Islands, Bahamas
Exuma
Chain of turquoise cays with swimming pigs, sharks and sandbars. Spectacular for boat days and quiet beaches; remote, car-dependent and expensive, with limited medical care and nightlife.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$5,500–8,000Comfortable, one person · B$5,500–8,000Details
- Value for money2/100Better value than 1% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MayWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland water comes from cisterns or desalination; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$80–180Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental carYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in resorts and larger restaurants; cash for taxis, small shops, conch stands and tips.Details
Where to stay in Exuma
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| George Town | Main settlement: shops, restaurants, Regatta crowd |
| Staniel Cay | Northern cays: swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto |
| Barraterre | Quiet northern Great Exuma, local settlements |
Apps that work in Exuma
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps. Book taxis ahead or rent a car; many boat tours include hotel pickup.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bahamas.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in resorts and larger restaurants; cash for taxis, small shops, conch stands and tips. ATMs are few and can run out.
- Currency: Dollar (BSD). US$1 ≈ B$1.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense Bahamian dollars (US dollars are accepted); limits are modest and Out Islands have few machines.
- Tipping: 15–18% service is often added in hotels and restaurants; otherwise tip 15–20%. Tip drivers and porters.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work in some shops and resorts; cards or cash elsewhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the Bahamas digital immigration card online before arrival; check the official portal for the current form.
- You need a passport valid for the stay, and an onward or return ticket.
- Departure tax is normally included in the ticket.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 919
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
BTC prepaid SIMs sold at its stores and the airport, with passport; many US plans roam at a cost. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bahamas
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.