What to Bring to the Bahamas

WHAT TO BRING...

(You may want to print this Page)

FOR THE BAHAMAS...

Passport or birth certificate (required).
Round trip ticket--required--Bahamas Immigration will not allow entry without one.
Bahamian Immigration Cards--provided at the airline counter on your Florida-TCB
     leg--retain for surrender later.
U.S. Customs Card provided at the TCB airport.
Travelers Checks--about $500 for activities that do not take credit cards (fishing, etc.).
Credit card to minimize cash requirements.
A small amount of cash for incidentals--Bahamas accepts U.S. dollars at par (see
     below).
Mosquito repellant just in case--mosquitoes can be a problem almost the year around
     ("OFF" and "Cutter" usually work best).

FOR BLUFF HOUSE AND GREEN TURTLE CAY: The above plus:

Sun glasses (required)--consider Polarized to minimize glare.
Sun screen (required)--SPF 30 is recommended.
Cash (required)--US dollars are accepted at par and cash is required for departure tax,
     water taxis, etc. (currently $30 per person, plus tips for porters, etc.).
Travel Emergency Bag (suggested)--toiletries, a change of clothes, and a bathing suit in
     case of luggage arrival problems. Also suggested for the return leg if you have
     connections in the U.S. in case of delayed flights.
Consider bringing hats for a day in the sun, and a lightweight raincoat with a hood,
     just in case.
Also consider bringing flash lights--just in case the path lights change their schedule. A
     single LED or a tiny single AAA flashlight or two work fine and they can be carried in
     the pocket.
Camera and film--don't forget to hand-carry your film to minimize the possibility of
     fogging by the security scanners.
Shoes that can be worn in salt water--shower shoes, clogs, etc.
Snorkeling equipment--at least a mask and snorkel (also available at Bluff House).
Scuba gear--also available on Green Turtle Cay.
Motion sickness medication or device as required, for an all day boat excursion.
Water bottles for hiking, running and boating--plan on at least two liters of liquid per day
     in the sun, more with exertion.
Star chart for identifying the constellations--the night time display on cloudless nights
     defies description.
Ziplock bags to protect cameras, etc. from water on boat excursions.
Dress: Summer--short sleeves and shorts. Winter--ditto during the day, long pants in
     the evening. Bring resort casual--collared shirts and skirts--for candlelight dining.
U.S. cell phones usually will not work--rentals are available at Bluff House. A set of $20
     2-way radios will suffice for short distances (up to a mile--use the higher channels).
Wrapped presents may be opened at U.S. Security or Bahamian Customs

WHAT NOT TO BRING BACK TO THE U.S.:

Cuban products--cigars, rum, etc. (check the labels on anything bought in the
Bahamas for the words Habana or Cuba).
More than $10,000 in cash.
Undeclared purchases, especially expensive jewelry or watches.
Plants, etc.
Inspect all shells for hidden animals inside (hermit crabs, etc.).

(HOME)