Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Making Your Way to the Bahamas

By Robert Lewis

Transportation

Getting There: Served by Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, American Eagle, Bahamas Air, British Airways, Delta, Continental, and US Airways.

Entry Documents: Proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate and photo I.D. in the form of a driver's license) and a return or ongoing ticket. British and Canadian citizens may enter without passports or visas.

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Airport: Main airport, Nassau International Airport; Many airports on many islands - numerous flights from the U.S.

Departure Tax: $15 U.S.

Driving: On the left - need to show driver's license to rent a car.

Local Transportation: Most islands will only require a taxi ride or two. Rental cars are available. Jitney busses run in Nassau.

Bahama Ministry of Tourism
P.O. Box N-3701
Nassau, New
Providence Island, Bahamas
Ph: (242) 322-7500; Fax: (242) 328-0945. Toll-free: (800) 439-6993
Web site: www.bahamas.com

Bermuda Facts and Figures

Capital: Nassau
Population: Around 289,000 throughout all inhabited islands.
Size: Covers 70,000 square miles - 750 mile stretch from Florida to Haiti.
Electric Current: 110 volts.
Medical Emergencies: There are various hospitals and clinics on the islands. The main hospital on New Providence is the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Current Time: 01:48 am
Time Zone: Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Daylight Saving Time: DST starts first Sunday in April and ends last Sunday in October.

Marriage Info: Process: An affidavit available at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau must be completed.
Cost: US$40
Wait Period: Officially 15 days but a one to two-day waiver can be obtained from the Registrar General's Office in New Providence prior to arrival. The Tourism Department and many hotels can help with the planning and red tape.

Documents to bring: Passports or birth certificates plus divorce or death certificates, if applicable.
Climate: Temperatures range from mid-70s to mid-80s.
Official Language: English.
Currency: Bahamian dollar - U.S. dollars accepted.
Tipping and Taxes: There is a Government tax of 10% and hotels will add a service charge of 10-15% to your bill. Restaurant tabs should be tipped 15%, if not already added.
Dress Code: Casual but proper - no topless or nude sunbathing.
Telephone: Local area code is 242.