Plan
your Bahamas escape with key travel information, visa details, local
tips, and essential insights to explore the islands’ turquoise
waters, pink sands, and rich Bahamian culture with confidence.
Country: The Bahamas
Continent / Region: Caribbean / Atlantic / North America
Capital City: Nassau (New Providence Island)
Government Type: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Population: Approx. 410,000
Official Language(s): English
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD) — pegged 1:1 with USD USD widely accepted
Time Zone (GMT): GMT−5 (GMT−4 in summer)
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B – 120V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter + voltage consideration
Emergency Numbers: 911 / 919 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 9–10 hours (direct to Nassau)
Best Time/Months to Travel: December–April (dry season)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 8 months; free entry
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; Hepatitis A recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy for Bahamas):
Average Daily Costs: £60 / £120 / £250+
Tipping Culture: 10–15% standard (often added to bills)
Public Transport Options: Taxis, jitneys (Nassau), ferries & boat transfers
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: BSD 1.50–2.00 (jitney)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G; BTC, Aliv
Main Climate Type: Tropical marine
Average Temperature: 24–31°C year-round
Major Islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros
Natural Attractions: Beaches, blue holes, reefs, cays, sandbars
Popular Destinations: Nassau, Paradise Island, Exumas, Harbour Island, Eleuthera
Main Religions: Christianity (majority)
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Conch fritters, cracked conch, rock lobster, peas ‘n’ rice, guava duff
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Pig Beach (Exumas), Queen’s Staircase (Nassau), Blue Hole, Atlantis Paradise Island
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe in tourist zones
Common Scams: Taxi overcharging, unofficial tour sellers
Health Risks: Mosquito-borne illnesses; strong sun
Recommended Clinics: High-standard clinics in Nassau & Freeport
Insurance Recommendation: Strongly recommended — especially for boat trips & water sports
Internet Speed: Good 4G in populated islands
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Swimming pigs (Exumas), Nassau beaches, Harbour Island pink sands, Thunderball Grotto, Blue Holes
Unique Experiences: Shark dives, sandbar picnics, boat island-hopping, rum distillery visits
Hidden Gems: Eleuthera beaches, Andros blue holes, Spanish Wells, secluded Exuma cays
Popular Areas to Stay: Nassau/Paradise Island, Exumas, Harbour Island, Grand Bahama
Average Hotel Prices: £60 / £150 / £300+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Nassau Cable Beach, Paradise Island resorts, local bars on out islands
Local Drinks: Sky Juice, rum punch, Kalik beer
Entertainment: Beach parties, resort shows, live music, bars
Car Rental: Available on major islands
Jitneys: Cheap buses around Nassau (limited hours)
Boats: Essential for island-hopping
Taxis: Widely available; negotiate when meter not used
Best Markets: Nassau Straw Market, Port Lucaya Marketplace
Popular Souvenirs: Straw crafts, rum, hot sauces, conch shell art, Bahamian spices
Local SIM Card Providers: BTC, Aliv
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe in most resorts; bottled recommended on smaller islands
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
The Bahamas is made up of 700 islands and over 2,000 cays, with some of the clearest waters on Earth — visibility up to 60 metres.