Essentials
WARNING: The Bahamas is a pretty laid back place, but it does not hurt to be informed of the local customs.
1. Money Matters:
-
Currency: the official currency is the Bahamian
Dollar. Check out exchange rates.
Generally, both are accepted throughout the island To avoid ending up with a wallet
full of mixed currency, you may choose to use only Bahamian or American dollars - Departure Tax: There is a $15.00 departure tax that you must pay as you leave the Island. Children under 6 are exempt. This is often included in your airfare.
- Tipping: In general, 15% is the standard. Check first, some hotels and resorts automatically add gratuities to your bill.
2. How to get around:
Getting around most of the islands is pretty simple…
- Rental cars: Remember that you must drive on the left side of the road!
- Taxis: plentiful and reasonably priced. Negotiate the rate before you leave.
- Buses: also known as jitneys
- Motorbikes or mopeds
- Bicycles: you never forget how!
- Surreys: Horse and carriage used for short tours
- Water taxis: for getting to and from different islands
- Ferries: inter-island transportation, affordable prices
3. Where to get tourist information:
- Bahamas Tourism Office
George Town
Phone: 242-336-2430
Fax: 242-336-2105
4. Mail service:
- The Exuma Island post office is located in Georgetown.
- $0.65(USD) letters or postcards that weigh up to one half ounce is required for postcards to Canada, United Stated and United Kingdom.
- Letters weighing over one half ounce are charged additionally per every half ounce.
- Mail delivery is made by mail boat, so Federal Express and United Parcel Service are not available on Exuma.
