Bahama 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 familiarizes 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.To experience knowledgeable, professional Bahamian hospitality as you travel in The Islands of The Bahamas, look for this Bahamahost decal on taxicabs and buses.

Banking

Banking hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Nassau/Paradise Island there are ATMs at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos, and commercial banks. In Grand Bahama, they can be found at major banks, the casino and Port Lucaya and on The Out Islands, ATMs are at banks on all the major islands.

Communications

When calling The Bahamas from the Asia, the code is 001-242 followed by the local number. Most Asian mobile phone networks work in The Bahamas, check with your network provider before travelling.

Both visitors and business travelers will find that telecommunication services on The Islands of The Bahamas are comparable with the service found in most developed nations. A 100% digital switching system allows direct-distance dialing to more than 100 countries. The Bahamas Telephone Company (BTC) also provides a variety of services beyond telephony, such as fax, telex, Internet, cellular, private line service, satellite and radio leasing. BTC has in place roaming agreements with 128 companies worldwide. To access BTC’s GSM roaming system simply turn on your phone and wait while it connects to the network.

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Clothing

Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year; but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February. Most hotels/restaurants/casinos require jackets for men in the evening, especially in more cosmopolitan areas, such as Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya.

Though walking the streets in swim trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets, in churches, 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 flexible.

Currency

The legal tender throughout The Islands of The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is on par with the US dollar. Although The Bahamas mints and circulates its own legal tender, both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.

Credit cards are accepted at most locations on Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. +PLUS, and Cirrus ATMs can be found at banks on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and on most of the major Out Islands.

Duty-free Shopping

Most of the major islands have duty-free shopping on cameras, binoculars and telescopes, china and crystal, watches and clocks, jewelry, perfumes, fine linens and tablecloths, liquor and leather goods. Savings on these items are between 25–50% below US prices.

You can find local arts and crafts in straw markets and specialty shops, or in Nassau’s Festival Place, Paradise Island’s Bahama Craft Centre and Grand Bahama Island's Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Electricity

Electrical sockets are a standard 110V, 60cycles AC in The Bahamas. So for 220V appliances, an adapter is required.

Gratuities

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.

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Transportation:

Driving

The Bahamas follows British driving rules, so please drive on the left and be extra careful on roundabouts.

Mass Transit

Public transportation service is available on several of the major islands, such as Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Service is generally from early morning (about 6:30 a.m.) until about 7:00 p.m. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required. Bus stops are marked. The basic fare is $1.25 per person. Out of town zones in New Providence could cost up to $2.25.

Taxis

You can call a taxi or flag one down on the street in the major islands. Taxi stands are also conveniently placed at most hotels and at airports. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law.

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