Grand Bahama Island Travel TipsWhen planning for your next tropical vacation, our collection of travel tips will keep you informed on current international travel regulations. Don’t let small details get in the way of planning your ultimate getaway to the Bahamas. Plan ahead with these great travel tips. ClimateGrand Bahama Island is well known for its year-round warm, tropical climate. The island experiences temperatures that range from 70° F to 80°F. There are two types of seasons that affect travelling decisions, hurricane season occurs June through November and the rainy season during the months of May through October. Currency & BankingGrand Bahama Island currency is the Bahamian dollar, which is on par with the American dollar. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted at most locations on the island. ATM machines, equipped with +PLUS and Cirrus systems, are also found in various locations. Customs & Duty Free ShoppingIn 1992, The Government of The Bahamas took away the import duty on 11 categories of luxury goods: liquor, china, crystal, collectibles, fragrances, watches, photographic equipment and leather goods.U.S. citizens out of the country for 48 hours or more are allowed up to $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. Less than 48 hours, the duty-free exemption is $200. Limitations include 32 ounces of tobacco for those over 21 and no more than two liters of alcohol. Canadian residents away for seven or more days are entitled to $750 worth of duty-free goods. Limitations include two pounds of manufactured tobacco and up to 40 ounces of liquor or wine. If traveling for 48 hours or less the duty-free exemption is $400 worth of merchandise. United Kingdom residents may take home the equivalent of £145 of duty-free merchandise. Limitations include two fluid ounces of perfume, a half pound of tobacco and two liters of table wine. Drinking WaterTap water on Grand Bahama Island is safe to drink, but bottled water is available for purchase at many locations on the island. ElectricityElectrical appliances from the United States are easily adaptable during your stay on Grand Bahama Island. All electrical outlets are 60 cycles/120 volts so you can still use your hair dryer or electrical shaver. Holidays – 2011Banks, businesses and many shops are closed on the following public government holidays and some close early the day before:
Hotel Check-in/Check-outHotel check-in and check-out hours are typically the same for most Grand Bahama Island hotels and resorts.
If you anticipate a late or earlier flight, have a change of clothes handy, as most hotels will store your luggage for you until your room is available. LanguageThe official language of The Bahamas is English. Medical FacilitiesThere are several medical facilities in The Bahamas and most hotels and resorts have a doctor on call for guests. The Rand Memorial Hospital and several private clinics are located in Freeport. TelecommunicationsTelephone Internet Access Time ZoneGrand Bahama Island is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time occurs from March to November, during the summer months. TippingIf you are tipping for a service, the standard amount is 15%. Many resorts and hotels automatically add this service charge in order to cover gratuities. Tourist InformationThere are several Tourist Information Centers available in Freeport/Lucaya:
TransportationVacationers can get around Grand Bahama Island a variety of ways: taxi cabs, rental cars, motor scooters and jitney buses are available throughout the island. If you are driving, remember to drive on the left side of the road. You may use your own driver’s license up to three months, then you are required to obtain a Bahamian license. If you are driving or riding on motor scooter, be sure to wear a protective helmet. Traveling with ChildrenTravelling to Grand Bahama Island with children is no trouble at all. Many of the island’s hotels and resorts offer special activities for children as well as baby-sitting services. As an added bonus, children under 12 generally stay free. Traveling with PetsIf you prefer having your pet with you, you will need to apply for a valid import permit. In the application process, you are required to provide the following information: kind of animal, breed, age, sex, country of embarkation and a $10 processing fee. All import permits are provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry in Nassau, Paradise Island. Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and IndustryBahama Import Requirements WeddingsCouples who wish to obtain a marriage license in Grand Bahama must be in the country for 24 hours prior to applying. Valid passports, birth certificates, photo ID, and evidence of the date of arrival in The Bahamas must be presented by both parties. Divorce papers, death certificate of a former spouse and parental consent if under the age of 18 must also be presented. For more information contact: To start planning your Grand Bahama Island wedding, view our wedding section. |
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Official Grand Bahama Island Travel Guide. Copyright 2012 Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board