Bahamas travel essentials: entry, money, tipping, VAT and practical facts
The Bahamas is an easy country to visit, but a few practicalities catch people out: the currency, the tax added to bills, the gratuity already included on many of them, and which side of the road to drive on. This page collects the essentials. Where rules can change, we point you to the authority rather than quote a figure that may be out of date.
By BahamasBooking editorial team. Updated . 3 minute read.
Entry requirements
Visitors need a valid passport. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most European countries do not need a visa for short tourist stays; other nationalities may. Requirements and permitted lengths of stay are set by the Bahamas Department of Immigration and can change, so confirm with the department or the nearest Bahamian embassy or consulate before you travel. Travellers returning to the United States clear US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance at Nassau and Freeport airports.
Money
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged one-to-one with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere alongside Bahamian notes and coins. You will often receive change in a mix of both. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and the main Family Island towns, less so in small settlements and on boats, so carry some cash when you leave the main centres. ATMs are available in the main towns.
Value added tax and gratuities
The Bahamas charges value added tax (VAT) on most goods and services, including hotel rooms, restaurant bills and tours. The rate has changed over time and is set by the government; as of our last review it was 10 percent. Expect to see it added to quoted prices unless a price is stated as inclusive.
Many restaurants and hotels add a gratuity of around 15 percent to the bill automatically. Check before adding a tip. Where no service charge is included, 15 percent is customary for good service. Taxi drivers, guides, boat crews and porters are usually tipped as well.
Getting around and driving
Bahamians drive on the left. Most vehicles are imported from the United States and have the steering wheel on the left, which takes a little getting used to. Visitors can drive on a valid licence from their home country for short stays. Roads on the Family Islands are generally quiet; watch for potholes, livestock and cyclists.
Practical facts
English is the official language. Electricity is 120 volts at 60 hertz with North American plugs, so travellers from the United States and Canada need no adapter. The Bahamas observes Eastern Time, including daylight saving time, in step with New York and Miami. Tap water in Nassau is treated and generally considered safe, though many visitors drink bottled water; on the Family Islands bottled water is the norm. Mobile coverage is good on the main islands and patchier on remote cays and at sea.
- Language: English
- Currency: Bahamian dollar, pegged 1:1 to the US dollar; US dollars accepted
- Electricity: 120 V, 60 Hz, North American plugs
- Time zone: Eastern Time, with daylight saving
- Driving: on the left
- Emergency number: 919 or 911
Safety
The Family Islands are generally very safe. In Nassau, as in any city, take ordinary precautions, particularly at night and away from the main tourist areas; several governments publish travel advisories with specific neighbourhoods to avoid, and it is worth reading your own country's advice before travel. On the water, use licensed operators, wear the safety equipment provided and respect local advice about currents and weather.
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