Travel tips for Bahamas - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Having dined in a Bahamian restaurant, take a look at the receipt. Tips are often already included in the total, so there is a risk of leaving more money than needed in a dining establishment. The service fee is usually 15% of the total in the Bahamas. Tips are mandatory, and if someone doesn’t leave a tip that means he or she is dissatisfied with the quality of food or service.

2. The American dollar is officially accepted on the islands. Tourists should not trust local people who offer them to “exchange” American dollars to Bahamian ones because there is a risk of losing money. If you need to have Bahamian dollars, exchange the currency is a local bank.

3. Islanders speak English, so tourists who know this language will have no problem with communication on the islands. However, it is better not to try to copy the accent of local people as they might consider that a mockery. Bahamians are always friendly with tourists, so there is no need to hide your accent.

4. Such phrases as “Good morning” and “Good day” are a universal way to greet others on the islands. These are typical polite greetings that express your friendly approach.

5. Some Bahamians might offer tourists to buy narcotic substances, assuring them that these substances are very light and absolutely legal. We need to warn fans of thrilling experiences: drug possession is a crime in the Bahamas. Of course, it may also be dangerous for health to try unknown drugs with shady ingredients. That being said, it is way more reasonable not to risk money, health, and reputation and get enjoyment and adrenalin burst from various sports activities that the islands offer.

6. To become friendly with islanders, travelers need to forget about arrogance. Bahamians do not like proud and self-important people and always respect modest and friendly ones. The latter characteristics describe local people well. Bahamians have a habit of making light-hearted jokes about themselves and others, but this is nothing but a trait of the national character. Tourists do not need to get offended – Bahamians often make jokes about others to show their sympathy, so laughter is the best reaction. It is better to leave snobbery at home because communication with local people is a part of any vacation and acquaintance with the islands.

7. When heading to the Bahamas, don’t forget to take sunglasses, protective hat, and sunscreen with you. This is mandatory not only for people who plan to spend most of their vacation on the beach but also for fans of strolling and hiking. The local sun is merciless to skin and eyes of tourists from not so hot countries, so it is better to think of proper protection in advance in order not to spoil your vacation with sunburnt skin, sunstroke, and headache because of bright light. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. Bahamians shake hands and smile to greet their friends or when meeting new people. They call everyone except friends by their family name. Only people who know each other quite well can use names.

9. Debit and credit cards are, without a doubt, very convenient, but it is important to have cash in the Bahamas. Tourists need cash, for example, to pay for medical services on the islands. They should take into consideration that medical services are very expensive in the Bahamas.

10. Do not eat fruits and vegetables that are sold on the streets. They may look amazing and particularly appealing on a hot day, but they can cause an upset stomach. Travelers are better to eat fruits and vegetables cooked in salads and other dishes or bought in supermarkets and necessarily peeled.

11. Beach and pool clothing is suitable only for these places. No one wears swimming suits and trunks in other public areas. Shorts are acceptable, however. When heading to a restaurant, visitors need to put on suites and other elegant outfits. When visiting a temple, tourists need to observe the properties, dress accordingly, and do not distract prayers.

12. New Providence is an island of fantastic beauty, but it is not the best place to stay for vacationers. It is considered the most dangerous place for tourists in the Bahamas because of a high crime rate, sexual abuse, and robbery. Sure, tourists can visit it, but it is better to book a hotel on another island. When visiting the Bahamas, it is reckless to explore almost empty or deserted areas after sunset. The crime rate is high in the Bahamas, so it is better to not risk. That being said, daytime is not always protection from theft or robbery, so for tourists, it is always a good idea to stay in more or less crowded places. Vacationers do not need to be afraid to ask for help if they suspect surveillance or someone’s vile intentions. In this case, it is better to head to a crowded place and ask, for example, in a shop to spend some time inside. Local people can also call the police upon the request of tourists.

13. In restaurants and at official meetings, the inviting party pays for food or everyone pays for food independently. As a rule, this is specified in advance.

14. The period from the end of November and until the end of May is considered the best time to visit the islands. The weather is not fine from June to November. Hurricanes can be the reason for delayed flights and spoiled vacations for fans of beach recreation.

15. Left driving is adopted in the Bahamas, so drivers who decide to rent a car will need to be careful and adjust to new traffic rules.