PreviousVisitors ask
frequently asked questions
What is the legal age in The Bahamas?
Eighteen is the legal age in The Bahamas for drinking, gambling (non-residents only) and voting.
What are the main industries?
Tourism is the No 1 industry in The Bahamas, representing more than 50 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Offshore banking and finance comes next, accounting for about 20 per cent. For more detailed information, pick up a copy of the Bahamas Handbook.
Why do you drive on the left?
It’s a throwback to the British way of driving. The biggest danger for pedestrian visitors is looking the wrong way when crossing the street. Always remember to look right first on a two-way street.
How do roundabouts (traffic circles) work?
The roundabout is another remnant of the British system. When approaching a roundabout, drivers must yield to the traffic already in the circle.
How big is Grand Bahama? How about The Bahamas?
Grand Bahama covers an area of 530 sq miles. The highest elevation is 68 ft. The Bahamas has a total land area of approx 5,300 sq miles and consists of about 700 islands and more than 2,500 cays (pronounced keys) which are low banks or reefs of coral, rock or sand).
How many people live here?
A census was taken in 2010. Results showed that there were 51,756 people living in Grand Bahama and 353,658 in The Bahamas.
What are the shopping hours?
Shops are generally open Mon-Sat between 9/10am and 5/6pm. Port Lucaya Marketplace, some International Bazaar and downtown shops, pharmacies and straw markets are also open on Sun, but call ahead to check for times. Supermarkets, wholesale clubs and building supply stores must close by 12 noon on Sun.
What are the banking hours?
Most commercial banks are open Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm and Fri until 4:30pm. They are closed Sat and Sun. Banking is available through ATMs 24 hours a day at numerous branches.
Can I drink the tap water?
Although the water is drinkable, most visitors prefer bottled water, which is available in hotels, grocery and convenience stores.
How much does it cost to mail a postcard/letter? Where can I buy stamps?
Postcards: Airmail to US (incl Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands); Canada; UK; Europe; Bermuda; West Indies; Central and South America; Africa and Australia–50¢.
Letters: First-class airmail rates (per 1⁄2 oz.):
• 65¢ to Canada; US (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands); West Indies.
• 70¢ to Bermuda; Central and South America; UK; Europe; Falkland Islands; Islands of the Mediterranean.
• 80¢ to Africa (all countries); Asia; Australia; Islands of the Pacific and Indian Ocean; New Zealand.
Which credit cards can I use?
Most major credit cards are accepted in many Grand Bahama stores, restaurants and hotels. Some smaller establishments do not accept them.
How should I dress to go out?
You could say anything goes for visitors, although shirts and shoes are required in most restaurants and bars. Many tourists favour tropical wear, such as clothing made from Bahamian Androsia batik fabric, available at clothing and speciality stores and in the hotels. Some restaurants require that men wear jackets for dinner.
Do I have to use Bahamian money?
No. Bahamian and American currency are interchangeable and on par with each other. Don’t take a lot of Bahamian money home with you, as it will be slightly discounted when you try to change it back. It is only on par with American money here.
Do toll-free numbers work from here?
Some 1-800 and 1-888 numbers, particularly credit card, airline and health insurance numbers, work from here. A toll-free number that does not work as a free call can be accessed for a fee. Check the telephone book for instructions.
Will I be able to use my cell phone in The Bahamas? All GSM phones work in The Bahamas. Customers of Verizon and Cingular services can also use their phones here. Roaming charges apply.
Can we use our electric shavers and hairdryers here?
Electricity in The Bahamas is maintained to North American standards and is alternating current (AC) 120 volts/60 cycle. European and South American electronics require an adaptor.
What about tipping?
The standard tip for restaurant meals is 15 per cent. Most resorts, restaurants and hotels automatically add the service charge. Check your bill or ask if you are in doubt.
Do you have daily newspapers?
Yes. The Freeport News is printed every morning Mon-Sat, except holidays. There are three morning dailies, The Tribune, The Nassau Guardian and The Bahama Journal, from Nassau. The international editions of USA Today and The Miami Herald are printed and available here as part of The Tribune and The Nassau Guardian, respectively. Foreign papers such as The Wall Street Journal, The Miami Herald Sunday Edition, The New York Times, Financial Times and The Times are usually available.
When is the best weather?
Depends on your taste. The hottest months are June-Oct. The coolest and clearest are Dec-Mar.
What are the best things to buy here?
Duty-free shopping can save you a lot of money. Alcohol, perfume, watches, china, crystal and jewellery are particularly good buys. Local arts and crafts are also good buys. Straw goods, T-shirts, rum cake, Bahamian art and native jams, jellies and sauces make great souvenirs and gifts.
What about the local food?
Your vacation wouldn’t be complete unless you tried peas ’n rice, conch, lobster, grouper, snapper and game fish such as dolphin (mahimahi). Bahamian cuisine can be basic or mouth-wateringly sophisticated. Finish at least one meal with the traditional Bahamian dessert, guava duff.
How do I get around?
A bus service travels from Port Lucaya Marketplace to the International Bazaar and downtown Freeport, with stops along the way. Buses also travel to outlying areas. Taxis are readily available. Some hotels offer free shuttle bus service to nearby beaches. Rental cars are available at the airport and through most hotels. You can rent a scooter at Port Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar. Bicycle rentals are also available. Ask your hotel social director for your free Bahamas Trailblazer Maps to show you the way.
Are there any poisonous creatures?
There are no poisonous snakes in The Bahamas. Visitors are unlikely to encounter the black widow spider or bottle spider, which has a jet-black body with a red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin. The centipede is a caterpillar-like creature which also injects venom into its victim. A painful encounter with either of these creatures warrants a trip to the doctor.
Why is there exchange control?
The Bahamas maintains exchange control in order to conserve its foreign currency resources. It is administered by The Central Bank of The Bahamas. It’s a good idea to change any leftover Bahamian dollars back to US currency before you leave The Bahamas.
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