Bahrain Country Code +973: Complete Calling Guide 2026
Complete guide to Bahrain country code +973. Learn how to call Manama, mobile carriers (Batelco, Zain, STC), number formats, and the cheapest ways to call Bahrain.
The Bahrain country code is +973. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Bahrain in 2026, including how to dial Manama, mobile carrier prefixes (Batelco, Zain, STC), and the cheapest ways to call Bahrain from abroad. Bahrain uses a flat numbering plan with 8-digit numbers and no area codes, making it one of the simplest countries to dial internationally.
Quick Reference: Bahrain +973
Country Code: +973
Exit Code: 00
Trunk Prefix: None
Capital: Manama
Time Zone: AST (UTC+3)
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
How to Call Bahrain
International Dialing Format
To call Bahrain from abroad:
+ 973 + 8-digit phone numberNote: Bahrain uses a flat 8-digit numbering system with no area codes and no trunk prefix. All numbers are dialed directly after the country code, whether calling a landline in Manama or a mobile anywhere in the kingdom.
Dialing Examples
Bahrain Number Format
Bahrain does not use area codes. Instead, the first two digits of the 8-digit number identify the type of service (landline, mobile, or special service) and the carrier. This flat numbering system means you always dial all 8 digits regardless of whether you are calling locally within Bahrain or internationally from abroad.
| Type | Starting Digits | Carrier/Service | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landline | 17 | Batelco (fixed line) | +973 17XX XXXX |
| Landline (VoIP) | 16 | Licensed VoIP providers | +973 16XX XXXX |
| Mobile (Batelco) | 36, 39 | Batelco mobile | +973 36XX XXXX |
| Mobile (Zain) | 37, 38 | Zain Bahrain | +973 37XX XXXX |
| Mobile (STC/Viva) | 33, 34 | STC Bahrain (formerly Viva) | +973 33XX XXXX |
| Mobile (shared) | 35, 32 | Various operators | +973 35XX XXXX |
| Toll-free | 80 | Free to caller | +973 80XX XXXX |
| Premium rate | 90 | Charged at premium rate | +973 90XX XXXX |
Mobile Carriers in Bahrain
| Carrier | Prefix | Market Share | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batelco | 36XX, 39XX | ~42% | 4G LTE / 5G |
| Zain Bahrain | 37XX, 38XX | ~33% | 4G LTE / 5G |
| STC Bahrain (formerly Viva) | 33XX, 34XX | ~25% | 4G LTE / 5G |
Bahrain has one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the Middle East. All three carriers have launched 5G services, and 4G LTE coverage is essentially universal across the island nation. Batelco, the incumbent national operator, was the first to offer 5G in 2019. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) actively promotes competition, resulting in competitive pricing and high service quality across all carriers. Bahrain's mobile penetration rate exceeds 140%, meaning most residents have more than one SIM card.
Special & Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 999 | Emergency police line |
| Ambulance | 999 | Shared with police emergency |
| Fire Department | 999 | Shared emergency number |
| Traffic Accidents | 199 | Non-emergency traffic incidents |
| Coast Guard | 17 700 000 | Maritime emergencies |
| Electricity Emergency | 39 994 994 | EWA (Electricity & Water Authority) |
| Directory Enquiries | 181 | Batelco directory assistance |
Cheapest Ways to Call Bahrain
Free app-to-app calls. WhatsApp is widely used in Bahrain.
Best Times to Call Bahrain
Bahrain uses Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, year-round with no daylight saving time. Business hours are typically Sunday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM (government) or 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (private sector). Friday and Saturday are the weekend.
From US East (EST): Bahrain is +8 hours. Call between midnight and 9 AM EST to reach them during business hours.
From US West (PST): Bahrain is +11 hours. Call between 9 PM and 6 AM PST.
From UK (GMT): Bahrain is +3 hours. Call between 5 AM and 2 PM GMT.
From India: Bahrain is -2.5 hours. Call between 10 AM and 7:30 PM IST.
Tip: During Ramadan, business hours in Bahrain are typically shortened to 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Many shops and restaurants operate later evening hours instead. Plan your calls accordingly during the holy month.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
VoIP calls are blocked or have poor quality
Bahrain's TRA has historically regulated VoIP services. While many VoIP apps work in Bahrain, some may experience throttling or blocking. If you experience issues with one VoIP app, try an alternative. BubblyPhone routes calls through the PSTN network, which avoids VoIP blocking issues entirely.
Dialing 7 digits instead of 8
All Bahraini phone numbers are exactly 8 digits. If you have a number that seems to have only 7 digits, it may be an old format. Bahrain migrated from 7-digit to 8-digit numbers in 2008. If you have an old number, try adding a "3" prefix for mobile numbers or check with the intended recipient for their updated number.
Cannot determine if number is landline or mobile
In Bahrain, landlines start with 17 (or 16 for VoIP), while mobile numbers start with 3 (followed by another digit identifying the carrier). If the number starts with 17, it is a landline. If it starts with 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, or 39, it is a mobile number. This distinction matters because rates to mobiles are typically higher than to landlines.
Getting charged for calling toll-free numbers from abroad
Bahraini toll-free numbers (starting with 80) are only free when called from within Bahrain. When calling from abroad, you will be charged your normal international rate to Bahrain. These numbers may also not be reachable from outside the country at all, depending on how they are configured.