Should I take cash to the Bahamas?

There's no need to get your currency exchanged, US currency is accepted. You'll want to travel with cash and a major credit card though, because you'll probably need both during your stay. Tips are king. If someone helps you during your stay, tips are expected.



While the Bahamas is increasingly becoming a card-friendly destination, it is highly recommended to carry some cash for specific situations. The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged 1-to-1 with the U.S. Dollar (USD), and USD is accepted everywhere, so there is no need to exchange currency before you arrive. You will need cash primarily for taxis (as most do not have card terminals), small vendors at the "Straw Market," tips for bellhops and tour guides, and for meals at local "Fish Fry" spots like Arawak Cay. While major resorts like Atlantis or Baha Mar are almost entirely cashless—requiring a credit card or room key for all transactions—smaller islands (the "Out Islands") are much more reliant on physical currency. A good rule of thumb is to bring about $50 to $100 per day in small USD denominations for tips and incidental expenses, while using a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for your hotel, fine dining, and excursions to ensure you are protected and earning rewards.

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There is almost no difference in the acceptance of a debit or a standard credit card. Be aware: Some establishments in The Bahamas might not accept your credit card unless you have a computer chip imbedded in it.

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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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All of the major U.S. carriers consider roaming in the Bahamas to be International roaming. While all of the major carriers do offer international roaming options via international plans or plan add-ons, quality of service - or service at all - is not guaranteed.

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Many restaurants in the Bahamas will automatically add a 15% gratuity to your bill. If there is a service charge on your bill there is no need to leave an additional tip, however, if you receive exceptional service and wish to add more, this is at your discretion.

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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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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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Those coming to the Bahamas should be aware that a daily budget for the islands typically runs around $100. Guests of the islands will be able to purchase everyday necessities and afford meals with this amount per day: although it might be better to budget for closer to $150-$200.

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Cash is also a good option if you want to tip some workers extra for service that warrants it. If you've dined in mostly one spot every night of the cruise, you might want to give tips to especially attentive waitstaff on the last evening of the cruise.

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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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