Automobile Rental
If you decide to rent a car, please remember that driving in Nassau or Paradise Island is on the left side of the road. Call our office today for more information about car rental. Ph. 1-(242) – 325-2910
Electricity
With standard North American 120-volt/60-cycle AC electrical current, you will be able to operate American or Canadian hairdryers, shavers and other small electrical appliances without adapters.
Climate
Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream currents and balmy trade winds, The Islands Of The Bahamas are blessed with a semi-tropical climate. Typical temperatures range from 70° to 80° Fahrenheit. Rarely does it climb above 90°F on a midsummer’s day or fall below 60°F on a winter’s night. While we can give no guarantees regarding rain, rainfall is most unlikely from November through April. Water temperatures range from the low 80s in the summer to about 74°F in midwinter.
Currency / Banking
The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar, which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. U.S. currency is accepted throughout Nassau / Paradise Island as are most major credit cards and traveler’s checks.
Banking hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Automatic Bank Machines (ATMs) are located at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos, Rawson Square and major banks.
Customs
U.S. citizens out of the country for 48 hours are allowed up to $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. Less than 48 hours, the duty-free exemption is $200. Limitations include 32 ounces of tobacco for those over 21 and no more than two liters of alcohol.
Canadian residents away for seven or more days are entitled to $750 worth of duty-free goods. Limitations include two pounds of manufactured tobacco and up to 40 ounces of liquor or wine. If traveling for 48 hours the duty-free exemption is $400 worth of merchandise.
United Kingdom residents may take home a total of £145 of duty-free merchandise. Limitations include two fluid ounces of perfume, a half pound of tobacco and two liters of table wine.
To make traveling easier pack things you’re going to declare separately and keep all your sales receipts.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Nassau Paradise Island is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available for purchase throughout the island.
Hotel Check-in / Check-out
Hotel check-in time is generally 3 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m. If you expect to arrive before check-in time, plan to have a swimsuit and change of casual clothes handy, as most hotels have a luggage and changing room for early arrivals. The same applies with late departure flights.
Language
English (more British than American) is spoken throughout Nassau / Paradise Island and is generally intertwined with an appealing Bahamian dialect.
Medical Facilities
Internationally trained doctors are available at the hotels and throughout the island. Two hospitals are fully equipped to respond to emergency medical situations. Princess Margaret Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital are both in located Nassau.
What to wear
Casual spring and summer dress is appropriate throughout the year. For dining in more elegant/upscale restaurants, casinos, and some nightclubs, you will need dress shirts, slacks or dresses. Bathing suits are acceptable only on the beach, pool and poolside dining, not on the streets or in restaurants.
Tipping
Restaurants and hotels automatically add 15% to all food and beverage checks in lieu of gratuity. For exceptional service, you may wish to leave something extra. Bellboys and porters usually receive $2 per bag. Taxi drivers should be tipped about 15% of the fare.