Things you should avoid in The Bahamas are:

1. Hurricane season.

2. Unmarked taxis.

3. Never leaving your resort.

4. Expecting punctuality – everything runs on “island time” here.

5. Haggling. You’ll need to pay the stated price.

Bahamas Travel Guide – Know Before You Go:

1. The currency is the Bahamian dollar ($), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar. So 1 Bahamian dollar is always the same as 1 U.S. dollar.

2. U.S. dollars are accepted interchangeably with Bahamian dollars, so you won’t need a different currency if you’re from the U.S. But you may receive change in Bahamian dollars.

3. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuations, so be sure to check this as your trip approaches. On average, 1 Bahamian dollar equals about £.72 British Pounds, €,84, and 6.46 Chinese Yuan.

4. Tap or “still” water is safe to drink in The Bahamas, so you don’t need to buy bottled water.

5. Many restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, and most restaurants don’t update their Google business profile. So you’ll want to call restaurants for their opening hours and reservations instead of relying on the internet.

6. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels and car rental agencies, but most shops and restaurants don’t take credit cards. And most of the shops and restaurants that take credit cards charge a 2.5-5% processing fee, which can add up quickly. So I recommend paying for meals and souvenirs with cash.

7. ATMs are available at some resorts, banks, and shopping centers throughout the islands, but they’re often not conveniently located to hotels and vacation homes. So I recommend bringing enough cash with you (especially if you’re from the U.S. with no currency change) or withdrawing lump sums to avoid making lots of visits to an ATM.

8. Bars and restaurants run on “island time,” meaning that service will likely be slower than you’re used to. You may have to get the server’s attention rather than waiting for them to approach. This is a cultural difference, not a sign of poor service.

9. Greetings are usually verbal rather than a handshake or peck on the cheek. It’s polite to greet everyone upon entering a taxi, shop, restaurant, or boat with a ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon.’

10. Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are Types A and B. So if you’re from the U.S., you won’t need an outlet adaptor. But British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.

The Bahamas’ High Season is from December to April because of the incredible weather in the mid-70s (24°C) and mid-80s (29°C). All tours, businesses, and restaurants will be open with regular hours of operation. But accommodation prices can be double what they are the rest of the year, and tourist numbers and cruise ship dockings are at their highest. So you need to make all of your reservations in advance.

The Shoulder months are May and June. The weather will still be mostly dry, crowds will be less, and businesses and tours should still be open.

The Low Season is from July to November during the rainy season. Hurricanes and tropical storms can occur, and rain is common. Many shops, restaurants, and tour operators close or reduce their hours during these months, but you can get some great deals on hotels and resorts that would be out of your price range in the peak months.

Tap or “still” water is safe to drink in The Bahamas, so you don’t need to buy bottled water.