10 Things to Know Before Visiting Nassau & Paradise Island, The Bahamas

Nassau & Paradise Island keeps travel refreshingly straightforward. English is the national language, the Bahamian dollar is equal in value to the U.S. dollar, and flights arrive daily through Lynden Pindling International Airport on New Providence Island. Still, a little planning before you go can make your arrival smoother.

Getting to The Bahamas is easy! You can book a non-stop flight to The Bahamas from many major cities in the United States and Canada. We’re approximately three hours from New York City and less than an hour from Miami. No matter where you are, you’re never far from Paradise.

When travelling internationally, it’s always good to plan ahead. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful collection of things to know before visiting Nassau & Paradise Island. 

What This Guide Covers

• Passport and entry requirements for The Bahamas
• Currency, credit card, and banking tips
• What to know about Customs, duty-free shopping, and receipts
• Phone, Wi-Fi, and electrical outlet basics
• Tipping guidance for restaurants, hotels, taxis, and porters
• Time zone, language, and local transport notes
• Practical arrival tips for Nassau & Paradise Island

1. Check Your Passport and Entry Documents Before You Travel

All visitors entering The Bahamas need a valid passport or other accepted travel document, and entry requirements can vary by nationality, residency status, and route of travel. Visitors may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of funds for their stay.

For many travellers, the simplest move is to travel with a passport that remains valid well beyond your travel dates. That gives you more flexibility if your airline, cruise line, or onward destination has stricter requirements than Bahamian Immigration.

Before you leave home, keep these within easy reach:

• Your passport
• Your return or onward ticket
• Your hotel or accommodation details
• Any visa documents, if required
• Travel insurance details, if you have them

For U.S. citizens, a valid U.S. passport is required for re-entry into the United States when flying home from The Bahamas. A voter registration card or certified birth certificate is no longer accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship for this purpose.

Canadian visitors must present a passport valid for at least three months beyond the expected departure date from The Bahamas. 

2. Keep Your Return or Onward Ticket Handy

Bahamian Immigration may ask to see proof that you’re leaving The Bahamas at the end of your visit. That can be a return flight home or an onward ticket to another destination.

You don’t need to print everything, but don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi when you need your documents. Save screenshots or offline copies of:

• Flight confirmations
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Travel insurance policy
• Emergency contact details

A few minutes of prep at home can save you from digging through your inbox at the airport.

3. Use U.S. Dollars or Bahamian Dollars

The Bahamian dollar is equal in value to the U.S. dollar, and U.S. currency is accepted throughout Nassau & Paradise Island. Most major credit cards are also accepted, though your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee.

A few practical notes:

• Carry some small bills for taxis, tips, markets, and quick purchases
• Ask your bank about foreign transaction fees before you travel
• Let your card provider know you’ll be in The Bahamas
• Don’t be surprised if you receive Bahamian dollars as change

Banking hours can vary by branch and holiday schedule, so check ahead if you know you’ll need in-person banking during your trip.

4. Know What to Expect With Customs

When you arrive in Nassau, everyone must complete and sign an immigration form, and visitors may be asked to make a baggage declaration.

If you plan to shop while you’re here, keep your receipts together. It’s also a good idea to pack items you’ll need to declare separately, especially if you’re bringing home jewellery, spirits, tobacco, or higher-value goods.

For U.S. and Canadian travellers, duty-free exemptions depend on how long you’ve been outside the country. Check the latest rules for your home country before departure, especially if you’re planning a larger purchase.

5. You Won’t Need an Adaptor if You’re Travelling From North America

The Bahamas uses standard North American 120-volt, 60-cycle AC electrical current. If you’re travelling from the U.S. or Canada, your phone charger, hairdryer, shaver, and other small appliances should plug in without an adaptor.

Still worth packing:

• A portable charger for beach days and boat trips
• A waterproof phone pouch if you’re heading out on the water
• A small power strip if you’re travelling with family and everyone has devices

6. Plan Your Phone and Wi-Fi Setup Before You Land

You’ll find Wi-Fi at many hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, the airport, and the cruise port. Local providers also offer prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options with mobile data.

Before you travel, check your mobile plan for:

• International roaming rates
• Daily travel-pass options
• eSIM compatibility
• Data limits
• Calling and texting costs

For staying in touch without running up a bill, apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger are useful when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Download maps, boarding passes, and a few shows before you fly so you’re not using mobile data for the basics.

7. Check Your Bill Before Tipping

Restaurants and hotels in The Bahamas often add a 15% gratuity to food and beverage bills. If service is especially good, you can leave something extra.

Helpful tipping notes:

• Restaurants and bars: Check whether 15% has already been added
• Bellhops, door attendants, and porters: Around $3 per bag is common
• Taxi drivers: Around 15% of the fare is suggested.

This is one of those small details that helps you feel settled right away. You’ll know when a tip has already been handled, and when it hasn’t.

8. Set Your Clock to Eastern Time

The Bahamas uses Eastern Standard Time. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, The Bahamas observes Daylight Saving Time in line with the United States.

For most travellers coming from the Eastern U.S. or Eastern Canada, that means no time change. Your dinner reservation, boat excursion, and airport pickup should all feel wonderfully normal on the clock.

9. English is the National Language, With Bahamian Character Woven In

English is the national language of The Bahamas, with a Bahamian dialect that you’ll hear in everyday conversation.

That makes planning simple for many visitors, but the island still has its own rhythm. Listen for local expressions, ask questions respectfully, and take the time to learn about the people and traditions that shape Nassau beyond the resort path.

A few ways to go deeper:

• Visit historic sites in downtown Nassau.
• Look for Bahamian-owned restaurants and shops.
• Learn about Junkanoo, The Bahamas’ celebrated street parade tradition.
• Ask your hotel concierge about cultural tours, galleries, and local events.

10. Choose Your Transport Based on Your Plans

Once you arrive in Nassau & Paradise Island, you can get around by taxi, jitney, water taxi, private transfer, or rental car.

For many visitors, taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the simplest option, especially after a flight or when travelling with luggage. If you plan to explore more independently, remember that drivers in The Bahamas keep to the left side of the road.

Good transport habits:

• Use licensed taxis and trusted tour operators.
• Confirm taxi fares before you ride.
• Book excursions through your hotel, travel advisor, or a reputable provider.
• Give yourself extra travel time before flights, dinner reservations, and boat departures.

Bonus: U.S. Travellers can Clear Customs Before Leaving Nassau

Nassau is one of the few Caribbean destinations with U.S. Customs and Immigration pre-clearance. That means passengers flying from Nassau to the United States can complete U.S. entry procedures before departure, then arrive in the U.S. more like a domestic passenger.

Build in enough time at the airport, especially during busy travel periods. Pre-clearance is convenient, but it adds a step before boarding.

Ready for Nassau & Paradise Island?

A trip to Nassau & Paradise Island is simple to plan, but the small details still matter. Check your documents, save your travel confirmations, bring a bit of cash, and leave space in your itinerary for the island’s beaches, food, history, and people.

Check out current travel deals and start planning your trip to Nassau & Paradise Island today.