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Flights, Hotels & Travel Guide

700 islands, crystal-clear water, and sand so pink it looks unreal. Compare flights and hotels for your Bahamas beach holiday.

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£1 BSD 1.36

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Weather & climate

Weather in Bahamas

Bahamas

28°

Light drizzle

Thu

19°

28°

Fri

20°

27°

Sat

24°

25°

Sun

24°

25°

Mon

24°

24°

Tue

23°

23°

Wed

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.

Before you go

Entry requirements for Bahamas

What British travellers need to know

You can stay for up to 30 days without a visa in The Bahamas.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure date.

You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from a country listed as a transmission risk.

You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty upon arrival.

If you have a US ESTA, time spent in The Bahamas counts towards the 90-day ESTA limit.

Good to know:

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.

Visa extensions are possible up to a maximum of 8 months, but overstaying can result in a fine, detention or deportation.

Safety in Bahamas

Tips when travelling

Bahamas is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:

There have been armed robberies, sometimes fatal, in tourist areas, so avoid walking alone outside main areas and beaches, especially after dusk.

Crimes like theft and sexual assault increase during local regattas and festivals, so secure your valuables and do not leave drinks unattended.

Swimming at night or at dusk puts you at a higher risk of shark attacks, even in shallow waters close to resorts.

Be careful when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment, as many operators are unregistered or use poor quality equipment.

While same-sex relations are legal, showing affection in public may receive unwanted negative attention, as it is uncommon.

Bonus tips:

The risk of petty theft and pickpocketing increases during crowded local events, so keep valuables in a safe place.

Penalties for possessing or trafficking drugs are severe, and you could face a substantial fine, deportation, or imprisonment.

More information

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%

Health 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.

No vaccinations required

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.

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

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.

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

5 GB for 40 BSD (~£32)

Network coverage

4G, 5G

Electrical in Bahamas

Voltage

120V / 60Hz

Plug types

Type A, Type B

UK adapter needed

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.

Emergency numbers

Universal emergency

911

Save 911 in your phone before travelling.

Calling Bahamas

Country code

+242

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

British High Commission Nassau

British High Commission, Goodman's Bay Corporate Centre, West Bay Street, Nassau, The 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.