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Comment by Newsubmom on April 26, 2016 at 2:36pm

Hi All-It's been a long time since I posted on this page but I feel compelled to share some info! We did not use international phone service. Our son used Skype with his computer to our phone when he called. This worked pretty well with some delays in the conversation depending on the call. Honestly they work a lot of hours there and with the big time change phone calls aren't all that easy. Just remember that if you use Skype to your phone the call will come through somewhere in the US. Our first call came through Palm City in California and due to the delay I thought it was a robo call and hung up on our son on his first call! We laugh about that now! We also used Facebook messenger a lot! That works really well. Our son put a hold on his cell phone (IPhone) and was able to use it through WiFi in his apartment. Calls get really expensive and connections can be clear as day or really bad. We also briefly used WhatsApp for texting but FB worked just as well. We were able to send packages through the FPO address and usually they got to him within a week. Don't send things to their apartment or they may never get them. It is a long trip over and there are frequently travel delays on either end. Our son had a couple of days delay on both ends of his travel. We did not hear from him until he had been there for about 24 hours. It takes a while to get adjusted to that big a time difference. He made good friends in Bahrain, learned a lot about the culture and put in a lot of hours. Best wishes to all... hope this is helpful!

Comment by FLmom5 on April 26, 2016 at 10:52am

My son is still in A school in GL.  He called yesterday saying he received his orders and is going to Bahrain after he graduates.  I am a total mess!  Are there things I need to do for him besides setting up his cell phone to receive international calls? This is my first encounter with the military, so everything is new to me.  Thank you in advance for any and all advice!

Comment by Nic on April 25, 2016 at 1:09pm

Thank you Sassysis. I'm working on his phone service no. We currently have Verizon.

Comment by Sassysis on April 23, 2016 at 9:07pm

I contacted our bank to let them know that our daughter is in the military and will be stationed in Bahrain for next 2 years.  They told me that they flag the account as military - over seas and should work just fine.  Also  as of February Sprint now has a tower in Bahrain.  Strongly advise anyone with Sprint have their phone set up for international before they leave the states.

Comment by Nic on April 23, 2016 at 12:45pm

Does anyone know a bank debit card will work in Bahrain?

Comment by ValK on April 23, 2016 at 11:05am

After being home for a couple of months, our Son left for Bahrain last week, flew to Norfolk but orders were incorrect stayed at Navy Lodge for a week (who pays for this).  He flew out earlier this week, some L O N G layovers.  Waiting to hear that he is on base, safe & sound for the next 1-2 yrs.

Comment by proud mom of Kayla on April 21, 2016 at 11:09pm

My daughter has report to Norfolk for training in July before her decamber 22 ship date for bahrain. We just found out she too will not get to come home before leaving. Not happy. Cried all night the night I found out. Also not sure how long she will be there. She could possibly be there until October 2019

Comment by Nic on April 21, 2016 at 9:37pm

These past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster to say the least. Long story short, my sons leaving for Bahrain very soon and is not able to come home before going overseas. We were under the impression up until recently that he would be able to come home for two weeks. His plans/arrangements have been changed about 4-5 times over that last few weeks. Is this common? Also, does anyone know once he arrives in Bahrain when will he be able to come home to visit?

Comment by Roni13 on April 11, 2016 at 6:51pm

Hi parents of sailors off to Bahrain :)

My son just graduated from A school in San Antonio this past Friday (the 8th). He was supposed to leave with us on the 9th to come for 2 weeks, but that didn't happen.  He is still at Lackland waiting for his ticket.  Fingers crossed that will happen this week.

What we've learned up until this point from his orders is he is looking at a 2 year tour in Bahrain.

I've heard alot of good reviews on the application Viper that they can us to text internationally for free.

Good Luck to your son ValK.

Comment by ValK on April 11, 2016 at 5:39pm

Son is leaving tomorrow afternoon for Bahrain.  Year long tour.

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