Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a passport or visa to travel to Nassau Paradise Island?Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs a valid passport for international travel including The Islands of the Bahamas. Please visit our Passport section for complete details. Non U.S. citizens visiting The Islands Of The Bahamas may also need a visa. To verify the visa requirements for your country of origin, visit The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.mfabahamas.org 2. Once I arrive in Nassau Paradise Island, can I get around easily without renting a car?Nassau Paradise Island is a fairly small island, 21 miles long by 7 miles wide. You can walk to many sites, shopping, dining and other places of interest. If you choose not to walk, you may take a taxi, which will take you anywhere on the island. The most economical way to get around Nassau & the Cable Beach area is by jitney (a small local bus) which will take you to downtown Nassau, the Cable Beach area, and to foot of the Paradise Island bridge for about $1.50 per person - the jitney does not go over the bridge into Paradise Island. You may also take a 20 minute leisurely tour of Nassau by horse and buggy for about $10 per person. And the most inexpensive way to get from downtown Nassau to Paradise Island and back is to take the 15 minute ferry boat across Nassau Harbour for about $6 per person round trip. 3. Can I rent a car in Nassau Paradise Island?Yes, you can rent a car if you a valid driver's license and are 25 years old. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Rental car facilities are located at the Nassau airport and at some hotels. 4. How do I get from the airport to my hotel and back again?Make transfer reservations when you make your hotel booking and you will board a van or a limo depending on what type of transfer service you choose. Or, you can take a cab located right outside the airport. Taxi cab fares vary depending where you are going. Here is a guide from the Nassau Airport: Cable Beach Hotels $18 Fares are based on 2 passengers and two pieces of hand luggage. There is an additional charge for extra passengers and extra luggage or excessively heavy/large luggage. Fares are subject to change without notice. 5. What is the weather like?The temperatures are moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and the tradewinds. Average temperatures in the Bahamas range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 32 degrees Celsius) on a summer's day and 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius) on a winter's day. As a tropical island, we often experience slightly balmy ocean breezes. Rainfall is less likely to occur from November through April. Check out of 5-day forecast at http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/about-the-island/weather/ 6. What is duty-free shopping?Duty-free means that the government of The Bahamas doesn't charge you the import tax or duty on imported items. Savings on these items are between 25% - 50% below U.S. prices. Some shops display a pink flamingo logo to show they are duty-free. 7. What popular items are duty-free?Some popular duty-free items include, cameras, binoculars, telescopes, china, crystal, watches, jewelry, perfume, fine linens, liquor and leather goods. You can find these items on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, at Festival Place near the ship dock and at Marina Village on Paradise Island. 8. What are the hours of operation for banks and shops?Banks are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shops at Marina Village are open from Monday through Friday from about 9 a.m./10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturdays until anywhere between 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Shops on Bay Street are open from Monday through Saturday from about 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Schedules may vary by shop and location. Banks, businesses and many shops are closed on public government holidays and some close early the day before a holiday. 9. Can I use my debit card or credit card for purchases?Most stores and restaurants inside the larger hotels will allow you to use your debit card and credit card for purchases. But some restaurants and shops are not equipped to handle those types of transactions. You cannot use your debit or credit card at small, local restaurants in Nassau, the Straw Market, the Craft Centre or Festival Place. There are banks located throughout the island and ATM machines in some hotels. Note: banks are not open on the weekend. 10. Can I use foreign currency?The US Dollar is widely and happily accepted throughout the islands. Other foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and many hotels. There are ATMs in the main tourist centers and in some of the larger resorts. Traveler's Checks can be changed at all banks. 11. What will I have time to see and do in only a few hours?Shopping - Marina Village on Paradise Island and on Bay Street in downtown Nassau. 12. We're getting married on the island. What do I need to know before arriving?You must reside on the island 24 hours before you can apply for the marriage license, which takes about a day to obtain. You must be 18 years of age or have consent if you are not. Whether you choose a quiet oceanside ceremony and a candlelit dinner for two or a lavish church wedding with a large banquet hall reception, we can accommodate most requests. The larger hotels have wedding coordinators that can provide all the details to make your wedding unique and memorable. Visit our wedding section where you will find accommodations, ceremony locations, activities, wedding coordinators and legal requirements. 13. Do I need an electrical converter for my computer, hairdryer or other electronic devices?Electrical outlets in Nassau Paradise Island are 60 cycles/120 volts, which is compatible with all North American appliances. British and European appliances require a flat, two-pin adaptor and 220-volt converter. 14. Is there Internet access?Most hotels have Internet access in the rooms and/or the lobby areas 15. What is the time zone in Nassau Paradise Island?Eastern Standard Time, while recognizing Daylight Saving Time. |
