BANKING HOURS:
Banks are open 9:30am-3pm Mon-Thurs, and 9:30am-5pm Fri.
CURRENCY:
If you come across a Bahamian $3 bill, it's OK. Bahamian paper money runs in denominations of half-dollar, $1,$3,$5,$10,$20,$50 and $100 bills. Some visitors keep the $3 bill as a souvenir.
There is also an extra Bahamian coin, the .15 cent piece, which is square with rounded corners and decorated with a hibiscus on one side.
US DOLLAR*
(US$) VALUES
British Pound Sterling = US$1.43
Canadian Dollar = US$0.648
Dutch Gulder = US$0.401
Euro = US$0.862
French Franc = US$0.131
German Mark = US$0.441
Japanese Yen = US$0.0093
Swiss Franc = US$0.585
*Equal to Bahamian dollar
EXCHANGE RATES:
The Bahamian dollar is on par with the US dollar; however, one can expect to pay a small commission when exchanging traveler's cheques for local currency and when converting local currency into US dollars.
The table above gives an approximate value for major currencies in relation to the Bahamian dollar. Commercial bands can provide daily rates.
HEALTH:
All places which serve food and drink to the public, including native restaurants, are licensed and inspected by Bahamas health authorities. Most visitors prefer drinking bottled water.
ILLEGAL ITEMS:
Strict laws and penalties apply for possession of dangerous drugs and firearms.
Any drugs considered dangerous, including marijuana, bring stiff fines and even jail terms if found in the possession of unauthorized person.
Licences for firearms for sporting purposes are available. Handgun licences are issued sparingly and only in special circumstances.
IMMIGRATION:
When you travel to The Bahamas from abroad, you are given an immigration card to fill in. The Immigration officer at the point of entry pulls the card and leaves you with the stub. Be sure to return this portion to the ticket agent upon departure.
POSTAGE:
Postcards:
Airmail to US (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands); Canada; UK; Europe; Bermuda; West Indies; Central and South America; Africa and Austrailia - .50 Cents
Letters:
First-classairmail rates (per1/2 oz):
* .65 Cents: Canada; US (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands); West Indies.
* .75 Cents: Bermuda; Central and South America; UK; Europe; Falkland Islands; Islands of the Mediterranean.
* .80 Cents: Africa (all countries); Asia; Australia; Island of the Pacific and Indian Oceans; New Zealand.
Air parcel post:
Parcel post rates to overseas destinations vary considerably and information may be obtained at the Post Office.
SHOPPING HOURS:
Shops are generally open Mon-Sat between 9 or 10 am and 5 or 6pm. Port Lucaya Markeplace, some International Bazaar and downtown shops, pharmacies and straw markets are also open on Sun. Call ahead to check for times.
*** Supermarkets, wholesale clubs and building supply stores must close by 10am on Sun.
TAXES:
There is no sales tax in The Bahamas. However there are several taxes that visitors must be aware of.
A government tax and resort levy of $12.00 per person per night is added to your hotel room bill upon checkout. Additional charges may apply at individual hotels.
A $7 Bahamas government tax and a $5 travel agency fee is payable on the price of each airline or cruise ship ticket bought in The Bahamas. The government tax is included in the price of the ticket.
Air:
A $15 government departure tax must be paid in cash to the airline you are traveling with by every traveler age six and older leaving The Bahamas. An additional security fee of $3 is also payable by international passenger departing Freeport.
Sea:
Passengers traveling by ship pay a $15 built-in departure tax. One-day excursion passengers pay a $13 built-in departure tax. Children under six years old are exempt. The departure tax is included in the ticket and is paid by your shipping line.
TAXI FARES:
On New Providence and Grand Bahama Islands, taxi fares are set by government. All taxis are required to have meters in good working condition.
General Rates:
One or two passengers, for the first 1/4 mile, $2. For each additional 1/4 mil, .30 cents. For each additional passenger, $2. There is no charge for accompanied children under three years old.
Waiting Charge:
The charge for have a taxi wait (excpt when hired by the hour) is .30 cents per min.
Baggage Charges:
There is no charge for up to two pieces of hand luggage, plus small bags and packages carried by the passenger. Each additional piece of luggage costs .50 cents.
TOUR CARS:
Island sightseeing tours may be booked at prices from $20-$23 per hour. Group rates and special tours may be arranged.
TEMPERATURES:
Average Temperature by Month
Jan. F70 C21
Feb. F70 C21
Mar. F72 C22
Apr. F75 C24
May F77 C25
June F80 C27
July F82 C28
Aug. F82 C28
Sept. F81 C27
Oct. F78 C26
Nov. F75 C24
Dec. F71 C22
TRAFFIC RULES:
The old British custom of driving on the left-hand side of the road has been practiced here since the horse and buggy. If you rent a car, most have the steering wheel on the left. Just remember to stay left and you'll be right.
THE RESORT AT BAHAMA BAY |
