Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

What to wear in Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

Dress style throughout the islands is casual and appropriate almost everywhere. The finer restaurants and clubs on Nassau/Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island may require jacket and tie, especially during the high season. Bahamians are casual yet dignified people so, accordingly, bathing suits and scanty clothing should remain on the beach. In the Out Islands, clothing custom is even more casual.

Spoken language in Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

English is the official language, spoken in the engaging dialect of Bahamianese. Listen closely and you will note British, Irish, and African influences. Don't hesitate to ask if you need a bit of translation!.

Electricity in Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

The current runs on 120 volts/60 cycles AC, so you will not need an adapter.

Customs information for Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry

For a visit of less than 8 months, you will need one of the following a) passport, b) certified copy of your US birth certificate and a government-issued picture ID, or c) naturalization papers and a picture ID.

Bahamas Customs

Each adult visitor over 21 years old is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, or 1 pound of tobacco; 1 quart of spirits; and personal items. You will be given an immigration card to complete and sign; keep the carbon copy to turn in at departure. Minors under the age of 16 traveling alone or with only one parent/adult guardian must present a notarized consent form from the absent parent(s). If the child's circumstance is not covered by this requirement, check directly with a Bahamian consulate for instructions.

US Customs

Upon return to the US, visitors may bring in $600 worth of merchandise without paying duty. The next $1,000 worth of merchandise is charged at 10%. Gifts of up to $50 may be sent home duty free. One quart of alcoholic beverage may be brought in duty free, as well as 5 cartons of cigarettes. Conveniently, US Customs is pre-cleared out of Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama. Once on board, passengers and their luggage have, in effect, already entered the US and can then connect to another flight without losing any time.

Departure Tax

A $15 departure tax will be levied when exiting the country.

US Embassy

Queen Street, PO Box N-8197, Nassau, Bahamas; Phone 242-322-4753.

Advising for Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Gambling/Drinking

Minimum age of 18 required.

Sunburn and Heatstroke

The Caribbean sun can be quite intense, so wear plenty of sunblock and a hat as often as possible to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.