Bahamas : Formalities and administrative procedures

Bahamas : Organize your stay

Money Bahamas

The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which is only used in the Bahamas, and is at par with the US dollar. Its exchange rate is therefore strictly identical to that of the US dollar and, like the US dollar, it is divided into cents.

Exchange rate.

In June 2022: 1 BSD = 1 US$ = 0.97 €; 1 € = 1.03 BSD. On the spot, you can pay with either Bahamian or American coins and bills. We therefore recommend that you change your euros into American dollars before leaving the country: banks that accept to do this exchange in the Bahamas are only in Nassau and are relatively rare. It is also possible to exchange euros in the 2 casinos of Cable Beach and Paradise Island. Commissions are generally lower in French exchange offices than in the United States or the Bahamas. If you have any cash left over in Bahamian dollars when you leave, make sure you convert it into American dollars: the Bahamian dollar can only be used in the Bahamas.

If you wish to change currency, be aware that exchange fees can be multiplied by five from one exchange office to another (these fees are often already included in the posted exchange rate). The same practice can be observed in France. Therefore, you should use a bank card. For withdrawals and payments by card, the exchange rate used for operations is generally more interesting than the rates charged at the exchange offices.

Banks and ATMs.

Banks are generally open from Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 3 pm and on Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Many of them have an ATM that usually dispenses Bahamian dollars.

You will find ATMs outside all banks and inside all major resorts

. To find the nearest one, ATM location tools are available. Go to visa.fr/services-en-ligne/find-an-ATM or mastercard.com/en/individuals/find-ATM-bank.html.

Using an English-speaking ATM. Generally speaking, the way ATMs are used is the same as in France. If the French language is not available, select English. "Withdrawal" is then called "withdrawal". If you are asked to choose between withdrawing from a checking account, a credit account or a savings account, choose checking account. Between a debit or credit transaction, select "debit". (If you make a mistake in these options, don't worry, the only risk is that the transaction will be refused). Indicate the amount you would like to pay and validate ("enter"). To the question "Would you like a receipt?", answer "Yes" and carefully keep your receipt.

Withdrawal fees.

As the euro is not the currency of the country, a commission is retained for each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank and generally consist of a fixed fee of an average of 3 euros and a commission of between 2 and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network and offer you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for more information. Please note that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case it will be mentioned at the time of withdrawal.

Cash advance. If you have reached your withdrawal limit or your card is malfunctioning, you can benefit from a cash advance. This service is offered by most major banks and allows you to withdraw cash by simply presenting your card at the counter of a bank, whether it is your own or not. You will often be asked for identification. In general, the cash advance limit is the same as the withdrawal limit, and the two are cumulative (if your limit is set at €500, you can withdraw €1,000: €500 at the ATM, €500 in cash advance

). As for the cost of the operation, it is the same as for a withdrawal abroad.

Acceptance of the bank card.

The vast majority of establishments (hotels, restaurants, cafes, gas stations, stores, etc.) accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). Some small shops or restaurants may refuse it. In this case, simply withdraw cash from the nearest ATM. Note that when paying by credit card, you may not have to enter your PIN code. However, you will be asked for a signature and possibly your ID.

Card payment fees.

Outside the euro zone, bank card payments are subject to bank charges. Depending on the bank, the following fees apply per transaction: a fixed fee of between €0 and €1.20 per payment, plus 2 to 4% of the amount paid by bank card. The cost of the transaction is therefore generally lower than for withdrawals abroad. Ask your bank advisor for more information.

In general, avoid carrying too much cash. It could be lost or stolen without any recourse. Prefer to pay with your bank card when possible. The fees are lower than for ATM withdrawals and the spending limit is often higher.

Money transfers. With this system, you can send and receive money from anywhere in the world in minutes. The principle is simple: someone you know goes to a MoneyGram® or Western Union® location (post office, bank, gas station, grocery store, etc.), gives your name and pays the person a sum. On your side of the world, you go to the same branch. Upon presentation of a photo ID and the transfer reference, you will be given the money immediately

Budget & Tips Bahamas

Watch out for the bill! A vacation in the Bahamas costs a small fortune, even if you choose modest hotels. These islands like to maintain their reputation as an upscale destination. But deserted beaches, crystal clear waters, an open-air aquarium, spectacular activities and often impeccable service are priceless! It is true that the tourist infrastructure, excursions and activities are well established and that the level of service is rarely disappointing

If the airfare to reach the destination remains affordable, accommodation, meals and transportation constitute a substantial budget. Prices vary according to the destination (Nassau, Paradise Island, Harbour Island remain very expensive), the type of accommodation and the various activities and travel on the islands and between islands.

You must also take into account hotel taxes of 15 to 20% (sometimes more), and even service charges, all of which are included in the package if you book through a tour operator, or indicated on the hotel websites. Also note that you will often have to add 15% service charge in bars and restaurants, rarely included in the rates, and tips. It is very difficult to negotiate on the rates, which are established by the government and the different corporations, for example the cab corporation. And with a currency at parity with the US dollar and an economy entirely devoted to tourism, this high price is not surprising! However, you will be able to make good deals by negotiating on the handicraft markets.

Small budget: from 100 to 150 US$ for the room, 60 US$ for the meals. You have to cut back on extras and limit travel to get by on less than US$ 200 per day, especially in high season.

Average budget : from 150 to 300 US$ for the room, 70 US$ for the meals. With excursions, meals, drinks and transportation, you can quickly count on around US$ 300 per day.

Big budget: from US$ 300 per room, US$ 100 for meals. With cab and air travel, good restaurants and a few outings, easily estimate US$ 500 to US$ 600 per day.

Budget: the amount of your stay can (very) quickly climb if you opt for a high-end hotel, sometimes charged at US$ 500, even US$ 800 per person per night.

Tipping. It is de rigueur to leave a 10% tip in bars and restaurants if the service is satisfactory, despite the 15% automatically added to your bill for service. For cabs and hotel bellhops, tipping is at the discretion of the customer.

Haggling. Haggling is not generally practiced in the Bahamas, except in the markets.

Taxes. Prices rarely include taxes. Only small establishments charge tax-inclusive prices. Apart from VAT, which was first applied in January 2015 and is now, in 2022, 10%, there is a 15-20% tax for hotels (rarely up to 25%) and a 15% service charge for restaurants

Good plan. Good to know if you are considering a combined stay between several islands, the Out Islands of The Bahamas Promotional Association often offers promotions and special conditions to visit the "Out Islands", the most authentic and most exotic of the archipelago. One of the flagship programs is the 2 Fly Free from Nassau program. Free tickets from Nassau to any Out Island when staying at one of the partner hotels: 1 free ticket for a stay of 4 to 6 nights; 2 free tickets for a stay of 7 nights or more.

Passport and visas Bahamas

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return. No visa is required for French nationals for a stay of less than 3 months. A return ticket is required. Taxes are included in the airfare.

All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, your fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain a passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, an identity document and two passport photos. The passport is issued within approximately three weeks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years).

Tip.

Before you leave, remember to photocopy all the documents you take with you. Take one copy of each document with you and leave the other with someone in France. This will make it much easier for you to renew your documents with the consular authorities if they are lost or stolen. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). All you have to do is create an account and scan all your identity documents and other important documents in the confidential area.

Be careful to

comply with U.S. customs requirements in case of a stopover in the United States! For all travel, even during a stopover in the United States, you must obtain the ESTA electronic travel authorization (valid for two years and with a fee of US$14). You can apply for it at least 72 hours before departure at the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Driver's license Bahamas

The French driver's license is enough to drive on the roads of the Bahamas, but be careful, don't forget that we are in the Commonwealth, we drive on the left!

Mandatory vaccination Bahamas

No vaccination is required to enter the Bahamas from France, but be aware that if you have been in a region affected by yellow fever in the two weeks prior to your arrival, even if only for 24 hours, you will need to prove that you have been vaccinated against this disease or you will be refused entry into the country, or even denied boarding at the time of departure.

Time difference Bahamas

There is a 6 hour time difference between France and the Bahamas all year round. When it is noon in Paris, it is 6am in Nassau. Just note that the Bahamas change time 2 to 3 weeks before France: during this short period of time and at each changeover to daylight saving time, the time difference is -7h and -5h.

Spoken languages Bahamas

English is the official language, spoken by all. Outside of it, there is no salvation. The Bahamian accent is quite easy to understand, especially since the phrasing is slow. There is also a creole English called "broken English" that Bahamians speak among themselves.

There are only a few French-speaking hotels and facilities in the islands, which provides an excellent opportunity to practice your English. For your information, here is a short list of resorts where French is spoken, at least a little: Club Med San Salvador, Graycliff in Nassau, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach and Ocean Reef & Yacht Club on Grand Bahama Island, Paradise Bay on Exuma, Tiamo Resort on South Andros, or Greenwood Beach Resort on Cat Island. The Sandals and Atlantis resorts also usually have some French-speaking members

Communication Bahamas

The telephone coverage in the Bahamas is excellent and it is difficult to find a deserted beach without access to the network..

Tip: when you arrive, sign up for a local GSM line with one of the major operators, so you will have almost unlimited access to the Internet and its resources

Electricity and measurements Bahamas

Electricity. North American standard, 60 HZ alternating current, 120 V, flat plugs. An adapter for flat plugs is therefore essential to recharge the batteries. Hotels usually have them available for their guests.

Weights and measures. In the Bahamas, British tradition dictates that we drive in miles, fill up our gas tanks in gallons, weigh in ounces and pounds, measure depth in feet and land in acres. Get your calculators and other converters!

Luggage Bahamas

Is it necessary to specify it? Swimsuit, hat, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, flip-flops and flippers-mask-tuba equipment (although many hotels lend them out): in short, the perfect seaside tourist gear! A good mosquito repellent is also necessary to chase away the sandflies (sandflies) which sometimes strike fiercely after a rain shower and mainly at sunrise or sunset when the light is "between the dog and the wolf". Don't forget your camera either, preferably waterproof for underwater pictures. As far as clothing is concerned, a few dressy outfits will be welcome in the somewhat chic hotels of Nassau and Paradise Island. Finally, even if it is never very cold in the Bahamas, a little wool is never too much for the evening, especially in the winter months from December to February or in air-conditioned places. A good idea, if you are passing through Nassau on your way to or from another island, the TLC (travel and luggage center) at the Nassau airport, in the national terminal, offers a luggage storage for the duration you wish.

Bahamas : Daily life

Hello? Bahamas

Bahamas area code: +1 242.

To call from France to the Bahamas: +1 242 + the 7 digits of the correspondent's number.

To call within an island: the 7 digits of the caller's number.

To call from one island to another: 1 242 + the 7-digit number of the correspondent.

To call from the Bahamas to France: +33 + your correspondent's 9-digit number (without the initial 0).

Accessibility Bahamas

With many visitors to the Bahamas arriving from the United States, facilities for persons with disabilities are readily available. All the larger resorts are adapted to accommodate the disabled, which is not always the case at the smaller resorts. Museums are also adapted.

Health Bahamas

No particular sanitary precautions are recommended on the spot. However, it is preferable to drink bottled water (high price in hotels) rather than tap water, which is often desalinated and therefore retains an aftertaste.

Similarly, care should be taken when eating seafood or food in small street stalls with more uncertain sanitary conditions of preparation. There are no poisonous animals in the Bahamas. Only the black widow, a bellied spider that is only rarely encountered, inflicts a deadly bite.

The most common nuisances are mosquitoes and sand fleas - the sandflies, colloquially known as sandflies or no see 'em (literally " on does not see them pas ") by the locals - which attack mainly at dusk around beaches and in mangrove areas. Their bite is very itchy.

Precautions to prevent stings include avoiding brightly coloured clothing, protecting ankles and feet, and avoiding perfume. The country is not a malaria-endemic area.

Divers should be careful not to touch fish, corals and marine organisms that can be poisonous.

It is recommended to provide very good sun protection with a high sun protection factor and an effective after-sun cream.

Note that there are good medical facilities in Nassau and clinics in the capitals of the main islands.

Emergency numbers Bahamas

In case of illness or serious problem during your trip, quickly consult a pharmacist and then a doctor or call 911 if you are in danger. A direct number for the hyperbaric center dedicated to divers in case of accident: ✆ +1 242 362 5765.

Securty Bahamas

Of course, there is no such thing as zero risk, but the islands of the Bahamas are rather safe; here everyone knows and watches their neighbour, and the slightest misbehaviour is noticed and even denounced.

The crime rate has recently increased in Nassau but rarely (if ever) affects tourists. However, avoid the capital's less busy areas after dark. Apart from that, no aggression, no crime, except perhaps a few thefts from time to time - so it is necessary to take the usual precautions and not to stir up covetousness by displaying valuables. In the Bahamas, acts of violence are most often related to neighbourhood disputes or lovers' quarrels and do not involve tourists. Instead, they make the headlines in local newspapers.

For the latest information on local security, see the "Travel Advice" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. However, be aware that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the actual situation in the country

LGBTQ Bahamas

The Bahamas is not a favourite destination for gay travellers. There are no specific and reserved places for gays and lesbians and even in Nassau you will feel insistent looks landing on you. Note that the Rainbow Alliance has been a legal and moral support organization for gay Bahamians since 1999. The situation is gradually improving, and in 2019 the Bahamas Organisation of LGBTI Affairs was even created by the government to raise awareness and educate Bahamians on this issue.

Embassies and consulates Bahamas

The Bahamas depends on the consular district of the Consulate General of France in Miami (✆ +1 305 403 41 50 - www.consulfrance-miami.org). However, Mr. Dominique Lefevre is the Honorary Consul of France in the Bahamas, in Nassau (✆ +1 242 424 8629 - [email protected]).

Mail Bahamas

The mail is very slow in the Bahamas-Europe direction (allow 3 to 4 weeks). So remember to post your postcards before the last day of your stay, especially as it is not always easy to find a post office on the islands.
Luckily, all hotels have courier services or are happy to provide this service to their guests. Philatelists will be delighted by the variety of colourful stamps on everything from the Royal Family of England to hummingbirds, orchids and mailboats. Don't hesitate to be demanding when buying stamps, your contacts will be flattered.

For postcard lovers who don't want to waste time looking for stamps or the post office, there are now applications for smartphones, such as Fizzer for example, that allow you to send your photos over the Internet and have them arrive printed to your recipient in the form of a postcard.

Local media Bahamas

We recommend the Bahamas Tourist Office website, in French, which is full of up to date information on the archipelago: www.bahamas.com/fr/