Capital city in New Providence, Bahamas
Nassau
Bahamas capital and cruise hub with Paradise Island, Cable Beach and colonial streets. Easy for English speakers and short beach trips; expensive, patchy buses and rough crime in some neighbourhoods.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$4,000–6,500Comfortable, one person · B$4,000–6,500Details
- Value for money3/100Better value than 2% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Air quality3.2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Meets the WHO guidelineDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated and desalinated but varies; most visitors drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$100–200Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxi (fixed zone fares)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are widely accepted; carry cash for jitney buses, straw markets, Fish Fry stalls and tips.Details
Where to stay in Nassau
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown and Bay Street | Colonial buildings, markets and the cruise port |
| Cable Beach | Resorts, casinos, restaurants and a long beach |
| Paradise Island | Atlantis and upscale beach resorts |
| Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) | Local seafood stalls and live music |
Apps that work in Nassau
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride-hailing app operates. Taxis use government fixed rates; ask to see the rate card and agree the price first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bahamas.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for jitney buses, straw markets, Fish Fry stalls and tips. US dollars circulate at par with Bahamian dollars.
- 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.