Currency
The legal tender throughout The Islands of The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is on par with the US dollar. Though The Bahamas mints and circulates its own legal tender, both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.
Advice on Tipping
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while for most other services (waiters, taxis, etc.) 15% is the norm. Many establishments include a gratuity in their bills.
Bahamas Host
In 1978, to raise the already high standards of the islands' hospitality industry, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism introduced the Bahamahost programme.
Managed by the National Bahamahost Association, the programme familiarises participants with correct and accurate information on the country's history, geography, civics, economics, culture, flora, fauna and places of interest, placing additional emphasis on attitudinal training, teamwork and cooperation.
Graduates of the programme are issued a Bahamahost identification badge, and vehicle owners are issued a Bahamahost sticker, which they display with pride. So to enjoy knowledgeable, professional Bahamian hospitality as you travel around The Bahamas, always look for the Bahamahost sticker on taxicabs and jitneys.
Clothing
Casual summer wear can be worn during the day at any time of the year, but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings between December and February.
Most hotels, restaurants and casinos require men to wear jackets in the evening, especially in the more cosmopolitan areas, such as Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya. Though walking the streets in swimming trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets, in churches, and in restaurants and casinos. Away from beach or pool areas, you are expected to cover your bathing suit with shorts or a long shirt. In the more laid-back remote areas, the dress code is more relaxed.
Duty Free Shopping
On 1 January 1992, the government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas abolished all import duties on 11 categories of items. Perfumes and fragrances, crystal, leather goods, jewellery, fine linens and tablecloths, watches and clocks, photographic equipment, china, binoculars and telescopes are all duty free, which means as these items cost 25-50% less than in the US, there's always plenty of opportunity to bring home a bargain.
See which shops trade on each Island by clicking on the links below
Nassau
Grand Bahama Island
Abacos
Bimini
Andros
Eleuthera/Harbour Island
Comunications
When calling The Bahamas from the UK the code is 001-242 followed by the local number. Hotel rates for calling long distance can be very expensive, but telephone cards for use in Bahamian phone boxes can be purchased on the islands. Some UK mobile phone networks work in The Bahamas, check with your network provider before travelling.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical sockets are a standard 110V, 60cycles AC in The Bahamas. So for 220V appliances, an adapter is required.
