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ClimateThanks to the warm Gulf Stream currents and balmy trade winds, The Islands Of The Bahamas are blessed with a semi-tropical climate. Typical temperatures range from 70° to 80° Fahrenheit. Rarely does it climb above 90°F on a midsummer’s day or fall below 60°F on a winter’s night. While we can give no guarantees regarding rain, rainfall is most unlikely from November through April. Water temperatures range from the low 80s in the summer to about 74°F in midwinter. Currency / BankingThe legal tender is the Bahamian dollar, which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. U.S. currency is accepted throughout Nassau / Paradise Island as are most major credit cards and traveler’s checks. Banking hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Automatic Bank Machines (ATMs) are located at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos, Rawson Square and major banks. CustomsU.S. citizens out of the country for 48 hours are allowed up to $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. Less than 48 hours, the duty-free exemption is $200. Limitations include 32 ounces of tobacco for those over 21 and no more than two liters of alcohol. Canadian residents away for seven or more days are entitled to $750 worth of duty-free goods. Limitations include two pounds of manufactured tobacco and up to 40 ounces of liquor or wine. If traveling for 48 hours the duty-free exemption is $400 worth of merchandise. United Kingdom residents may take home a total of £145 of duty-free merchandise. Limitations include two fluid ounces of perfume, a half pound of tobacco and two liters of table wine. To make traveling easier pack things you're going to declare separately and keep all your sales receipts. ElectricityWith standard North American 120-volt/60-cycle AC electrical current, you will be able to operate American or Canadian hairdryers, shavers and other small electrical appliances without adapters. HolidaysTypically, stores and offices are closed on the following public government holidays:
Hotel Check-in / Check-outHotel check-in time is generally 3 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m. If you expect to arrive before check-in time, plan to have a swimsuit and change of casual clothes handy, as most hotels have a luggage and changing room for early arrivals. The same applies with late departure flights. LanguageEnglish (more British than American) is spoken throughout Nassau / Paradise Island and is generally intertwined with an appealing Bahamian dialect. On-Island TransportationGetting around Nassau / Paradise Island is very easy. Metered taxis are located outside the hotels and may also be hired by the hour. Water taxis operate frequently between Nassau and Paradise Island. Buses run from the hotels to downtown Nassau several times a day. And, cars and motor scooters (helmets required) are available for rental. Please be aware that we drive on the left side of the road! Telephone / Television / Internet AccessWe offer direct dial telephone service world-wide and satellite television capabilities so that many of our hotels and resorts can offer guests their favorite shows, sporting events and movie channels. Hi-speed internet access is also available at many of our hotels. Time ZoneEastern Standard Time is used on all islands. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with U.S. summer hours. TippingRestaurants and hotels automatically add 15% to all food and beverage checks in lieu of gratuity. For exceptional service you may wish to leave something extra. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag. Taxi drivers should be tipped about 15% of the fare. Traveling with ChildrenChildren under the age of 12 generally stay free. Some hotels offer children’s programs and scheduled activities to keep children entertained. Bonded babysitting services are also available. Traveling with PetsA valid import permit ($10) is required to import any animal into The Bahamas. Animals must be six months or older. Persons wishing to apply for an import permit may phone in their request to 242-325-7502 or write to: The Director of Agriculture
Please state your name and address, the type, age and number of animals you wish to import, the country of export and origin, the purpose for importing the animals(s) as well as anticipated date of arrival and destination in The Bahamas. For the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, the main provisions of the import permit as it applies to dogs and cats are:
Dogs and cats under six months old are prohibited importation from the U.S. and Canada and all countries that are rabies endemic. Dogs and cats from the UK or any rabies-free country may enter without a rabies vaccination if accompanied by a veterinary health certificate and certificate stating there have been no cases of rabies in that country of origin for the previous year. Animals not meeting these conditions are not allowed to enter the Commonwealth. A duty for permanent entry of all animals into The Bahamas is levied, based on the value of the animal plus 2% stamp duty. WeddingsTo be wed in The Islands of the Bahamas, couples must be in residence for 24 hours prior to applying for a marriage license. Birth certificates and a notarized affidavit are required. If appropriate, you’ll also need divorce papers, death certificate of a former spouse and parental consent if under the age of 18. Most hotels are equipped to assist guests with marriage arrangements, as is:
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Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
If you decide to rent a car, please remember that driving in Nassau / Paradise Island is on the left side of the road. Car rental companies located at the Nassau International Airport are: