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Currency
The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar
(B$). Although the official exchange rate set by the Central Bank is 1US$ = B$0.9950
Buying and B$ 1.0125 Selling, Banks and businesses accept US$ cash or travelers cheque
at par =1 US$ = 1B$).
Time
The Bahamas is in the same time zone as the Eastern United
States (ET). Daylight saving time starts and ends on the same dates as it does in the USA
Electricity
The Voltage in the Bahamas is normally 120 V/60Hz. This is
what the USA is using.
Language
The official language in the Bahamas is English. To US visitors it
might sound closer to British. Many Bahamian, however, often speak their own dialect.
Tipping (Gratuity)
Many establishments in the hotel industry add a 15 % gratuity to
their bills. If not included, be prepared to tip about that same percentage. Taxi drivers
are used to a similar level of tips. Porters receive about 1 $ per bag or parcel carried.
Travel Documents
In general,visitors need a valid passport and in a few
cases a visa.
US citizens who intend to stay here for less then eight
months need a return ticket with one of the following:
- passport not expired for more than 5 years
- certified copy of a birth certificate with photo ID
Naturalized US citizens need a return ticket plus
naturalization papers and photo ID
Green Card holder from the US need a return ticket plus a
valid passport from home country
When arriving in the Bahamas, all visitors must complete an
Immigration form and submit the detachable stub upon departure. You must make a customs
declaration upon arrival. Adult visitors are allowed to bring in 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes
or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits and personal effects.
There is a $ 15.-- departure tax (Freeport $ 18.--) which
is collected when you check in at the air-port. For flights with a USA destination, there
is a US pre-clearance facility operated by US Customs & Immigration.
Shopping
Great savings over US prices may be realized when
purchasing items on which the Bahamas has eliminated import duties, such as
Perfumes - Crystal
- Leather Goods -Fine Linens - Watches - Jewelry
-China - Photographic Equipment - Telescopes & Binoculars
Bus Service
Buses are called "Jitneys", are
individually owned and operated. The fare is fixed by law and is $ 1.00 adults and $ 0.50
for children for a one-way fare to any destination. They are available throughout New
Providence and on some other major islands. Several large hotels offer free shuttle
service to downtown.
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