What to Expect

The Bahamas can feel at times like a first world country, and at other times very third world when the power goes out and things don’t operate as fluidly as you’d like to expect. If you chose to live in the Out Islands, you will quickly realize the difficulties that tend to come along with living in “paradise”. It’s likely more expensive than what you’re used to, and it takes much longer and is more logistically complicated to receive supplies, spare parts, or just creature comforts. Unlike other islands farther south in the Caribbean, The Bahamas does not have a strong agriculture base, so fresh produce may not always be readily available, so if you’re a healthy eater, you may find it difficult. 

Depending on the island or community you chose, you may have more or fewer headaches to deal with. Those that end up in higher-end communities will typically expect to be set up with generators so when the power cuts, everything operates as normal, minus a few second delay when the power goes off. You also may expect to have a reverse osmosis water maker to create your own water if you are at a location with poor water quality. People don’t drink the water from the tap anywhere in The Bahamas, although in Nassau it’s safe to cook with it. In Harbour Island and numerous other islands, the water quality has high salt content, so it’s destructive on your laundry and silverware. Click here to read about the joys of poor water quality in the islands.

In Nassau, there’s a steady influx of expats in the banking industry, so it’s relatively easy to establish a social network, especially if you have children. Nassau has a diverse array of residents from the US, Canada, the UK and various other countries. But if you’re the social type, chose your Out Island wisely. Many islands have great expat communities, but some islands can feel lonely. If you love solitude, then you won’t have any problem anywhere you go. 

Most people like the looseness of rules in certain aspects, but things don’t always function how you might want them to, so having slack rules can be a hindrance and downright frustrating at times. But on the other hand, most are shocked when you purchase your beer at the liquor store and they ask if you want it opened as you are leaving. Drinking laws are fairly loose (obviously exercise the same caution you would back home!), and you won’t typically be expected to ever be pulled over by a police officer unless your disc (registration) is expired. That being said, drivers in Nassau are pretty terrible. Visit the transportation page for driving tips. 

Phones and Internet

We have great cell service in most communities throughout the islands. BTC and Aliv are both offering service with competitive rates and 3G data service. If you are just visiting, Bahamian cell phone carriers have agreements with most US and Canadian cell carriers, and many international phones work in Nassau. In the Out Islands, it may be more limited depending on which service provider you have. Traditionally charges for phone calls are $3 per minute for all calls in and out, so it makes it very pricey if you’d like to use your phone regularly. If you happen to have an unlocked cell phone or GSM, you can buy a SIM card from BTC or Aliv. You can get pre-paid minutes and data packages. You can also buy a cell phone for under $100 and set up a pre-paid plan. For using maps, you can download the Maps.me app for The Bahamas and use it without data or wifi. Many people use Whatsapp for texting and phone call communication because it can be used on Wifi. 

Cable Bahamas offers speedy internet, I’ve found the internet service is even better than service in the US.

Shipping and Postal Service

If you need to receive or ship anything DHL, FexEx and UPS have offices in Nassau and Freeport. If you need anything delivered to an Out Island, call the shipping company and confirm arrangements, and they will receive the package in Nassau and take care of forwarding it to you via Mailboat. It is not recommended to use Bahamian Post Office unless you are just sending a post card. Average sending and receiving time with standard postal services can be several months. 

To import smaller items, we use a company called Dash Express, located in Nassau, which offers free shipping on items under 10lbs when you sign up for their Smart Ship Membership Program, which is $99 for 6 months. You’ll pay duty and VAT on the imported item, but it’s fairly cost-effective. Another recommended company is ZipX, which operates out of Odyssey Aviation in Nassau. They are a bit more expensive, but extremely reliable. 

If you are bringing in large items such as furniture and construction material for containers and pallets, depending on the island you’d look at Tropical Shipping or Seacor Island Lines. 

Weights & Measures

Imperial system is used. Fahrenheit is used for temperature, and MPH for traffic speeds. Time zone is Eastern Time, observing Daylight Saving, although we are keeping our fingers crossed that Florida stays on Daylight Saving and hoping The Bahamas follows suit. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living is higher than in average US cities, but likely on par with more expensive cities, or if you are accustomed to shopping at Whole Foods. We are 1:1 with the $US so it’s fairly easy to wrap your head around the prices if you are familiar with the US dollar. Power costs about .45c per kw/hr so if you are building, it’s important to build with energy efficiency in mind. You’ll find that beer, even the beer produced in The Bahamas is expensive. The average cost of Kalik, the national beer, at a bar is $6, a case at a retail store is about $48. A glass of wine can cost anywhere from $10-$20, depending on the establishment. Average entrees at a nicer restaurant can range from $20 for a vegetarian or pasta dish to $45 or $60 for a steak. Typical Bahamian dishes range from $10-$20, but you’ll get a hearty helping of peas and rice, protein and two additional sides. 

Conducts & Customs

The pace is slower in The Bahamas and many Bahamians operate on “island time” or a leisurely mindset that things will get done whenever they get done.

Bahamians are conservative for the most part and dress up in suit coats and long pants for business. Church, dining and events not taking place on the beach are generally fairly formal. Modesty is also taken to the beach as well. Women wear bikinis but skimpy ones aren’t commonly seen except from foreign visitors. Public nudity is frowned upon on beaches and attempts at topless sunbathing will often be quelled near resorts and hotels. Obviously if you are on a secluded beach with no one for miles around, you’re probably safe to be as scantily clad as you’d like. You can get away with being barefoot quite often in the Out Islands, however it’s not considered appropriate to enter a place of business or a restaurant without a shirt or swimsuit cover up.

Bahamians are in general, friendly, good-natured and genuine people. They are proud of their island nation and are enthusiastic about sharing it with visitors. Many Bahamians take advantage of the hospitality and tourism programs at the University of The Bahamas, setting them up to excel in the nation’s largest business sector. Nassau, being the city, is less welcoming in general than the Out Islands just due to the larger scale and anonomity, but that is all relative. Many visitors still feel the island kindness in Nassau, perhaps compared to where they might be from, but the hospitality is definitely accentuated the further you travel from the city.

When passing someone in fairly close proximity, acknowledgement and eye contact is always used. It could be a nod of the head or a casual “yep,” or more formally – good morning, good afternoon, good evening or good night. “Good night” is used as a greeting in the evening, so don’t be alarmed when you hear it. They are not saying good bye, but hello.

And remember, everything operates at a much slower pace or sometimes not at all. Be open minded and flexible.