Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat, and apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or high-
er, with both UVA and UVB protection. Sunscreen should be generously applied to all ex-
posed parts of the body approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure and should be reap-
plied after swimming or vigorous activity. Travelers should also drink plenty of fluids and
avoid strenuous exercise when the temperature is high.
Insurance
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is worth organizing for
your trip. There is a wide variety of policies available, so check the small print.
Some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities' (eg motorcycling, rock climb-
ing, canoeing, scuba diving and even hiking). If you're planning on doing any of those
activities, be sure to hunt down the right policy to cover yourself.
You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than requiring you
to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later make sure you keep all doc-
umentation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to a center in your home
country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.
Check that the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.
Internet Access
Most Bahamian hotels now have wi-fi, though sometimes it's only in the lobby. It's usually
free for guests, though some of the larger resorts like Atlantis like to squeeze an extra few
bucks out of their guests by charging $10 to $15 a day. In Nassau and Grand Bahama, many
high-density outdoor tourist areas such as Port Lucaya Marketplace are now free wi-fi hot-
spots. As wi-fi proliferates, internet cafes become increasingly obsolete. Most midrange
and top-end hotels still have business centers with free computers for guests' use. Connec-
tions can be sketchy on the more remote Out Islands, but it's generally not too difficult to
get online.
For a list of useful websites please refer to
Click here
.
Legal Matters
Marijuana (ganja) and cocaine are prevalent in the Bahamas, which is used as a trans-ship-
ment point for drug traffic into North America and Europe. At some stage, you may be
approached by hustlers selling drugs.
Possession and use of drugs and the 'facilitation of drug trafficking' in these islands are
strictly illegal and penalties are severe. The islands are swarming with US Drug Enforce-
ment agents, and purchasing drugs is a risky business. Foreigners do not receive special
consideration if caught and Bahamian prisons are notoriously nasty places.
