Travel Tips for Nassau

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Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Size / Population: Nassau is on New Providence Island which is 80 square miles and has a population of 180,000, including adjacent Paradise Island.

Political Status: Parliamentary system in the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Language: English is the official language, more British than American.

Currency: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the Islands of the Bahamas.

Electricity: 120 volts, same as the U.S. American appliances are fully compatible.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time is observed within The Islands of The Bahamas. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with U.S. Daylight Saving Time summer hours.

Communication: To dial Nassau from the U.S. direct dial 1 + 242 + the 7-digit local number. Internet service is widely available. The cheapest way to call internationally is to purchase a BaTelCo phone card which is widely available. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage.

Drinking Water: The water is fine to drink. Bottled water is readily available is preferred.

Transportation: Taxis are abundant and the metered rates are fixed. Visitors can also rent cars or scooters to explore the island. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and major credit card.

Local Customs: Driving is on the left. The legal drinking age is 18. Must be 18 to gamble in casinos. Tipping: generally 18-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day. Gratuity is sometimes added in restaurants so be sure and ask.

Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in Nassau/Paradise Island. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.

Wedding Requirements
The information below is a general list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in The Bahamas. Please check with The Bahamas tourism department or wedding coordinator at your resort for additional information on legal requirements and fees for weddings in The Bahamas. The couple must be in The Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage license. All information below is subject to change without notice.
Documentation: The bride/groom must bring original copies of the following documents:
• Original and copy of official birth certificate
• A valid, non-expired passport
• Proof of arrival in the Bahamas is required (airline ticket; Immigration Card; or entry stamp on your passport is sufficient)
• Written authorization from the parents guardians if the bride or groom is under 18 years of age
• An Affidavit that provides proof of Single Status that is sworn before an authorized official or notary public
• Original and copies of the official identification of two witnesses
• Divorce or death certificate if applicable
Divorced/Widowed Travelers: Divorced or widowed parties must provide official copies of the divorce decree (Decree Absolute) or a certified death certificate.
Waiting Period/Residency Requirement: The bride/groom must be in destination for at least 24 hours prior to the wedding. A couple may apply for a marriage license one day after their arrival and can be married as soon as their application is approved, which is usually the day after the approval is obtained. No blood test is necessary.
Witnesses: You must have two witnesses over the age 18 with official identification credentials.
Fees: There is a US$55 fee for the notarized single status affidavit. The fee for the license is US$100 cash (U.S. or Bahamian dollars); certified copies of the marriage certificate are US$20 ea.
Out Islands: Persons wanting to be married in the Out Islands (Great Exuma, etc.) can obtain a marriage license at the Adminstration Office on the island where the wedding will take place. A marriage license can also be obtained at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau, open Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-4:00pm.