Bahamas Travel Guide

Bahamas — Travel Tips

Browse the Bahamas Photo Gallery

Social Conventions

The chilled-out Bahamian pace of life dominates every convention. 'Island time' is a relaxed approach to time-keeping and also describes the Bahamians' laid-back attitude to life. A slow pace prevails, from in the banks or Government offices. Dress is casual, although business attire is worn. Holidaymakers will find beachwear is accepted in the resorts but is frowned upon elsewhere. When dining, dancing or high-rolling in the casinos of Nassau or Freeport, dressing up is de rigueur.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The Bahamas’ national airline is Bahamasair (UP) (www.bahamasair.com). British Airways (www.britishairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) run direct flights from the UK.

Departure Tax

B$18 for passengers leaving from Freeport; B$15 from all other departure points; children under six years of age are exempt.

Main Airports

Nassau International (NAS) is 16km (10 miles) west of the city. To/from the airport: Taxi services are available. Facilities: Banking, car hire, post office, bars, restaurants and duty-free shops.

Grand Bahama International (FPO) is 5km (3 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available. Facilities: Banking, car hire, car parking, bar/restaurant and a duty-free shop.

The international airport at Moss Town, Exuma, also offers a runway.

There are scheduled turbo-prop services between several airports in Florida and Treasure Cay (TCB) and Marsh Harbour (MHH) on Abaco Island; Rock Sound (RSD) and Governor’s Harbour (GHB), Eleuthera; and Georgetown (GGT), Exuma.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: A large number of international cruise ships call at Nassau. Nassau also has direct passenger–cargo connections with the USA, the UK, the West Indies and South America.

Discovery Cruise Ferry (tel: 1 800 259 1579, in the USA; www.discoverycruise.com) runs a daily service from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Lucayan Harbour on Grand Bahama Island.

Travelers arriving in the Bahamas by private boat must pay a Customs and Immigration fee.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into the Bahamas by persons aged over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco.
• 1.136L of spirits and 1.136L of wine.
• goods up to the value of B$100.
• personal effects (clothes, camera etc).

Prohibited Imports

Permission to import pets must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture who also controls plants, flowers and fruit. Authorization should be sought from the Commissioner of Police for firearms and fireworks.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Bahamasair (UP) (www.bahamasair.com) operates a few domestic routes. Several charter services also run inter-island flights; details are available from the Bahamas Tourist Office.

Getting Around By Water

The Out Islands are served by leisurely mail boats which leave Nassau several times a week carrying mail and provisions to the islands. Passengers share facilities with the crew. Arrangements should be made through boat captains at Potters Cay. Bahamas Fast Ferries (tel: 323 2166; www.bahamasferries.com) operates daily air-conditioned ferries from Nassau to North Eleuthera and Harbour Island and a twice-weekly service to Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera, as well as services from Nassau to Exuma, Andros and Abaco. There are also local ferries available.

Getting Around By Road

British rules apply, with vehicles driving on the left. Road safety is a concern in the Bahamas. Safety campaigns are overseen by the Road Traffic Authority. UK licenses are valid for up to 90 days.

Bus: For inexpensive local travel, hop aboard a jitney (minibus) in and around the commercial hubs of Freeport and Nassau, but have the exact change to hand. Paradise Island is served by a tourist bus service with horse-drawn rides available in Nassau. Use public transport after dark with caution. On the smaller islands, no public transport exists.

Taxis: Used as supplementary public transport, taxis are readily available. Some are metered with government-controlled tariffs, as in New Providence. Others are privately run. Taxis with a Bahamahost decal pride themselves on real Bahamian hospitality. All taxis apply surcharges for groups and extra luggage.

Bicycles: Rent by the half day, full day or the week in tourist centers.

Car hire: International car hire firms are represented at the airports and in Nassau and Freeport. Only drivers aged 25-plus can hire a car. Motor scooter hire is also available. Helmets must be worn.

Regulations: Seatbelts for drivers and passengers have been compulsory since 2004.

Documentation: National licenses are valid for up to three months.