Bahamas Travel Tips

The currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$) which holds the same value as the US dollar. US dollars are in fact, widely accepted across the islands, although it’s wise to have local currency as well. Notes can be found in denominations of B$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1, and 50 cents while coins comes in 25, 15, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

US citizens are fortunate enough not to have to change currency but for everybody else there are two options for obtaining foreign currency; either withdraw directly from ATMs in the big cities, using your domestic bank card or exchange cash at bureau de change counters, at banks or at hotels. Credit cards are only accepted in the larger cities and it is not adviseable to solely rely on these as you may find yourself caught short.

Visitors can import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco; one litre of spirits, two litres of wine; eight ounces of perfume; Narcotics, flick knives, ammunition, explosives and pornographic literature are all forbidden.

20 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade plugs are standard.

Visitors to the Bahamas need not worry unnecessarily about health issues as standards of hygiene are fairly high and health care correspondingly high.

Generally speaking, food in restaurants and at hotels and resorts is safe to eat and attention to cleanliness in kitchens is significant. Water is considered safe to drink, although those visitors with weak digestive systems might prefer to stick to bottled water in case the mineral composition of the tap water upsets them. 

Nassau and Freeport both have excellent hospital facilities where standards of healthcare are comparable with those in the US and the UK. Most hospitals will demand immediate payment for treatment so it’s wise to make sure you have travel insurance with adequate medical cover from which you can claim at a later date. If you simply require minor medical treatment, pharmacies can be found in many cities and can offer medical advice while trained pharmacists can treat minor ailments.

There are no specific vaccinations required for a trip to the Bahamas, although Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended and it is always wise to ensure that your tetanus is up to date.

Emergency/Police: 911

The Bahamas is by and large, a very safe place to take a holiday. However like anywhere it has its fair share of risky areas and undesirable characters, so visitors need to keep their wits about them at all times. Don’t go wandering off of the beaten track and into areas not well frequented by other tourists and pay close attention to your cash and valuable items at all times. Avoid flashing lots of money around in public as this can often act as a magnet to petty criminals as well as some nastier characters.

You may be approached by drug dealers attempting to sell you marijuana or other substances in some parts of the cities . It’s worth considering that despite the apparent relaxed attitude to the former, it is illegal and you will find yourself at the mercy of the law if caught . 

Violent crime is rare towards tourists as much of it is gang crime. It is however important not to be drawn into an argument or fight and steer clear of dimly lit areas such as alleyways or parks at night.

Emergency/Police: 911

As many of the islands are holiday homes of the rich and famous, you may find that high standards of dress are expected in bars and restaurants. As a general rule, it’s wise to keep beachwear for the beach only and to dress more formally for eating and drinking out.

Always be courteous to everyone you meet as local Bahamians take good manners very seriously and frown upon those who come across as rude and brash.

Hotels and restaurants generally add a 15 per cent service charge to most bills while in other situations a tip of 15 per cent is considered reasonable. Taxi drivers and those in the service industry are generally tipped, as are hotel porters, at a rate of US$1 per bag.

+1 is the main dialling code for the Bahamas although citizens outside of the US and Canada will need to follow it with 242 also. The big cities on the main islands are the best places to find internet cafés. High speed connections are available as well as a variety of services such as scanning, printing and CD writing.

GMT -5

Visas are not necessary for many nationalities - many visitors will have no problems entering the country for up to 90 days on a valid passport alone. However, it is advised that you check with your local Bahamas embassy to determine if a visa is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the time on entry.