Bahama Host
In 1978, to raise the already high standards of the islands' hospitality industry, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism introduced the Bahamahost programme.

Managed by the National Bahamahost Association, the programme familiarises participants with correct and accurate information on the country's history, geography, civics, economics, culture, flora, fauna and places of interest, placing additional emphasis on attitudinal training, teamwork and cooperation.

To experience knowledgeable, professional Bahamian hospitality as you travel in The Islands of The Bahamas, look for this Bahamahost decal on taxicabs and buses.


Banking
Banking hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Nassau/Paradise Island there are ATMs at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos, and commercial banks. In Grand Bahama, they can be found at major banks, the casino and Port Lucaya and on The Out Islands, ATMs are at banks on all of the major islands. Most are equipped with +PLUS and Cirrus ATM systems.


Communications
When calling The Bahamas from the Asia, the code is 001-242 followed by the local number. Hotel rates for calling long distance can be very expensive, but telephone cards for use in Bahamian phone boxes can be purchased on the islands. Most Asian mobile phone networks work in The Bahamas, check with your network provider before travelling.

Both visitors and business travellers will find that telecommunication services on The Islands of The Bahamas are comparable with the service found in most developed nations. A 100% digital switching system allows direct-distance dialling to more than 100 countries. The Bahamas Telephone Company (BTC) also provides a variety of services beyond telephony, such as fax, telex, Internet, cellular, private line service, satellite and radio leasing and an improved VHF-FM radio telephone service that allows you to contact ships at sea. BTC has in place roaming agreements with 128 companies worldwide. To access BTC’s GSM roaming system simply turn on your phone and wait while it connects to the network.


Clothing
Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year; but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February. Most hotels/restaurants/casinos require jackets for men in the evening, especially in more cosmopolitan areas, such as Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya.

Though walking the streets in swim trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets, in churches, restaurants and casinos. Away from beach or pool areas, you are expected to cover your bathing suit with shorts or a long shirt. In the more laid-back remote areas, the dress code is more flexible.


Currency
The legal tender throughout The Islands of The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is on par with the US dollar. Though The Bahamas mints and circulates its own legal tender, both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.

Credit cards and travellers checks are accepted at most locations on Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. +PLUS and Cirrus ATMs can be found at banks on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and on most of the major Out Islands.


Duty-free Shopping
Most of the major islands have duty-free shopping on cameras, binoculars and telescopes, china and crystal, watches and clocks, jewellery, perfumes, fine linens and tablecloths, liquor and leather goods. Savings on these items are between 25–50% below US prices.

You can find local arts and crafts in straw markets and specialty shops, or in Nassau’s Festival Place, Paradise Island’s Bahama Craft Centre and Grand Bahama Island's Port Lucaya Marketplace.


Electricity
Electrical sockets are a standard 110V, 60cycles AC in The Bahamas. So for 220V appliances, an adapter is required.


Gratuities
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while for most other services (waiters, taxis, etc.) 15% is the norm. Many establishments include a gratuity in their bills.


Transportation:

Driving
The Bahamas follows British driving rules,  so please drive on the left and be extra careful on roundabouts. Visitors may use their home licenses for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets. It is the law that all drivers and their passengers wear seat belts while riding in a vehicle in The Bahamas.

Please note the following regarding child passengers
1. A child weighing less than twenty pounds shall face the rear of the vehicle secured in an infant seat fitted to the rear seat.
2. A child twenty pounds and less than forty pounds—convertible car seat fitted to the rear seat.
3. A child over forty pounds or up to 4 ft. 9 in. tall shall be secured in a booster car seat fitted in the rear seat.
4. A child taller than 4 ft. 9 in. and between 8 and 12 years old shall be required to use a seat belt.


Mass Transit
Public transportation service is available on several of the major islands, such as Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Service is generally from early morning (about 6:30 a.m.) until about 7:00 p.m. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required. Bus stops are marked. The basic fare is $1.25 per person. Out of town zones in New Providence could cost up to $2.25.


Taxis
You can call a taxi or flag one down on the street in the major islands. Taxi stands are also conveniently placed at most hotels and at airports. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law.

Please note:
- Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage
- A 5-mile taxi ride is approximately $12.00
- Taxi rates quoted are for up to two (2) passengers
- Each additional passenger is $3.00 per person