Bahamas Flights and Travel Guide

Language

English is the official language.

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Money

The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Bahamian Dollar is equal in value to the U.S. Dollar and both currencies are accepted throughout the islands. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change and many hotels. There are ATMs in the main tourist centers and credit and debit cards are widely accepted in all the big resorts. Travelers checks can be changed at all banks, although those in U.S. Dollars receive the best rates. Banks tend to be open from 9.30am-3pm (Monday to Thursday) and 9.30am-5pm (Fridays).

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Communications

The international access code for the Bahamas is +1, in common with the U.S., Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 242. Calls from the Bahamas can be expensive, so if possible use a calling card. A mobile network operates on the GSM 1900 band. Internet cafes are widely available.

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Tipping

Many hotels and restaurant bills automatically include a service charge of 15 percent to cover gratuities, otherwise a 10-15 percent tip is expected for most services, including taxi drivers. Hotel staff usually receive U.S.$1 per bag.

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Safety

Most visits to the Bahamas are trouble-free though care should be taken in the major cities of Nassau and Freeport.

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Health

A yellow fever vaccination is required by travelers aged more than one year arriving from infected areas, and Hepatitis A immunization is recommended for visitors over two years. Food and water is considered safe. Visitors should note that some types of fish, including tropical reef fish, are poisonous to eat even whencooked. Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport, but expensive and usually require payment in cash on treatment. Medical insurance is advised. Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed, is experiencing a chronic shortage of blood so those with rare blood types are advised to know the names and locations of possible donors in the event of an emergency. The Lyford Cay Hospital has a hyperbaric chamber for treatment of decompression illness.

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Electricity

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

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