Money, cards and ATMs in The Bahamas

One dollar, two currencies

• The Bahamian dollar trades at par with the US dollar for cash, at a buying rate of USD 1.00 to BSD 1.00.
• In practice the two circulate side by side. You can pay in US dollars and get Bahamian change, or the other way round.
• Take the US notes home rather than the Bahamian ones. The Bahamian dollar is hard to change once you leave.

Cards and cash

• ATMs are spread through the airport terminal, in domestic check-in, the domestic and international departure lounge, the arrivals terminal and the US departure lounge.
• Cards are accepted widely in Nassau, Paradise Island and Freeport. The Family Islands are a different matter and cash matters more there.
• VAT applies to a lot of what you buy, and it is not always shown in the advertised price.

Keeping it

• Break-ins and thefts have increased. Lock doors and windows at a short-term rental, particularly one without a security guard.
• Petty theft and pickpocketing rise during regattas and festivals. Keep valuables in a safe.