Caribbean
Money, cards and tipping in Bahamas
BSDDollar
Money in Bahamas
Cards almost everywhere The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar and US dollars are accepted everywhere. Cards work in most places; carry cash on Out Islands. US$1 ≈ B$1.00 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: 15–18% service is often added in hotels and restaurants; otherwise tip 15–20%. Tip drivers and porters.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense Bahamian dollars (US dollars are accepted); limits are modest and Out Islands have few machines.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work in some shops and resorts; cards or cash elsewhere.
- Price level: about 96% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau | 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. |
| Exuma | 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. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Bahamas?
15–18% service is often added in hotels and restaurants; otherwise tip 15–20%. Tip drivers and porters.
Is Bahamas cashless?
Cards almost everywhere. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar and US dollars are accepted everywhere. Cards work in most places; carry cash on Out Islands.
What currency does Bahamas use?
The Dollar (BSD). US$1 ≈ B$1.00 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: The Bahamas
- Bahamas Department of Immigration
- Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
- World Bank open data
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