Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FUEL
Esso, Shell and Texaco maintain gas (petrol) stations on most islands. Gas stations are usu-
ally open from 8am to about 7pm. Some close on Sunday. In Nassau and Freeport you'll
find stations open 24 hours a day. Gasoline is nearly $5 per gallon. Credit cards are accep-
ted in major settlements; elsewhere, it's cash only.
INSURANCE
Damage-waiver insurance is $15 a day. On many Family Islands, however, no insurance is
on offer at all.
RENTAL AGENCIES
Several major international car-rental companies have outlets in Nassau and Freeport, as
do smaller local firms. In the Family Islands there are some very good local agencies. Ask
your hotel for recommendations, or look for display boards at the airport. Local companies
may not offer insurance.
You usually rent for 24-hour periods with rates starting at $70. Rates start from around
$80 in Nassau, and from $60 on the smaller islands.
Golf carts can be rented on the smaller islands and cays for $40 per day.
ROAD RULES
Always drive on the left-hand side of the road
.
This can be tricky to remember, as most
Bahamian cars are American imports, with steering wheels on the left! At traffic circles
(roundabouts), remember to circle in a clockwise direction, entering to the left. You must
give way to traffic already in the circle. You should also be aware that it is compulsory to
wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or scooter.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is never entirely safe anywhere, and we don't recommend it. Travelers who
do decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious
risk. Those who choose to hitch will be safer if they travel in pairs, and let someone know
where they are planning to go. Hitchhiking by locals is fairly prevalent (and legal) in the
Bahamas, especially in the Family Islands.
Local Transportation
BUS
Nassau and Freeport have dozens of jitney buses (private minibuses) licensed to operate on
set routes.
There is very little public transportation on the Family Islands or at airports (the taxi
drivers' union is too powerful). Few hotels are allowed to run a transfer service for guests.
