Bahamas Holidays, Flights & Travel Guide
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holidays & Bahamas flights.
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holidays;
Bahamas Holidays
and Travel Overview
Graced with extensive beaches
bleached white by the year-round sun and surrounded by turquoise
waters filled with varied and colourful sea life, the Bahamas is a
mecca for divers, sailors and sun-worshippers alike. Although often
thought to be part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is actually an
archipelago of 700 islands with thousands of small 'cays' strung
out in the ocean starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami in the
Atlantic Ocean. The islands' first inhabitants
were the Lucayan Indians who lived there from the 9th century until
after Columbus discovered the islands in 1492, his first step into
the New World. The resulting exploitation led to the native
population being virtually wiped out. For two hundred years until
independence in 1987 the Bahamas was a British Crown Colony and a
strong British influence can still be seen in the architecture and
culture. However, the mood of the island is now more Caribbean with
a strong American influence, particularly in the capital,
Nassau. Due to its proximity to the US, the
Bahamas has become an offshore banking and financial centre.
Tourism however remains its most important industry. The long
stretches of empty beaches, clear waters and excellent facilities
have made the Bahamas a popular destination throughout the year and
the varied attractions of each of the islands ensure that there is
something for everyone.
Tourist Offices - Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Nassau: +1
242 302 2000 or www.bahamas.com
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Entry Requirements
for Bahamas Holidays & Bahamas Travel
All visitors must be in possession of a
return or onward ticket, plus proof of funds, and with the
exception of nationals of Canada and the US, all visitors must hold
passports which are valid at least six months after
entry.
- For Australians -
Australians do not require a visa for visits of up to
one month, but a passport valid for a minimum of six months is
necessary. Extensions are available.
- New Zealanders do not require a visa to stay for up to
a month, but a passport valid for at least six months is
necessary.
- US nationals require a passport (expired maximum of
five years) or other form of ID such as an original birth
certificate or naturalisation certificate, together with a photo ID
such as a driving licence or voters registration card. US nationals
do not require a visa for travel to the Bahamas for visits of up to
one month.
- US nationals require a passport (expired maximum of
five years) or other form of ID such as an original birth
certificate or naturalisation certificate, together with a photo ID
such as a driving licence or voters registration card. US nationals
do not require a visa for travel to the Bahamas for visits of up to
one month.
- UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
one month. A passport is required, valid for six months after
entry, or some form of official photo identification with a birth
certificate and/or citizenship card.
Currency of Bahamas
The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD),
which is divided into 100 cents. The Bahamian Dollar is equal in
value to the US Dollar and both currencies are accepted throughout
the islands. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change
and many hotels. There are ATMs in the main tourist centres and
credit and debit cards are widely accepted in all the big resorts.
Travellers cheques can be changed at all banks, although those in
US Dollars receive the best rates. Banks tend to be open from
9.30am-3pm (Monday to Thursday) and 9.30am-5pm
(Fridays).
Bahamas
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The international access code for the
Bahamas is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the
Caribbean, followed by 242. The outgoing code is 011 followed by
the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom).
Calls from the Bahamas can be expensive, so if possible use a
calling card. A mobile network operates on the GSM 1900 band.
Internet cafes are widely available.
Bahamas
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Travellers to the Bahamas over 18 years do not
have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 454g of
tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and other goods to the
value of US$100. Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition
without a police permit. Pets and dogs from countries with rabies
infections are strictly prohibited from entering the
country.
Bahamas
Holidays - Tipping Information
Many hotels and restaurant bills automatically
include a service charge of 15% to cover gratuities, otherwise a
10-15% tip is expected for most services, including taxi drivers.
Hotel staff usually receive US$1 per bag.
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