Fast Facts: Bahamas

Getting Around:

With driving on the left, taxi and limo service are the top way to get around these islands. Rates are set by the government.

Car rental desks are available at the airport and major hotels. Plan on plenty of traffic within Nassau, however, and don't forget that you'll be driving on the left.

Entry Requirements:

U.S. and Canadian citizens need to show proof of citizenship in the form of a passport, or other proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. Visitors must also show a return airline ticket. Voter registration cards are not accepted as a proof of citizenship. Visas are not required for stays shorter than eight months.

You will be issued an immigration card when entering the Bahamas. Hold onto it; you will need to present the card upon departure. When departing, you'll clear US Customs and Immigration in Nassau or Freeport, a real time-saver.

Currency:

The currency is the Bahamian dollar, which is on par with the US dollar. US currency is also widely accepted.

Dress:

The islands are casual; you'll be comfortable in shorts and t-shirts during the day. Evenings on the Out Islands are generally more casual than those on Grand Bahama Island or New Providence (Nassau); only a few of the dressiest restaurants in the major tourist areas will require jacket and tie.

For More Information:

For information on the Bahamas, call toll-free 800-4-BAHAMAS within the United States. From Canada, the toll-free number is 800-667-3777.

For additional information, contact the office nearest you:

• Chicago office: 8600 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 820, Chicago, IL 60631, 773-693-1500
• Dallas office: World Trade Center, Suite 116, 2050 Stemmons Freeway, P.O. Box 581408, Dallas, TX 75258-1408, 214-742-1886
• Los Angeles office: 3450 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 208, Los Angeles, CA 90010, 213-385-0033
• Miami office: One Turnberry Place, 19495 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 242, Aventura, FL 33180, 305-932-0051
• New York office: 150 East 52nd Street, 28th Floor North, New York, NY 10022, 212-758-2777
• Toronto office: 121 Bloor Street East, Suite 1101, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3M5, 416-968-2999
• In the U.K.: Three, The Billings, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, England GU1 4UL 441-483-448900.

• Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board, 1100 Lee Wagener Blvd., Suite 204, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315; 800-688-4752
• Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, One Turnberry Place, 19495 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 809, Aventura, FL 33180; 800-448-3386
• Nassau-Paradise island Promotion Board, One Turnberry Place, 19495 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 804, Aventura, FL 33180; 800-327-9019

While on island, contact the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism from 9 am - 5:30 pm daily at 242-377-6833 for hotline help. After 5:30 pm, call 242-377-6806.

Web Sites:

For more information on the Islands of the Bahamas, check out www.bahamas.com. For specifics on the Out Islands, see www.bahama-out-islands.com.