Bahamas flights and travel guide

Language

English is the official language.

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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.

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Tipping

Many hotels and restaurant bills automatically include a service charge of 15 per cent to cover gratuities, otherwise a 10-15 per cent tip is expected for most services, including taxi drivers. Hotel staff usually receive US$1 per bag.

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Safety

Most visits to the Bahamas are trouble-free though care should be taken in the major cities of Nassau and Freeport.

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Health

A yellow fever vaccination is required by travellers aged more than one year arriving from infected areas, and Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended for visitors over two years. Food and water is considered safe. Visitors should note that some types of fish, including tropical reef fish, are poisonous to eat even whencooked. Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport, but expensive and usually require payment in cash on treatment. Medical insurance is advised. Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed, is experiencing a chronic shortage of blood so those with rare blood types are advised to know the names and locations of possible donors in the event of an emergency. The Lyford Cay Hospital has a hyperbaric chamber for treatment of decompression illness.

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Electricity

120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade plugs are standard.

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