Bahamas / Island Essentials

All travellers to Bahamas will need to know the essential island facts. The information on Bahamas shown below is current (2011).

Airport

Lyndon Pindling International Airport (NAS) is the largest international airport in the Bahamas and is situated in Nassau on New Providence Island. The airport completed its large expansion in March 2011 and now includes a dedicated US/International terminal. Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) is the second largest airport and located in Freeport on Grand Bahama island.

Most of the other islands have their own airports but only some of the runways can accommodate larger aircraft. 

Check-in/Check-out

Hotel check-in time is generally 3 pm and check-out time is generally 11 am. If you expect to arrive before check-in time, plan to have a change of clothes and swimming gear handy. Most hotels have a luggage and changing room for early arrivals. The same applies with late departure flights

Departure Tax/Taxes

A departure tax is payable on leaving the Bahamas. It is $15 when leaving from most of the islands including Nassau and $18 to leave from Freeport on Grand Bahama. Children under 6 years old are exempt.

There is no income tax, capital gains tax, purchase or sales tax, VAT or capital transfer tax in the Bahamas. Employees have to pay national insurance contributions; there is stamp duty on property and mortgage transactions and a tax on real property.

To help support the tourist industry, a number of luxury goods were made duty free in 1990. Camera equipment, perfume, jewellery, clocks, watches, leather goods, china, crystal and certain liquors are all without custom duties.

Electricity

The Bahamas uses 120 volts, 60Hz AC electrical current. Two-pin flat blade plugs (in US style) are standard, so bring an adapter if needed.

Embassies/Consulates

Besides the US Embassy there are no other foreign Embassies or High Commissions in The Bahamas, however there are honorary consuls and nearby islands with political representation as detailed below.

UK
The nearest British High Commission is in Jamaica which is cross accredited to the Bahamas: British High Commission, PO Box 575, 28 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, t 1 876 936 0700.

British citizens can also obtain consular assistance and information from the British Honorary Consul in Nassau, t 357 9005.

USA
The US Embassy is located in Nassau, where the contact for American Citizen Services is t 322 1181  |  acsn@state.gov

Canada
The High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica, has consular responsibility for the Bahamas: Canadian High Commission, 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, PO Box 1500, Jamaica, t 1 876 926 1500 | kngtn@international.gc.ca

Canadian citizens can also obtain consular assistance and information from an Honorary Consul located at Shirley Street Plaza, Nassau, t 393 2123.

Emergencies

The number to ring in an emergency is 911. The numbers below will also get you through to the corresponding service:

Police - 919 or 352 8352
Fire - 352 8888
Ambulance - 352 2689

Nudity

Nudity is not allowed in public areas in the Bahamas, although the occasional woman goes topless on some more secluded beaches. There are clothing optional beaches at Cutlass Bay resort on Cat Island and at Breezes on Cable beach, Nassau.

Service Charge/Tipping

Many hotels automatically include add a service charge of 10-15% to cover gratuities. This can make an appreciable difference to your eventual bill if you are travelling independently, so make sure to factor it into your calculations. In restaurants and elsewhere a 10-15% tip is expected for most services, including taxi drivers. Hotel staff usually receive $1 per bag and maids will appreciate a small amount.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time is observed within The Islands of The Bahamas. Time is therefore the same as the eastern seaboard of the United States.

In March 2007 the Bahamas adopted a new policy on Daylight Saving Time. Daylight Saving Time commences around the second Sunday in March and continues until the first Sunday in November 2007. For most of the year (unless Europe and the USA change their clocks on different weekends), this means that the Bahamas are five hours behind Britain and six behind Europe.