Caymans sunbathing on Grand Bahama Island beach; credit The Bahamas
Grand Bahama Island Travel Tips
Grand Bahama Island Facts
Official Language: English
Currency: Bahamian Dollar
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
Est. Population: 50,000
Cruise Port: Freeport
Grand Bahama Island Travel Tips
Passports are required for U.S. citizens.
The island’s tropical climate averages 80 degrees. As a result, the dress code is “island casual.” Anytime is a great time of the year to travel here. Hurricane season is June to November. With the island’s tropical climate, brief showers can come at any time.
U.S. Dollars and major credit cards are also accepted by most establishments.
You can make phone calls from phone booths around the island. Get a local phone card for the best rates.
Banks are open from 9:30am-3pm (Monday-Thursday) and 9am-5pm (Friday).
Most stores are open 9am-5pm (Monday-Saturday).
Drink bottled water when available. Bring sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen lotion.
Electricity and electric outlets are the same as in the U.S.
The major holidays in the Bahamas are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Whitmonday, Labor Day Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Discovery Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day.
The crime rate is far less than a major metropolitan city, but visitors should use common sense when out and about. Women should be careful when walking alone at night.
Unlike America, drive on the left side and be careful on those crazy roundabouts! Visitors may use their home license for up to three months. But if driving on the left makes you squeamish, there are plenty of taxis in Freeport and near the resorts.
Electricity is 120 volts AC like US appliances.
Spear fishing and spear guns are illegal in the Bahamas. Cruising boats must clear customs at the nearest port of entry before beginning any diving or fishing activities. A permit is required for visiting vessels to engage in sports fishing. See these Bahamas Fishing Regulations.
There are no import duties on perfumes, leather goods, jewelry, crystal, china, watches, photographic equipment, binoculars or telescopes.
