Should I use cash or card in Bahamas?

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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Things every first-time tourist needs to know: 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.

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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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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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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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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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Your iPhone is locked to the carrier that it last worked on in your home country. You need to get your iPhone unlocked so that it would work with any carrier's SIM card. Contact your carrier and ask them whether they can temporarily unlock your iPhone so that you can use it with another carrier in the Bahamas.

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Upon check-in at all hotels, you are required to place a credit card on file as your security deposit for your incidentals. There is a holding charge on the credit card, which is based on various factors, including number of nights and type of package booked. Atlantis Paradise Island is a cash free resort.

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Jeans or slacks are usually fine, with a casual shirt of jacket, along with comfortable shoes. Wear things that can be reused during your vacation if possible, which can help you pack lighter. Generally, the key to packing light is mixing and matching, so keep this in mind as you go along.

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Advantages of using cash If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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In fact, you'll find that life is a whole lot better without credit cards. Look, we know you can't pay for everything with actual cash. But using cash when you can—and more importantly, not borrowing money—makes all the difference in helping you spend less, stay out of debt, and stick to your money goals.

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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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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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While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips.

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Bahamas are known for being friendly, outgoing and informal. However they also maintain a sense of decorum and are very polite. Hospitality is an extension of this and they like to get to know people, say hello to strangers and invite people into their homes.

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Liquor is inexpensive in the Bahamas and generally sold by the liter. Rum starts as low as $8 a bottle. The duty on beer and wine is much higher so therefore it is generally more expensive. Expect to pay around $50 for a case of beer and wine starts at around $10 a bottle.

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