Travel tips · Nassau · Bahamas
Nassau travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
Bahamian culture blends African, British and American influences. Junkanoo — with goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles and brilliant crêpe-paper costumes — is the island's defining tradition. Churches are central to community life, and Sunday is quiet. People are courteous and conversational, and greetings matter.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- BSD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz (same as the US)
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated, but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water…
- Emergency
- 911 or 919 (police, ambulance, fire)
Things to know
- Say 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' before asking a question; it is considered rude to skip the greeting.
- Cover up when walking around downtown; swimwear is for the beach and pool only.
- Ask before photographing people, especially vendors.
- Expect a quieter Sunday, with some shops closed and church services in the morning.
- Taxi drivers often share history and recommendations; a friendly chat is welcome.
- Book Atlantis Aquaventure ahead: Day passes for non-guests are limited; reserve in advance, especially on cruise days.
- The Bahamian dollar is pegged one-to-one with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere; change is often given in Bahamian dollars.
Tipping
Many restaurants add a 15% gratuity automatically. Otherwise tip about 15%, tip taxi drivers about 15%, and give housekeeping and porters a few dollars.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Good mornin' | Standard greeting |
| Conchy Joe | A white Bahamian, often of Loyalist descent |
| Junkanoo | The costumed street parade and music |
| Out Islands | The Family Islands beyond New Providence and Grand Bahama |
| Jitney | Local minibus |
What to wear
Light, casual clothing, a cover-up for town and resort-casual evening wear; some upscale restaurants and casinos expect collared shirts and long trousers.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz (same as the US)
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated, but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water, which resorts usually supply.
- Emergency number
- 911 or 919 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Phone and internet
- Hotels and resorts offer Wi-Fi; local SIMs and eSIMs provide mobile data across New Providence.
- Time zone
- America/Nassau
Tourist areas are generally calm, but petty theft and bag-snatching occur, and some neighbourhoods away from the tourist zones are best avoided at night. Use licensed taxis, keep valuables out of sight on beaches, and respect red flags on beaches with currents.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Bahamas's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Nassau?
Many restaurants add a 15% gratuity automatically. Otherwise tip about 15%, tip taxi drivers about 15%, and give housekeeping and porters a few dollars.
+Can you drink the tap water in Nassau?
Tap water is treated, but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water, which resorts usually supply.
+What plugs are used in Nassau?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz (same as the US)
+What language is spoken in Nassau?
English.