Resorts of the island of New Providence, Grand Bahama Island, Abaco Island, Exuma Island, Eleuthera Island, Nassau, Freeport

Capital: Nassau (New Providence Island).

Language: English, Creole is also common or "patois."

Embassy in Ukraine: Interests Bahamas company represents the British Embassy in Ukraine

Time: 7 hours behind

Code: 242.

Domain:. Bs

Currency: Bahamian dollar

Visa: required

Cost "model" dinner: cost "model" 15-20 USD dinner with drinks

Tipping: 15% of the total bill

Bahamas sunny subtropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Florida.

Bahamas - archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean between Cuba and Florida. Employs about 2,500 reefs and 700 islands (Abaco, Aklinz, Andros, Berry Islands, the islands of Bimini, Cat, Eleuthera, Ekzuma, Grand Bahama Island, Great and Little Inagua, Crooked Island, Long Island, Mayaguana, Nassau, Rum Cay , San Salvador, Humentos, etc.), of which only 30 are inhabited.

The Bahamas has become one of the synonyms of the term "luxury vacation."

Name Bahamas comes from the Spanish Baja Mar - ebb. The sea is shallow.

Bahamas - one of the richest countries in the region, a major offshore center (on the islands - more than 400 banks) and the center of gambling - casinos are open round the clock.

TRAVEL / RELOCATION direct flights to the Bahamas from Ukraine no. The most successful option - flight with British Airways with a stopover in London. Travel time is about 13 hours (without docking). Another option - a flight across the United States, followed by a transfer to American Airlines flights to Nassau.

VISA Visa for Bahamas (Bahamas) is made in the British Embassy.

Required documents:

passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from a trip, and have two blank pages)

two photographs of 3,5 × 4,5 cm on a light background with no oval

profile set embassy sample

letter from the employer on company letterhead,

proof of ability to pay tourist (bank statements, proof of salary, etc., or a letter of guarantee from a person or organization paying for tours).

If a tourist new passport, you must provide the last. If there is no previous passports, the applicant may have to pass an interview. Partners are required to submit a copy of your marriage certificate.

Pensioners, the unemployed, students and students must provide: proof of employment rights, sponsoring their trip, as well as a copy of the pension or student ID (school - a certificate from the school).

If a child under 18 years, goes on a trip with a parent or accompanied by a third person, it is necessary notarized consent from the parent (s) to leave the child with the attendant. The document must contain the following: a country where planned trip, valid power of attorney (no more than three months). Also need a photocopy of all pages of internal passport principal (parent or parents) and a copy of the birth certificate.

Term visa - about three weeks. When checking out all travelers under the age of 6 years are also charged airport tax 15 USD.

CUSTOMS exchange controls and restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency is not. For the export of local currency at over BSD70 per person must be authorized by the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

Persons over the age of 18 years is allowed free import up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450 grams. tobacco, and 0.94 liters of alcoholic beverages and to 0.94 liters of wine, as well as any other goods and products cost $ US100.

The transit of drugs and explosives, items of historical and cultural importance, and weapons without a permit.

For the export of agricultural products, plants of all kinds and woodcarving requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the country

Desired phone

Wallet Phone rescue - 911.

Ambulance - 322-21-21 (New Providence), 352-26-89 (Freeport).

Aviation ambulance service at sea (BASRA) - 322-38-77.

MONEY Bahamian dollar (B $, BSD), equal to 100 cents, rigidly pegged to the U.S. dollar. In circulation are banknotes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 dollar (total circulation is more than 40 bills of all denominations) and coins of 1 and $ 2, 50, 20, 15, 10 and 5 cents.

U.S. coins and currency notes are also free circulation.

Banks are usually open from 9.00-9.30 to 15.00 from Monday to Thursday. Friday - from 9.30 to 17.00. Operation times may vary from island to island. Some banks in the periphery have a very limited period of time and are often open one or two days a week.

Currency can be exchanged at the bank offices, hotels and malls. Although the Bahamian dollar is tied tightly to the U.S. dollar, the exchange rate in different institutions may be quite different. The most stable exchange rate in the offices of international banks in Nassau and Freeport in the tourist areas are often less profitable rate, although there can be free to pay in U.S. dollars.

We accept all major credit cards. ATM cash machines located in major tourist centers everywhere in the outer islands they are much smaller. Traveller's checks can be cashed in banks, in hotels and large stores. Some hotels, restaurants and exchange offices charge for check cashing large commission, so you should always find out the conditions in advance. To avoid additional costs for conversion, it is recommended to use traveler's checks in U.S. dollars.

TRANSPORT Movement - the left. Rental price in Dudget Rent-a-Car range from 42 to 54 dollars a day, depending on the class of vehicle and type of transmission. All rates for rental cars include:

- Unlimited mileage;

- Third-party liability insurance;

- Waiver of liability to pay compensation in the event of a collision;

- Insurance in case of accident;

- Insurance against theft;

- Additional charges at the airport and all local taxes.

Requirements:

- The age of the driver at least 21 years;

- The presence of an international driver's license;

- Driving experience of at least one year.

Hotels Hotels in the Bahamas classified owners or tour operators - the official assessment system no hotel services. Classification begins with three stars.

Vacation in the Bahamas is considered prestigious, and generally quite expensive, ranging from the cost of accommodation and ending price for excursions. The islands are possible windsurfing, diving and yachting are popular golf and tennis. In addition, The Bahamas - the world leader gambling, the islands are a lot of casinos.

Even in popular tourist areas are cases petty theft in hotel rooms, so to store credit cards, jewelry and other valuables safe is better to use.

The hotels are located in the Bahamas, the tip may be included in the check, otherwise - account for about 15% of the total bill.

Most of the large hotel managed by the system "all inclusive". Bars in such hotels are located at every step.

On the islands of the tropical climate, rainfall in May-June and September-October. In addition, during the period from June to October, are not excluded frequent hurricanes. Because of the high humidity often in hotels can smell dampness. Saves the air condition in the room.

English - the official language of the islands, it is spoken by just about anything, so the problems with communication should arise.

Hotel types

Hostels in the conventional sense of the islands there, but you can rent a room from local people for any period.

Guest Houses are located mainly on the coasts of large islands. Some of them focused on the surfers and divers - can rent equipment. Accommodation in them does not always mean a decent service, but the price in this case corresponds to the quality of services provided. Guesthouses part is not equipped with air conditioning - in such cases, the rooms are a few fans.

Some hotels are located on the coast, is a complex consisting of several bungalows.

On the islands there are eco-friendly hotel, operating mainly on solar energy. The food in the hotels of this type are made of organic products, and in the design of natural materials.

In the capital of the Bahamas Nassau and major spa centers of the hotels located in historical buildings and has a special flavor. So, now chetyrehvezdochny Graycliff hotel was opened in the middle of the XIX century and was the first hotel in Nassau.

In the territory of one of the most expensive hotels in the Bahamas - One & Only Ocean Club - are the famous gardens, created in the image and likeness of the gardens of Versailles and decorated with statues of Carrara marble. The gardens are conducted daily tours, and access - to the public.

ELECTRICITY Voltage 110 V, 60 Hz. Plugs typically American type.

SAFETY At the end of the XX century the island, especially Nassau, suffered a surge in violence with a weapon, triggered by drug traffickers. But these days, the problem was overcome and the popular tourist area around Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and Freeport's pretty safe. But there are still frequent minor crimes, such as theft in hotel rooms and pickpocketing. Tourists on trips to Nassau after dark, should take the usual precautions and avoid visiting the suburbs such as Over-the-Hill or Fox, who still have problems with security. Nassau and Freeport streets are empty at night pretty early, so visitors to the country, especially women, are advised to avoid walking alone after dark.

Drug dealers are also frequent visitors to the tourist areas (Bahamas - an important drug transit point), so you need to know that Bahamian laws regarding drug are more stringent than even in North America or Europe, and the sale or use of narcotic drugs is quite possible to get a long prison term.

For entry vaccinations are not needed, they require the presence of only when arriving in the country from the source of infectious diseases. Recommended immunization against diphtheria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. Avoid water treatments in local fresh waters. Numerous swimming pools which are well chlorinated, safe for swimming. Individual risk is high prevalence of HIV / AIDS - the leading cause of death for Bahamians in age from 15 to 44 years (WHO infection rate is estimated at 3% of the population of the islands).

The natural hazards inherent in the island include hurricanes and associated flooding. Very high levels of insolation - recommended protective creams and light clothing. Separate dangerous are regular outbreaks of conjunctivitis, which, though easily treated, but it delivers in terms of the climate a lot of inconvenience. Frequent and stomach ailments.

Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively safe, although it is often salty, so it is recommended to use bottled water. Drinking water outside main cities can be polluted and not recommended for use. Milk and dairy products are generally pasteurized and safe, as well as meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.

CONDUCT the Bahamas banned spearfishing using underwater guns and other accessories for fishing. Sports fishing is permitted, but one way out to sea must pay a fee of up to $ 20 or $ 150 for the entire year, provided that the vessel is not more than six reels and line. Also prohibited are independent archeological work on sunken ships. Violation of these rules may result in heavy fines and deportation from the country.

CLIMATE The climate is tropical trade winds in the north and subtropical in the south. The average summer temperature is +26 .. +32 ° C. On the southern islands (Big and Small Inagua, Mayaguana) in summer is much warmer than in the central part of the archipelago. In winter the average temperature is +18 .. +22 ° C, cooler all in the north-western islands. Average water temperature is typically +27 ° C in summer and about +23 ° C in the winter. The best time to visit the country is considered a cool season from September to May.

In winter, the rains are rare, they are usually comes in the form of short but powerful showers. From May to November are possible hurricanes and tropical storms that bring heavy rainfall and strong wind.

Shopping Center Trade Bahamas - world famous Bay Street (Bay street). There can be a very attractive prices to buy all: Brand watches, jewelry, china, crystal, leather handbags, perfumes. All these purchases are exempt from paying taxes.

Prices on the main islands are comparable to those in the U.S., but usually the cost of food and transport is much higher due to the fact that goods and fuel are mostly imported.

The country abolished all duties on imports and exports of cosmetics, leather goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, porcelain and so on. Therefore the prices for products mentioned below that of the U.S. by 25-50%. And in many areas, with the status of free trade zones, the cost is 15 percent lower, so the Bahamas considered one of the best areas for shopping in the central Atlantic.

Shops are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Many shops close for lunch at 12.00 and again open the door only in 1430-1500. Despite the fact that the government insists on shopping hours on Sundays are very few institutions should be the rule. Therefore Sunday is normally a day of calm in the trade.

Shopping, better plan on a weekday morning, when retail establishments usually few people, and the air temperature is much more favorable.

FOOD Kitchen Bahamas: baked on coals shells of all kinds, salads, seafood, lobster and shrimp, baked crab and grilled fillet of red snapper (snappers), etc.

Of the most popular soft drink tea (English style) and coffee (mostly very strong Colombian or Brazilian). The islands produce classic rum, which is considered the best grade "Nassau Royal," also sold imported alcohol everywhere. Local beer "Kalik" is sold everywhere in the islands.

Tipping Tipping is usually amount to 15% on most services, including taxis. Some hotels and restaurants include fees in the bill. Messengers, guides, porters and doormen usually expect up to $ 1 per piece of luggage or an excursion, maids, depending on the hotel, $ 1-2 dollars a day. On many accounts hotels imposed government tax of 10% (Nassau and Grand Bahama) and 8% (Family Islands). Excursions on the island is located about 25 protected areas. Great Inagua Island - an excellent place for bird watching. Abundant wildlife are famous national park "Abaco" Reef Men-of-Var (Abaco Cay), secured the area around Love Hill in the north-east coast of North Andros and Embrister Creek north of New York Harbor on the island of Cat- Island.

ENTERTAINMENT Every Bahamian resort in abundance night restaurants, bars, cabarets and casinos. In addition, the islands have all the outdoor activities and water sports. Most sports facilities on the island of New Providence and Grand Bahama Islands and Harbour Island.

Andros, Berry, Bimini - fishing. Abakos Islands and Eleuthera - diving in the coral reefs. Exuma Islands and Long Island - Boat Charters. Inagua Island - pink flamingos, exotic iguanas, swimming with dolphins and even the ability to feed the sharks. Grand Bahama Island - for those who enjoy snorkeling and fishing.