Travel Tips
Automobile Rental
If you decide to rent a car, please remember driving in Nassau Paradise Island is on the left side of the road. Car rental companies located at the Nassau International Airport are:
- Avis: 800-230-4898
- Budget: 800-472-3325
- Dollar: 800-800-3665
- Hertz: 800-654-3001
Currency/Banking
The 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 am to 3 pm and Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Automatic Bank Machines (ATMs) are located at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos, Rawson Square and major banks.
Customs
U.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 £390 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.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Nassau Paradise Island is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available for purchase throughout the island.
Electricity
With 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.
Entry/Exit Requirements
Nassau Paradise Island is one of the few Caribbean destinations that provides pre-clearance for U.S. Customs and Immigration services, allowing flights from Nassau Paradise Island to enter the United States as domestic flights and bypass the normal U.S. Customs and Immigration clearance encountered on most returns from an international destination.
If you are a U.S. citizen, The Islands of the Bahamas follow the U.S. Government international travel requirements for re-entry into the U.S., you will need a valid U.S. Passport. The Bahamian Government may also require proof of return airline ticket and sufficient funds to support your stay. Please be aware that a voter registration or certified birth certificate is no longer accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. If you do not have a passport, please visit www.travel.state.gov for the most current information about the passport application process.
Upon arriving in Nassau Paradise Island, everyone must fill out and sign an immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required. If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 35 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 36 feet and over. This covers a vessel with four persons or less. Also included is a cruising permit, a fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $15.00 Departure Tax for up to four persons. Each additional person above four will be charged $15.00 Departure Tax. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangement must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need to apply for a Bahamas Visa.
Hotel Check-in/Check-out
Hotel check-in time is generally 3 pm and check-out time is 11 am 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.
Language
English (more British than American) is the national language of The Bahamas and is intertwined with an appealing Bahamian dialect.
Medical Facilities
Internationally trained doctors are available at the hotels and throughout the island. Two hospitals are fully equipped to respond to emergency medical situations. Princess Margaret Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital are both in located Nassau.
On-Island Transportation
Getting around Nassau Paradise Island is very easy. Taxis are located outside the hotels and may also be hired by the hour. From the Nassau airport taxi rates are approximately $27 to downtown Nassau, $18 to Cable Beach and $33 to Paradise Island – plus the bridge toll. Fares are based on 2 passengers, there is an additional charge for extra passengers and extra luggage. Ferry boats (water taxis) can take you between Nassau and Paradise Island while at the same time giving you a waterfront view of Nassau Harbor. Tickets can be purchased at the tour desk at Festival Place and at Woodes Rogers Wharf right next door. Tickets cost about $6 per person and the trip is approximately 10 minutes each way. Ferries leave every half hour on the hour from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Buses, known locally as “jitneys” run in downtown Nassau & Cable Beach several times a day. The cost for a one way ride is approximately $1.50 per person, exact change is required. Pay as you exit the bus. Cars and motor scooters (helmets required) are available for rental (insurance is suggested). Please be aware that we drive on the left side of the road!
Ground operators on Nassau Paradise Island can arrange many different tours and experiences, including Nassau city and country tours, deep-sea fishing, scuba/ snorkel trips, beach picnics, cruises and garden/nature tours.
Telephone/Television/Internet Access
We 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 Zone
Eastern Standard Time is used on all islands. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November The Bahamas recognizes Daylight Saving Time, in conjunction with the U.S.
Tipping
Restaurants 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, doormen and porters usually receive $2 per bag. Taxi drivers should be tipped about 15% of the fare.
Traveling with Children
Children under the age of 12 generally stay free in their parent’s room. Some hotels offer children’s programs and scheduled activities to keep children entertained. Babysitting services are also available upon request and at an additional fee.
