Bahrain is a small, flat archipelago situated in the Persian Gulf, connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway. Its capital, Manama, is a major financial hub for the Middle East. With a population of approximately 1.7 million, the economy is highly diversified, having moved beyond oil into banking, tourism, and aluminum production. Key exports include petroleum products, aluminum, and financial services, while main industries focus on oil refining, smelting, and international finance.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union in Bahrain is widely accessible through BFC (Bahrain Financing Company) and NEC (Nonoo Exchange) branches.
- Manama – Bab Al Bahrain and Exhibition Road
- Muharraq – Central Market and Airport Road
- Riffa – East Riffa (Bukawara) and West Riffa
- Hidd – Khalifa Bin Salman Port area
- Isa Town – Near the Traditional Market
- Hamad Town – Roundabout 10 and Roundabout 17
- Sitra – Industrial Area and Sitra Mall
- Jidhafs – Budaiya Highway
- Adliya – Near Shawarma Alley
- Budaiya – Near the Farmers Market
MoneyGram
MoneyGram services are available through Zenj Exchange, BFC, and several banking partners.
- Manama – Gosi Mall and Diplomatic Area
- Gudaibiya – Near Al Zubara Road
- Hoora – Near Exhibition Avenue
- Salmabad – Near the AMA University area
- Sanad – Near the Al Estiqlal Highway
- Amwaj Islands – The Lagoon
- Seef District – Near City Centre Bahrain
- Zallaq – Near the University of Bahrain
- Galali – Near the supermarket hub
- Askar – Near the industrial quarters
Ria Money Transfer
Ria is heavily present through Travelex, UAE Exchange, and various local exchange houses.
- Manama – Lulu Hypermarket (Manama branch)
- Muharraq – Near the Post Office
- Tubli – Near the Toyota Plaza
- Sar – Nakheel Centre and Sar Mall
- Juffair – Near Al Shabab Road
- Arad – Near the Arad Fort area
Major Bank & Exchange Partners
The following institutions handle the vast majority of international cash and bank remittances in the Kingdom:
- BFC (Bahrain Financing Company)
- Zenj Exchange
- NEC (Nonoo Exchange)
- National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)
- Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
- Al Salam Bank
- Travelex Bahrain
- Bahrain India International Exchange
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I send money to the Philippines from Bahrain?
You can send money home to the Philippines from Bahrain through licensed remittance providers such as Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, Wise, Remitly, and PNB Remittance. Major Philippine banks (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank) accept inbound transfers via SWIFT and partner corridors, and digital wallets like GCash and Maya support direct cash-in from many providers in Bahrain.
How long does a remittance from Bahrain to the Philippines take?
Most digital transfers from Bahrain to the Philippines arrive within minutes for cash pickup and 1–2 business days for bank deposit to BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank and other Philippine banks. Bank-to-bank SWIFT wires can take 2–4 business days. Weekend transfers usually post on the next Philippine banking day.
What ID does my family in the Philippines need to receive the money?
Recipients in the Philippines must present a valid government-issued photo ID (PhilSys/National ID, passport, driver's licence, UMID, or PRC ID), the sender's full name in Bahrain, the exact amount, and the reference/MTCN number. Some providers also require the recipient's mobile number for OTP verification.
Which providers offer the best exchange rate from Bahrain to the Philippines?
Rates change daily, but Wise, Remitly, and Ria typically post mid-market or near-mid-market PHP rates from Bahrain, while Western Union and MoneyGram trade rate for wider Philippine cash-pickup networks. Always compare the all-in cost (fee + FX margin) on each provider's quote before sending — savings of 2–4% are common on OFW corridors.
Is it safe to send remittances from Bahrain to the Philippines in 2026?
Yes — sending money from Bahrain to the Philippines is safe when you use a provider licensed in Bahrain on the sending side and a BSP-registered receiving agent in the Philippines. Verify your recipient's full legal name as printed on their ID, share the reference number privately, and avoid social-media middlemen. Report any issues to your local financial regulator in Bahrain and to the BSP Consumer Affairs Group for the Philippine end.