|
General Information On The Bahamas |
 Your travel source with a personal touch! |
The Bahamas, an independent nation comprising an archipelago of over 700 islands in the Atlantic ocean between Florida and Hispaniola, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. There have been many changes in the history of the Bahamas. It was a colony during the era of British imperialism and then an independent nation in the mid-20th century. It is an island of natural beauty and that is what has led it to a tourism mecca. For many, the Bahamas sounds just like any other Caribbean destination. But, contrary to popular belief, The Bahamas isn't a part of the Caribbean as it lies entirely in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 miles east of the Florida coast and not in the Caribbean. The Bahamas is famed for its natural beauty, unparalleled by any other tropical getaway. It is a land filled with friendly smiling faces and music that has a distinct island flavor. More in-depth information can be found at the official website of The Bahamas and the CIA World Factbook. For travel and tourism information, contact the Bahamas Tourist Office, or call 1-800-422-4262.
Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements
Language
Travel Etiquette
for The Bahamas
Geography
Health and Safety
Electricity
Passports, Visas and Entry
Requirements
Citizens of the U.S*., U.K., and Canada need only a birth certificate and
photo ID to enter The Bahamas, but a passport is highly recommended – as it
always is with international travel. Citizens of other nations, including those
of the Caribbean, will need a valid passport. Immigration officials require all
visitors to have an onward or return ticket.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
|
|
Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
|
Language
English is the official language of The Islands Of The
Bahamas. However, until you become accustomed to the region’s dialect, you may
have to ask some people to repeat what they say. The English here is an
interesting mixture of the Queen's diction, African influences, and island
patois. You can expect to hear unfamiliar sounding words that may be survivors
from early English settlement, African dialects, or local coinages. The
"h" is often dropped in daily speech ('ouse for house or t'anks for thanks).
You'll find conversation easy here - the distinctive sounds of daily speech are
all part of a true-true Bahamian experience.
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Currency
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar which is fixed to
the US dollar at a rate of $1(B) to $1(USD); as a result, there is little
restriction on which currency you should use.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
People
The Bahamian people love their islands, and unlike many other tropical
nations, everyone on the islands works hard to protect
the environment, and strives to maintain the natural beauty of the
Bahamas. One of the most distinct features of Bahamian
culture is the well-mannered attitude of most people. Visitors will
undoubtedly find impeccable manners and friendly faces in The Bahamas.
Weather and Climate
The weather in The Bahamas is fairly stable across the seasons, with
temperatures varying very little from January to July. January temperatures average a
low of 64 and a high of 77, while July sees average lows of 77 and average highs
of 89. Although it may seem like hurricanes pose a
threat during the official hurricane season,
more hurricanes strike the U.S. mainland more frequently than The
Bahamas.
Geography
There are over 700 small coral-based islands and 2,000 cays in the Bahamas. This
archipelago nation just outside the waters of the Caribbean is mostly
underwater, with only five percent of the total area above sea level. One of the
most popular stories told by Bahamians is that American astronauts returning
from orbit could recognize only two structures from space: the Great Wall of
China and the waters of The Bahamas.
Health and Safety
Tourists with sensitive stomachs are advised to drink bottled water. All
visitors should be careful about consuming seafood products, as they must be
carefully and properly prepared to avoid causing bacterial stomach infections.
Crime in The Bahamas is generally restricted to the non-touristy areas of Nassau, but visitors should nonetheless remain vigilant, just as you would in your own city back home. Just be careful and use traveler's common sense. Don't wear expensive jewelry, don't carry large amounts of cash around and flash it, and don't walk alone at night. Young women are encouraged to be especially cautious about accepting drinks and rides from strangers, as the number of reported druggings and sexual assault crimes has increased.
Electricity
The Bahamas operates on a 120-volt system that is compatible with most U.S.
appliances; visitors from the U.K. and elsewhere will need to take this into
consideration.
