are easy to find on the main streets or at taxi stands. However, it is recommended to phone for a metered taxi service as the taxis outside the terminal tend to overcharge foreigners. While there is no information on whether taxis in Bahrain specifically take credit cards, it is always good to carry cash with you when travelling.

When travelling, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand, in this case, the Bahraini Dinar. Credit cards are widely accepted in Bahrain, but it is best to be prepared for situations where only cash is accepted.

Some taxi drivers may say that they only accept cash, even if they have a credit card machine in their vehicle. They may try to avoid using the machine by making excuses, such as saying it is broken. In such cases, it is essential to be firm and insist on using your credit card if that is your preferred method of payment.

If you are concerned about potential issues with credit card payments, you can consider using ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem. These apps are widely used in Bahrain and can provide a more convenient and transparent payment process. With these apps, you can link your credit card to your account, eliminating the need to worry about carrying cash or dealing with drivers who may be reluctant to accept card payments.

Additionally, when using a ride-hailing app, you can also benefit from features like route tracking and estimated fares, which can help you avoid potential detours or unexpected charges. These apps can provide a more predictable and stress-free experience, especially if you are new to the area.

You can use Uber or Careem to avoid this

If you're worried about taxis in Bahrain potentially not taking credit cards, you can use Uber or Careem to avoid this issue. Both services are available in Bahrain and offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.

Uber and Careem are ride-sharing services that operate through apps on your smartphone. You can download the apps and set up an account with your payment information before your trip to Bahrain, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience upon arrival.

One of the benefits of using Uber or Careem is that you can request rides and make payments directly through the app, which also provides route management and tracking features. This means you don't have to worry about carrying cash or encountering drivers who claim they don't accept credit card payments. The apps will also give you an estimated cost for your trip, so you can budget and compare prices accordingly.

Another advantage of using these services is that they are widely available and accessible. Uber and Careem operate 24 hours a day, and their drivers are familiar with the routes around the city. This can be especially helpful if you're new to Bahrain and unsure of the local transportation system.

Additionally, some users have reported that Uber and Careem are more affordable than regular taxi services in Bahrain, especially for trips to and from the airport. This can be a significant benefit, especially if you're travelling on a budget or need to make multiple trips during your stay.

By using Uber or Careem, you can avoid the potential hassle and uncertainty of dealing with taxi drivers who may not accept credit card payments. These ride-sharing services offer a convenient, reliable, and often more affordable option for getting around Bahrain.

These apps manage routes and payments

In Bahrain, there are limited public transportation options apart from buses that link the major cities. As a result, taxis are easy to find on the main streets or at taxi stands. However, it is recommended to phone for a metered taxi service to avoid being overcharged by taxi drivers waiting outside the airport.

While taxis are a convenient way to get around, some drivers may try to scam you, take you on detours, or claim that they don't accept credit card payments. To avoid these issues, it is advisable to use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, which are also available in Bahrain. These apps manage routes and payments, ensuring that you don't have to worry about detours or payment-related tricks.

With Uber or Careem, you can be confident that the route and payment will be handled by the app, reducing the risk of being overcharged or taken on unnecessary detours. The apps provide transparency in pricing and convenience in payment, making them a preferred choice over traditional taxis.

Both Uber and Careem are widely available and tend to be cheaper than regular taxis, especially for rides from the airport. The drivers are familiar with the city routes, and the apps offer 24-hour availability. By using these apps, you can have peace of mind and a more pleasant travel experience in Bahrain.

Frequently asked questions