£1 BSD 1.34
Today
11:54 pm
-4h from you
Weather in Bahamas
Bahamas
26°
Overcast
Wed
18
26
Thu
18
26
Fri
23
24
Sat
23
24
Sun
23
24
SPF level in Bahamas
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Bahamas
Tipping in Bahamas
Tipping is customary in the Bahamas for various services. A service charge is sometimes automatically added to bills, so check before you tip.
Restaurant
15-20% if service is not included. Check the bill, as some restaurants automatically add a 15% gratuity.
Bar/Café
15-20% if service is not included.
Taxi
15% of the fare.
Hotel Porter
1-2 BSD per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 BSD per night.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price, depending on the quality of service.
Safety in Bahamas
Tips for British travellers
Bahamas is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not go on foot outside main tourist areas and beaches, especially if alone, to reduce your risk of violent crime.
There have been reports of sexual assaults on foreign nationals by jet ski operators in Nassau.
The water sports industry is poorly regulated, so be careful when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment from unregistered companies.
The risk of petty theft and pickpocketing increases during regattas and festivals, so keep your valuables in a safe place.
Shark attacks can happen without warning, so avoid night swimming or going into water that has been baited.
Bonus tips:
The legal alcohol limit when driving is the same as in England, but it is not always enforced, making evening driving on rural roads potentially dangerous.
Keep doors and windows locked at short-term vacation rental properties, especially if there are no security guards, due to an increase in reported break-ins.
Driving in Bahamas
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
no motorways
Urban speed limit
48 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Bahamas
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The Bahamas uses 120V electricity with a frequency of 60Hz. Plugs are Type A and Type B. British travellers will need a plug adapter and may need a voltage converter for some appliances.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger establishments, but smaller businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Bahamas
ATMs are available in tourist areas and cities, but less common in remote areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are generally available in tourist areas and accept international cards. Ensure your card is enabled for international use.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in the Bahamas. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates and roaming packages. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit, so standard international roaming rates will apply.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 40 BSD (~£32)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company), Aliv
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, resorts, cafes, and some public areas, particularly in tourist hotspots.
Average speed
25 Mbps
WiFi access is generally good in tourist areas, but may be less reliable in more remote locations. Mobile data is an alternative if you need consistent access.
Health & vaccinations in Bahamas
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including potential evacuation. Check if your policy covers activities you plan to participate in, such as water sports.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Medical facilities in the Bahamas are generally good, especially in Nassau and Freeport, but can be expensive. Ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever and Zika virus are present. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Tap water is generally safe in major tourist areas, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere.
Calling Bahamas
Country code
+242
To call the Bahamas from the UK, dial 00 1 242 followed by the local number.
To call the British High Commission in Nassau, you would dial 00 1 242 322 7047 from the UK.
The country code for the Bahamas is 242. When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 1, then 242, and finally the local number.
UK Embassy in Bahamas
British High Commission Nassau
British High Commission, Goodman's Bay Corporate Centre, West Bay Street, Nassau, The Bahamas
Airports in Bahamas
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.