Free Call to Bahrain from US — $0.24/min (2026)
Call Bahrain for $0.24/min with BubblyPhone. WhatsApp works (VoIP less restricted than UAE). Country code +973. No area codes (all 8-digit). Friday-Saturday weekend. Small island (1.5M pop).
Calling Bahrain costs $0.24/min with BubblyPhone — $14.40 for a full hour. Good news: unlike the UAE, WhatsApp calling generally works in Bahrain — VoIP restrictions are less strict. The country code is +973, and all numbers are 8 digits with no area codes. Bahrain is a small island nation (population ~1.5 million) in the Persian Gulf, with a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Whether you're calling family in Manama, colleagues at a financial institution, or friends in Muharraq, here's every option for calling Bahrain cheaply or for free.
VoIP Works Better Here Than in UAE
Unlike neighboring UAE and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has less restrictive VoIP policies. WhatsApp voice and video calls generally work in Bahrain without needing special apps like BOTIM. However, some services may still be intermittently restricted. If a call doesn't connect, try again later or switch apps.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. No charges, no limits.
1. WhatsApp — Primary Messenger
WhatsApp is the dominant communication app in Bahrain. Voice and video calls generally work — Bahrain is more permissive with VoIP than the UAE. Carriers Batelco, Zain BH, and STC Bahrain all provide fast mobile data.
Tip:If WhatsApp calling doesn't work occasionally, try Telegram or a traditional phone call. VoIP policies can change.
2. Facebook Messenger — Common
Messenger is used alongside WhatsApp in Bahrain. Facebook is popular across the Gulf, and Messenger works for both voice and video calls.
3. Telegram — Growing
Telegram has growing usage in Bahrain, particularly among younger users and for group communication. It works well as an alternative if other VoIP services are having issues.
4. FaceTime — Moderate
iPhone has decent market share in Bahrain — higher than many developing countries given Bahrain's wealth. FaceTime generally works, though it may face occasional restrictions.
Calling Bahraini Phone Numbers
Bahrain is moderately expensive to call:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.24/min | $0.24/min | Browser, iOS, Android |
| Google Voice | $0.10/min | $0.06/min | US Google account required |
| Rebtel | $0.08/min | $0.04/min | Calling plans available |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $3.00-5.00/min | Up to 20x more expensive |
Our honest take: Rebtel ($0.08/min) and Google Voice ($0.10/min mobile) are cheaper than BubblyPhone ($0.24/min) for Bahrain. But WhatsApp works here (unlike UAE) — use free calls first. For phone numbers, Rebtel offers the best rates.
How to Dial Bahrain from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 973 + 8-digit number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+973 + 8-digit number
# Example — calling a Bahrain landline:
+973 1712 3456
# Example — calling a Bahrain mobile:
+973 3612 3456
# Example — calling a business:
+973 1756 7890
Simple dialing: Bahrain has no area codes. All numbers are 8 digits. Landlines start with 17. Mobiles start with 3. Just dial +973 followed by the 8-digit number. No leading 0 to drop.
Number Format
- All numbers: 8 digits, no area codes
- Landlines: Start with 17
- Mobiles: Start with 3
- No leading 0 to drop
- Country code: +973
Carriers & Mobile
- Batelco: Historic state operator
- Zain BH: Second carrier
- STC Bahrain: Third carrier (Saudi-owned)
- Coverage: Excellent — tiny island
- Internet: Fast and reliable
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Bahrain
WhatsApp — free and it works here (unlike UAE). Bahrain has excellent internet and mobile coverage. Video calls work great.
Calling a Bahraini business
Rebtel ($0.04/min landline) or Google Voice ($0.06/min). A 30-minute call costs $1.20-$1.80. Bahrain is a major financial center — English is widely spoken in business.
Calling financial sector contacts
Microsoft Teams or Zoom — Bahrain's financial sector uses enterprise platforms. For direct phone lines, Rebtel ($0.08/min) or Google Voice ($0.10/min).
Tips for Calling Bahrain
- Bahrain is 8 hours ahead of EST (AST, UTC+3). When it's 10 AM in New York, it's 6 PM in Manama. Best window: 8-10 AM EST (4-6 PM Bahrain)
- Friday-Saturday weekend — Bahrain's weekend is Friday-Saturday, not Saturday-Sunday. Business hours are Sunday-Thursday. Don't call businesses on Fridays
- VoIP works here — unlike the UAE, Bahrain generally allows WhatsApp and other VoIP calls. This makes free calling much more practical
- Small island nation — Bahrain is just 780 km² with about 1.5 million people. Coverage is excellent everywhere. No need to worry about connectivity issues
- Arabic and English — Arabic is official, but English is very widely spoken, especially in business and finance. Bahrain is a major Gulf financial center
Frequently Asked Questions
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Call Bahrain for $0.24/min
Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +973. A 60-minute call costs $14.40.
Try Free — Call Bahrain Now