Climate
The trade winds that blow almost
continually throughout The Bahamas give the islands a warm agreeable
climate which varies little year round. The most refreshing time is
between September through May when the temperature averages 70-75F
degrees. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures
between 80-85F degrees.
 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 cosmopolitan Nassau. Though walking the streets in
swim trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing
is inappropriate on the streets of downtown Nassau, in churches, restaurants and
casinos. On the more laid-back Out Islands, dress-codes are much
more flexible.
 Currency
The legal
tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to
the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted
interchangeably throughout the islands.
Customs Regulations & Taxes
Upon entering The Bahamas, everyone must
fill out and sign an Immigration form, keeping a portion of the card
in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required.
Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or
one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits, and a variety of
personal effects (personal radio headsets, bicycle, two still
cameras, etc.). Purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars are
permitted by all arriving passengers.
When departing, all visitors are required
to pay a $15.00 departure tax ($18.00 from Grand Bahama); children
six years and under are exempt. Departures to the US must go through
US Customs pre-clearance. US visitors may take home US$600 worth of
duty-free merchandise. The next $l,000 is taxed at 10%. Gifts valued
up to $50 may be mailed home duty-free. One litre of wine, liqueur
or liquor and five cartons of cigarettes may be taken
duty-free.
Driving
British rules apply, so please drive on
the left and watch those roundabouts! 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.
 Fishing and
Diving
To protect the marine environment, spear
fishing using scuba gear and possession of spearguns are illegal in
The Bahamas. Cruising boats must clear customs at the nearest port
of entry before beginning any diving or fishing activities. A permit
is required for visiting vessels to engage in sports fishing at a
cost of $20 per trip or $150 per year for vessels on which not more
than six reels will be used. (Refer to the Yachtsman's Guide
to the Bahamas 1995.)
 Language
The official
language of The Bahamas is English, more British than American, and
generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect. Some Indian
words like cassava and guava have been retained in the
language.
Shopping
Effective January 1, 1992, the Government
of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas abolished all import duties on 11
categories of items. Perfumes and Fragrances, Crystal, Leather
Goods, Jewelry, Fine Linens and Tablecloths, Watches and Clocks,
Photographic Equipment, China, Binoculars, and Telescopes are all
duty free. Savings on these items are between 25% - 50% below US
prices. It's easy to see why people often return from The Bahamas
with more than nice tans.
The best shopping is concentrated in
Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya; boutiques
and gift shops are also found in most major resorts. Everything from
duty-free products to local arts and crafts, wood, straw, shell and
clothing creations are readily available.
 Spring Break Season
Spring break season runs
February 28 - April 10. This is important information, whether
you're aiming to avoid the spring break season altogether or intent
upon landing right in the middle of this month-long youthfest. Beach
parties, sports meets, and musical entertainment lead off the packed
Spring Break calendar. The front desk of your Bahamas hotel will
surely be updated on the most detailed spring break info--or
telephone the Ministry of Tourism at (242)322-7500.
 Time
Eastern Standard Time is used on all
islands. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction
with US summer hours.
Tipping
Tip according to quality of service.
Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other
servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Some establishments
include the gratuity in their bills.
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