Do I need cash in Nassau?

It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.



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There is no restriction on bringing foreign currency into The Bahamas. Most large hotels and stores accept traveler's checks, but you may have trouble using a personal check. It's a good idea to exchange enough money to cover airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel before you leave home.

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We haven't really found very many places that don't accept credit cards in the Bahamas. If it's a small food stand, a taxi cab or bus, or some of the boat tours or charter fishing trips, then cash is likely to be needed. Grocery stores, restaurants and car rentals normally take credit cards.

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Tip in the local currency Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange. Prepare some small change in the local currency before leaving the airport if you can, to tip drivers and hotel porters.

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You'll find that merchants on the island do accept most major credit cards, though we recommend some cash for smaller, local merchants and restaurants who may require cash. Taxis in The Bahamas will require cash.

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Expect to pay more than $25 a plate for something as mundane as shrimp over linguine—and that's at a casual sports bar outside Nassau. Of course, where there's a will, there's a way to eat cheap in the Bahamas, and you can bet that it involves local food.

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Your driver has a list of all rates to all locations. It's best to establish the fare before you take the ride. The currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), pegged to the U.S. dollar so that they're always equivalent. (In fact, U.S. dollars are accepted widely throughout The Bahamas.)

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Unless you plan on spending outrageously on meals and souvenirs, $150 a day would be fine. Make sure that you change out or spend any of your Bahamian currency, before departing to go home (airport shops will take it) as it is more difficult to convert in the USA.

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Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be brought into The Bahamas. All meats must be canned or frozen.

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While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.

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The cost of dining in the Bahamas can vary depending on your preferences. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, you can expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person at local eateries or street food stalls.

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Before setting off to the Bahamas, know that it is the third most expensive country in the world to live in, according to a survey by Numbeo. If you're not staying at an all-inclusive resort, expect to be paying up to 10 USD for a beer and 18 USD for a cocktail.

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(Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in the Bahamas.) On the flipside, if you are looking to do a lot of sightseeing beyond your accommodations, renting a car will be more convenient and budget friendly.

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In the Bahamas, service staff and hotel workers expect to be tipped. The usual tip for service from a taxi driver or waiter is 15% and $1–$2 a bag for porters. Most travelers leave $1 to $3 per day for their hotel maid, usually every morning since the maid may have a day off.

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Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Meals are often served buffet style or family-style. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.

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