The Bahamas
Caribbean · English · Bahamian Dollar
Greet everyone when you walk in the room, take island time as gospel, and tip in cash even when service is on the bill.
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5 phrases you need in The Bahamas
- HelloWhat da wybe is?wot dah WIBE iz
- GoodbyeLater, hear?LAY-tah heer
- PleasePlease, manPLEEZ mahn
- Thank youTanks, ehTANKS ay
- Excuse me'Scuse meSKYOOZ mee
The Trovlr app drills all 8 The Bahamas phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
The Bahamian dollar is pegged one-to-one with the US dollar and both circulate interchangeably; just expect change in a mix of the two.
tipping
A 15% gratuity is often added automatically to restaurant bills; read the receipt before tipping again, and tip boat crews and guides in cash.
transport
Number 10 jitney buses cover Nassau's Cable Beach run for a couple of dollars but stop around dark; ferries and small planes reach the Out Islands.
safety
Tourist areas of Nassau and the Out Islands are easygoing, but skip the over-the-hill neighborhoods south of downtown at night and use licensed taxis.
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