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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.
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
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
Phone
Website
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.
