Capital: Nassau
Time zone: GMT – 5
Telephone services: Country Code: 1 242
Outgoing Code: 011
Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 911 For Travelers In Distress (242) 326-HELP
Tourist information: Bahamas Tourist Office, 3 The Billings, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey GUI 4UL Tel: (01483) 448 900. Fax: (01483) 571 846. E-mail: btogfd@bahamas.com
Passport information: Valid passport required by all, except nationals of Canada (for 3 weeks providing they hold a birth certificate, a citizenship card or a landed resident care with photo ID) and the USA (for 8 months providing they hold an original or certified birth certificate accompanied by a police clearance record and a driver’s licence or a voter’s registration card along with an official photo ID). Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.
Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of EU countries for visits of less than 8 months (3 months for nationals of Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Sweden). Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic and the Ukraine for visits of less than 1 month. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, for visits of less than two week. Common wealth countries (with the exception of the Maldives, Pakistan and Nauru who do require a visa), South Africa, and Namibia for visits of less than 3 months. Israel, Japan and Mexico for visits of less than 3 months. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino Switzerland, Turkey and the USA for visits of less than 8 months. South Korea, Andorra, Djibouti and Sao Tomé and Principé for a length of visit to be determined upon entry.
Health information: Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving within 6 months of visiting an infected area.
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (Ba$) = 100 cents US dollars (par value) are also in use.
All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars or Pound sterling, are accepted.
ATM availability: Over 25 locations.
Cost of living: Avoid the tourist centres when looking for cheaper accommodation and food. Staying in the Bahamas may prove difficult for the budget traveller.
Languages: English
Weather: The Bahamas are slightly cooler than other islands in the Caribbean. More refreshing September to May.
Electricity: 120 volts AC 60 Hz
Post: 5 days.
Transport: SEA: A mail boat serves the outer island which may also be used by passengers. ROAD: Inexpensive and frequent buses are available. TAXIS: Metered. CAR HIRE: Major companies have agencies at the airport and in Nassau. DOCUMENTATION: A valid British driving licence is valid for 3 months
Special information: Bahamas has 700 islands in total. The tourist may consider visiting those that are less commercial. Beach wear is not acceptable in towns where informal dress should be worn. Men are expected to wear Jackets in the evenings in resaurants and casinos. It is illegal to work without a work permit. Employment is scarce so do not expect to find work to finance your visit. Violent crime is increasing and a number of incidents have taken place in tourist areas. Lock balcony doors in hotel rooms. Penalties are severe for involvement in drugs – (Possession and /or trafficking).