Travel in Bahamas, The

Time:Local time is GMT -5.
Electricity:120 volts, 60Hz.
Language:The official language is English.
Health:A yellow fever vaccination is required by travelers aged more than one year arriving from infected areas, and Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended for visitors over two years.
Tipping:A 10 to 15 per cent tip is expected for most services and generally included in bills as gratuities.
Safety:Most visits to the Bahamas are trouble-free though care should be taken in the major cities of Nassau and Freeport. In light of several fatal accidents and serious injuries that have occurred using rented water sports equipment, it is advisable that only those experienced on jet skis consider renting them on New Providence and Paradise Island. The water sports industry here is poorly regulated and visitors should only rent equipment from reputable operators and make sure that they have received adequate training before going out onto the water. Hurricane season is from June to the end of November.
Business:Nassau is the business centre of the Bahamas. Office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications:The international access code for the Bahamas is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 242. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). Calls from the Bahamas can be expensive, so if possible use a calling card. A mobile network operates on the GSM 1900 band. Internet cafes are widely available.
Customs:The island’s proximity to the US has resulted in a somewhat Americanised culture. Some of the islands and resorts are very up market and require a certain standard of dress. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and smart-casual dress is usually expected for the evening.
Duty Free:Travelers to the Bahamas over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and other goods to the value of US$100. Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition without a police permit. Pets and dogs from countries with rabies infections are strictly prohibited from entering the country.
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