- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Bahamas
Bahamas
Graced with extensive beaches bleached white by the year-round
sun and surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters filled with varied
and colourful sea life, the islands of Bahamas are a major
destination for divers, sailors and sun-worshippers alike. Although
often thought to be part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is actually
an archipelago of 700 islands with thousands of small 'cays' strung
out in the ocean starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami in the
Atlantic Ocean.
The islands' first inhabitants were the Lucayan Indians who
lived there from the 9th century until after Columbus discovered
the islands in 1492, his first step into the New World. The
resulting exploitation led to the native population being virtually
wiped out. For two hundred years until independence in 1987 the
Bahamas was a British Crown Colony and a strong British influence
can still be seen in the architecture and culture.
The population of the Bahamas now consists mostly of Bahamians
of African descent, who are mainly descended from freed slaves. The
strong African cultural influence is evident in everyday life, and
in events like Junkanoo, a traditional street festival held every
year on Boxing Day. There is also a strong American cultural
influence, particularly in the capital, Nassau.
Due to its proximity to the US, the Bahamas has become an
offshore banking and financial centre. Tourism however remains its
most important industry. The long stretches of empty beaches, clear
waters and excellent facilities have made the Bahamas a popular
destination throughout the year and the varied attractions of each
of the islands ensure that there is something for everyone.
Information & Facts
Attraction Overview
The Bahamas are the quintessence of 'holiday heaven', with
things to see and do reaching far beyond sunbathing on the miles of
white sandy beaches, or idly frolicking in the translucent
turquoise waters.
The islands offer a number of activities and attractions, with
everything from Loyalist settlement ruins and the Glass Window
Bridge to Christopher Columbus' first stop in the New World. The
Bahamas also have the largest underwater cave system known today,
and scuba divers can see the mysterious stone blocks in the waters
off Bimini, said to be part of the 'lost city' of Atlantis, while
Long Island boasts the deepest 'blue hole' in the world.
There are any number of activities for visitors who want to do
more than just lie around: bicycling, tennis, cricket, golf and
other activities are available on land, along with attractions like
casinos, restaurants, bars and clubs. Offshore, you can enjoy
exhilerating pastimes like windsurfing, snorkeling, deep sea
fishing, parasailing and scuba diving.
Friendly locals, as well as comfortable, sunny weather and a
well established tourism industry, make these activities and sights
all the more appealing and accessible. Add numerous resorts,
restaurants, shops and markets to the mix and it becomes alluringly
obvious why the Bahamas are the perfect beach-holiday
destination.
Business
Nassau is the business centre of the Bahamas, whose economy is
heavily dependent of tourism and offshore banking. Business
protocol is fairly relaxed, although appropriate business attire is
expected. Meetings are usually held in conference rooms, they begin
punctually, and business cards are customarily exchanged.
Handshakes on introduction are the norm between both men and women;
women are treated as equals in the business environment. Office
hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Climate
In general the weather is good all year and the trade winds
ensure that the temperatures remain relatively mild. The rainy
season extends from May to November when there is a slight chance
of hurricanes. Peak season is between December and April. Generally
the northern and western islands are cooler while the southern
islands can get very hot in summer.
Communications
The international access code for the Bahamas is +1, in common
with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 242. The
outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
01144 for the United Kingdom). Calls from the Bahamas can be
expensive, so if possible use a calling card. VOIP services are a
much cheaper and more popular means of communication. A mobile
network operates on the GSM 1900 band. Internet cafes are widely
available.
Customs
The British and African influences on the Bahamas are still
obvious, but the island's proximity to the US has resulted in a
somewhat Americanised culture. Some of the islands and resorts are
very upmarket and require a certain standard of dress. Beachwear
should be confined to the beach and smart-casual dress is usually
expected for the evening.
Duty Free
Travellers to the Bahamas over 18 years do not have to pay duty
on 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco; 1 litre spirits
and 1 litre wine; and other goods to the value of US$100.
Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition without a police
permit. Pets and dogs from countries with rabies infections are
strictly prohibited from entering the country.
Electricity
Electrical current in the Bahamas is 120 volts, 60Hz.
Two-pin flat blade plugs and flat blade plugs with round grounding,
are also standard.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required by travellers aged more
than one year arriving from infected areas, and Hepatitis A
immunisation is recommended for visitors over two years. There is a
risk of malaria and travellers should take precautions before
travel. Food and water is considered safe, though it is advised not
to eat fruit or vegetables unless peeled or cooked. Visitors should
note that some types of fish, including tropical reef fish, are
poisonous to eat even when cooked. 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.
Language
English is the official language in the
Bahamas.
Money
The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is
divided into 100 cents. The Bahamian Dollar is equal in value to
the US Dollar and both currencies are accepted throughout the
islands. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
many hotels. There are ATMs in the main tourist centres and credit
and debit cards are widely accepted in all the big resorts.
Travellers cheques can be changed at all banks, although those in
US Dollars receive the best rates. Banks tend to be open from
9.30am to 3pm (Monday to Thursday) and 9.30am to 5pm (Fridays).
Passport Visa
All visitors must be in possession of a return or onward ticket,
plus proof of funds, and with the exception of nationals of Canada
and the US, all visitors must hold passports which are valid at
least six months after entry. Cruise ship passengers must hold a
ticket for their ship. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United
States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are
required to present a passport or other valid travel document to
enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a
valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Safety
Most visits to the Bahamas are trouble-free though care should
be taken in the major cities of Nassau and Freeport. Visitors
should take sensible precautions and not carry large amounts of
cash or jewellery on their person or wander away from the main
tourist areas, especially after dark. In light of several fatal
accidents and serious injuries that have occurred using rented
watersports equipment, it is advisable that only those experienced
on jet skis consider renting them on New Providence and Paradise
Island. The watersports industry here is poorly regulated and
visitors should only rent equipment from reputable operators and
make sure that they have received adequate training before going
out onto the water. Hurricane season is from June to the end of
November.
Time
Local time in the Bahamas is GMT -5 (GMT -4 from first Sunday
in April till last Sunday in October).
Tipping
Many hotels and restaurant bills in the Bahamas automatically
include a service charge of 15% to cover gratuities, otherwise a
10-15% tip is expected for most services, including taxi drivers.
Hotel staff usually receive US$1 per bag.