Wedding General Information

DEPARTURE TAX

Each adult leaving The Bahamas must pay $15 Departure Tax in cash. Children under the age of 6 years are exempt. Visitors departing The Bahamas for most U.S. destinations clear U.S. Customs prior to departure. No further U.S. Customs formalities are required on arrival in the U.S.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

U.S. citizens visiting The Bahamas must have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. Canadian citizens must have proof of citizenship in the form of a Canadian Passport or birth certificate (photo ID needed as well). Non-U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. must have a valid passport and either a U.S. Visa or registered alien card (green card).

CURRENCY

The Bahamian dollar (B$) is freely exchanged with the American dollar on an equal basis.

CLIMATE

Temperatures seldom drop below 66° F, or rise above 90° F. While infrequent, rain generally appears in brief summer showers. The temperature of the turquoise waters in The Bahamas normally ranges from the low 80’s in summer, to about 74° F in midwinter.

CUSTOMS

Customs Duty - Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but the baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form.

LANGUAGE

The official Bahamian language is English, generally intertwined with a distinct Bahamian dialect.

TIME ZONE

Eastern Standard Time is used and Eastern Daylight Savings Time is adopted during the summer.

TIPPING

Standard tipping in The Bahamas is 15%. Many resorts and hotels automatically add a service charge to cover gratuities. Ask your servers if you are unsure whether this charge has been added to your bill.

ELECTRICITY

120 volts/60 cycles

TAXIS

Taxis on New Providence are metered. Charges are: one or two passengers, first one-fourth of a mile, $1.20, with each additional quarter-mile 20 cents. Each additional passenger is approximately $2.00. There are fixed charges for airport trips. To and from Nassau Airport to the Cable Beach Resort, the fee is $15.00 for one person and $15.00 for two persons, each way.

CAR RENTALS

Major car rental companies operating in The Bahamas include Avis, Budget, Hertz and National. Reservations should be made well in advance. A valid U.S. driver’s license is adequate for up to three months per visit. Driving is on the left side of the road.

TRANSPORTATION

Major international airlines serve Nassau International Airport, which is 5 miles away, and a short 10-minute drive to Cable Beach.