| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: The largest of the 365 mostly uninhabited islands, or cays, within The Bahamas' 120-mile Exuma archipelago, Great Exuma rests on the Tropic of Cancer, just 35 miles southeast of Nassau. The island remains largely undiscovered, and is home to only 3,400 residents. George Town is the capital.
Political Status: Parliamentary system in the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Language: English is the official language, more British than American, and generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect..
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: 120 volts, same as the U.S. 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 the Bahamas from the U.S. dial 1 + 242 + the 7-digit local number. Internet service is available at resorts. To call from one island to another within The Bahamas, dial 1-242 and then the seven-digit local number. To make a direct international call from The Bahamas to the U.S., dial 1 plus the area code and local number. The cheapest way to call internationally is to purchase a BATELCO (Bahamas Telephone Co.) phone card which is widely available. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage.
Drinking Water: Technically, tap water is drinkable throughout The Bahamas; however, bottled water is recommended on the Outer Islands when out and about. Resort water is fine to drink.
Transportation: Taxis are available and the metered rates are fixed. 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 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 the Bahamas. 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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