| GENERAL
QUESTIONS
1.
Are ATM
machines generally available?
Yes. Most
of the larger islands have ATMs located in airport terminals, branch
banks, most casinos and other convenient locations. Most machines
dispense local currency.
2.
Are things
expensive in The Islands Of The Bahamas?
Prices in
The Islands Of The Bahamas are comparable to other destinations.
Prices vary in relation to the product. Some luxury items, for
example, liquor, perfume, watches and photography equipment can be
more reasonably priced than in the Unites States. Breadbasket items
tend to be more expensive than in the United States.
3.
What
churches do you have in The Islands Of The Bahamas?
There are
many religious denominations represented in The Islands Of The
Bahamas. Some of them are Baptist, Episcopalian (Anglican), Roman
Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Muslim,
Methodist and Greek Orthodox, to name a few. Most hotels have social
hostesses and/or tour desks that can provide information on hours of
services at the church of your choice.
4.
Are The
Islands Of The Bahamas politically, socially and economically
safe?
Bahamians
have enjoyed political, economic and social stability for more than
250 years. Tourism has flourished in our islands because of our
warm, friendly people, political freedoms and temperate
climate.
5.
What is the
accepted currency in The Islands Of The Bahamas?
The legal
tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to
the U.S. dollar. Both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted
interchangeably throughout the islands.
6.
What side
of the road should I drive on in The Islands Of The
Bahamas?
British
rules apply, so please drive on the left and watch those
roundabouts! Persons entering a roundabout (traffic circle) must
give way to traffic coming from the right already on the roundabout.
Visitors may use their home license for up to three months and may
also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians should
remember to look right before crossing streets.
7.
What type
food can I take to The Islands Of The Bahamas?
Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy
products. All meats must be canned or frozen.
8.
When does
the downtown shopping area close?
In Grand
Bahama, the principal shopping areas are the Lucaya Marketplace and
the International Bazaar which are open for business at 10:00 a.m. -
6:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. With the exception of the straw
markets and malls, only a few stores in the downtown area of
Nassau/Paradise Island and the International Bazaar and Lucaya
Marketplace in Grand Bahama will be found open on Sundays. The straw
markets and malls are usually open for business on Sundays.
9.
What modes
of transportation exist within The Islands Of The
Bahamas?
Buses, rental cars, motor bikes, bicycles, tour
cars and limousines. Taxis are accessible from all areas at all
times.
10.
What time
zone is used in The Islands Of The Bahamas?
Eastern
Standard Time is used on all islands. April to October is Eastern
Daylight Time, in conjunction with U.S. summer
hours.
WEATHER
1.
What
type of climate should I expect in The Islands Of The Bahamas? The trade winds that blow almost
continually throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas give the islands a
warm, agreeable climate which varies little year-round. The most
refreshing time is from September through May when the temperature
averages 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the year is a bit
warmer with temperatures between 80-85 degrees. Rainfall is scarce
from November through April each year; however, showers can occur
during the months of May through October.
2.
What type
of clothing should I pack for my trip?
3.
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 and casinos require jackets
for men in the evening, especially in cosmopolitan Nassau and Grand
Bahama Island.
4.
What
is the average temperature in The Islands Of The
Bahamas?
The Islands Of
The Bahamas have a temperate climate ranging from 80-90 degrees
Fahrenheit with high humidity in the summer months to 70-80 degrees
in the winter. Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler by 5-7
degrees. In the more northerly islands, winter temperatures are
approximately 5 degrees lower than the southern islands. Sea surface
temperatures vary between 74 degrees in February and 84 degrees in
August.
5.
When
is the rainy season?
The Islands Of
The Bahamas experience rain year-round; however, the months of May
through October constitute the rainy season. The northern islands
normally receive twice as much rain as the southern islands with
heavy squalls or thundershowers which clear
quickly.
ACTIVITIES
1.
What
kinds of tours are available in The Islands Of The Bahamas? There are art and cultural tours;
tours of historic buildings, monuments and districts; city and
country tours; and ecotours, botanical, animal and underwater tours.
Bus tours can be organized by Bahamahost-certified ground tour
operators; surrey tours are available downtown; and taxi tours are
available by cab drivers stationed at hotels or in the downtown
area. Rental cars and scooters are available for touring on your
own. Contact the nearest tour desk in your hotel.
2.
What
is the nightlife like in The Islands Of The Bahamas, and where can I
find it? For
those interested in sampling the local entertainment, there are
various Bahamian bands that perform at clubs and in hotels around
the islands. Casino hotels offer American- or Latin-style revues.
The Regency Theatre on Grand Bahama Island also stages performances
throughout the year. Ask for an entertainment guide at the tour
desks in your hotel for more information.
3.
Is
there more than sun, sand and sea? The Bahamas are rich in music and
culture and offer exciting nightlife including native shows, local
playhouse theatre and Las Vegas-style revues. There are local
festivals, art exhibitions, historic sites, sporting facilities,
attractions and a unique programme called People-to-People, which
offers the visitor the opportunity to experience The Islands Of The
Bahamas like a native. Register with a social director at your
hotel, or call our People-to-People in Grand Bahama Island at
242-352-8044.
4.
What is
Junkanoo? Junkanoo is a national street
festival celebrating Christmas and New Year's. It is composed of a
number of competing groups of performers and musicians in colourful
costumes made of cardboard and styrofoam frames and decorated with
crepe paper, studs, rhinestones, feathers, metallic paper, etc. The
music carries the African beat, using goatskin drums, cowbells,
whistles and horns. It is held twice annually, at Christmas and New
Year's. The street dancing begins about 2:00 a.m. and lasts until
about 8:00 a.m. Groups are judged on theme, costumes, performance,
dancing and music.
5.
What
type of sporting activities do you have in The Islands Of The
Bahamas?
We have a variety
of water sports activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling,
parasailing, water/jet-skiing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing and
boating. Our land sport activities include tennis, golf, cricket,
soccer, bowling, squash, track and field events, basketball,
American football, baseball, volleyball, roller-skating and field
hockey.
PREPERATION
1.
Do I need to take medical shots
before entering the country? No, vaccinations are not required
for visitors to The Islands Of The Bahamas, unless arriving from an
infected area.
2.
Will
my cellular phone operate in The Islands Of The Bahamas?
If you wish
to use your cellular phone while in The Islands Of The Bahamas, you
should first register it with the Bahamas Telecommunications
Corporation. You can contact them by phone at 242-394-4000 or by fax
at 242-394-3573.
3.
Any
special advice for senior or disabled travelers? The Islands Of The Bahamas are a
wonderful destination for both senior and disabled vacationers.
DINING /
HOSPITALITY
1.
What is Bahamian food
like?
Bahamian food is
high in carbohydrates but very flavorful. Some of our staples
include peas 'n' rice, macaroni, boiled or fried fish, steamed conch
and johnny cake. A favorite among visitors is the conch, allegedly
an aphrodisiac, which is served as chowder or a salad. Tropical
drinks include Rum Punch, Bahama Mama, Goombay Smash and Yellow
Bird.
2.
Is
there a problem with drinking the water?
The quality of
water varies from island to island. The water is drinkable; however,
bottled water is available in the hotels, restaurants, gas stations
and supermarkets.
3.
What
American foods do you have in The Islands Of The
Bahamas?
Most hotels and
local restaurants offer a variety of international cuisine. Also,
most of the fast-food franchises are represented in Nassau and Grand
Bahama Island, e.g., McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King
and Wendy's.
4.
What
kind of dining is available in The Islands Of The Bahamas? Is there
a restaurant guide available?
Visit
our website for a listing of restaurants in Freeport. http://www.absolutereservationcenter.com/freeport_restaurants.html
5.
What
are the common tipping practices in The Islands Of The
Bahamas?
Tip according to
quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag,
while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Many
establishments include the gratuity in their bills.
TAXES /
PREPARATION / REQUIREMENTS / LEGALITIES
1.
How much food and liquor can I
take into The Islands Of The Bahamas?
A visitor can
bring a quart of alcoholic beverage, a quart of wine, 200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars.
2.
What
are the duty-free shopping policies? Each individual U.S. resident,
including minors, can take home duty-free purchases up to $600
providing they have been out of the country for 48 hours. Items,
which must be purchased from duty-free stores.
3.
What
is necessary for foreign nationals to marry in The Islands Of The
Bahamas? Couples can be married after being
resident in The Islands Of The Bahamas for 24 hours. Both parties
must bring along birth certificates and photo IDs. Persons who are
divorced must bring along their final divorce decree (original or
certified with raised seal). U.S. residents only are required to
make a sworn declaration either at the U.S. Embassy in
Nassau/Paradise Island (a $50 fee) or at the office of a Bahamian
Notary Public (a $15 fee) if they have never been married. Other
nationals (both parties) are required to bring sworn affidavits in
English stating that the parties concerned were never married. No
blood tests required. For more information, please call toll-free
1-888-NUPTIAL (1-888-687-8425), or contact the Ministry of Tourism's
People-to-People/Weddings/Honeymoon Department at 242-356-0435-8 or
call the Registrar General’s office at 242-332-3316.
4.
What
are the entry requirements?
As of January 1, 2007 U.S. citizens
require a United States Passport. A Drivers
License is no longer sufficient:
a.
Passport (current or expired up to 5 years maximum)
5.
Is there a departure
tax?
Yes, we have a
departure tax of $15 per person from Nassau/Paradise Island and the
Out Islands, and $18 per person from Grand Bahama Island. Children
under six years are exempted from payment of departure tax with
proof of age.
ONLY IF FLYING.
6.
How
much are hotel taxes? Hotel taxes run approximately $10
to $15 per adult, per night.
GEOGRAPHY
1.
Is The Islands Of The Bahamas part
of the United States? No. The Islands Of The Bahamas is
an independent country and a member of the British Commonwealth of
Nations.
2.
Why
is the ocean so beautiful in The Islands Of The Bahamas?
The Islands
Of The Bahamas archipelago has been identified by NASA as having
some of the most beautiful waters on earth. The waters are virtually
free of pollution, making them among the clearest and most colorful
to be found anywhere. The depth of the water, coral heads and
sunlight are ultimately responsible for its incandescent colors.
3. Where
are The Islands Of The Bahamas located and is there more than just
Nassau? The
Islands Of The Bahamas comprise 700
low-lying islands
and cays that stretch over 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic
Ocean between the southeastern tip of Florida and Northern
Hispaniola. The northernmost island, Bimini, is just 25 minutes by
plane from Florida. Nassau is the capital city, located on the
island of New Providence.
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