| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: Grand Bahama Island, the fourth-largest island in the Bahamas after Andros, Eleuthera, and Great Abaco, is 96 miles long, east to west, and 17 miles across at its widest point and has a population of close to 50,000.
Political Status: Parliamentary system in the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Language: English is the official language, more British than American.
Currency: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.
Electricity: Electricity is normally 120 volts, 60 cycles, AC. American appliances are fully compatible.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time is used within The Islands of The Bahamas. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with U.S. Daylight Saving Time summer hours.
Communication: To dial Grand Bahama Island from the U.S. dial 1 + 242 + the 7-digit local number. Internet service is widely available. The cheapest way to call internationally is to purchase a BaTelCo phone card which is widely available. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage.
Drinking Water: The water is fine to drink.
Transportation: Taxis are abundant and, for the most part, are metered -- but they take cash only, no credit cards. Visitors can also rent cars or scooters to explore the island. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid driver’s license (visitors may drive with their home driver's license) and credit card. Driving is on the left.
Local Customs: Drinking age is 18. Must be 18 to gamble in casinos. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen- $1 per bag; housecleaning staff- $1-$2 per day. Gratuity is sometimes added in restaurants so be sure and ask.
Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in Grand Bahama Island. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.
General Wedding Information:
The bride and groom must both be in The Bahamas at the moment they apply for the $40 wedding license here. If both are single and U.S. citizens, they must obtain an affidavit to that effect from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau. The fee is $55 per person; you'll need to appear in person with ID such as a passport (and, if applicable, proof of divorce). If all of these requirements are met, you can then get married after staying for 24 hours in The Bahamas. No blood test is necessary.
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