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Documents
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DOCUMENTS/PASSPORTS: Please refer to this site for the most current information regarding international travel: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3013.html
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Language
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English is the official language of the Bahamas.
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Time Zone
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Same as Eastern Standard Time. Daylight-savings time is observed.
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Currency
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The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar. The Bahamian Dollar is currently at par with the U.S. Dollar, and you can use either currency throughout the islands. Most major credit cards accepted. Banks are open Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Electricity
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110 volts, same at the United States.
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Beaches
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Miles of beautiful beaches range along the Grand Bahama Island's southern coast. Some are secluded and seldom visited; others such as those in Lucaya, are popular year round. The main beach on Nassau is Cable Beach and is the reason the major resorts were built. The long broad sands of Cable Beach are "where the action is" on the island. Smaller beaches exist between downtown Nassau and Cable Beach, serving those who are staying at the downtown hotels. Past Cable Beach is Caves Beach and Love Beach. A short taxi ride, a bike or long walk will take those who wish to be away from the activity and enjoy a more quiet setting. Paradise Beach and Cabbage Beach are Paradise Island's two major beaches and serve most of the hotels on the island. The beaches are across the island, rather then facing Nassau. For most visitors staying in downtown Nassau, however, these beaches are more accessible than Cable Beach. A motor-taxi or walk across the bridge takes them to Paradise Island and from there it's a short stroll to the beach.
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Climate
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The subtropical and tropical climate makes the island a good destination year-round. The Gulf Stream and tradewinds help maintain temperatures from 68 to 86 degrees during the day and 62 to 70 at night year-round. The seawater temperature ranges from 73 degrees in February to 82 degrees in August. The seasons are summer (June to September) and winter (October to May). The Bahamas "winter" is the time most North Americans and Europeans visit. December to April is the high season, and May to October the rainy season. June to November is the official hurricane season, but storms can crop up earlier or later.
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What To Wear
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Casual dress is protocol for daytime, although swimwear is frowned upon in churches, restaurants and casinos. Many restaurants and casinos require jackets for men in the evening.
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Duty Free Allowances
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U.S. residents, including minors, can take home duty-free purchases up to US$600 providing they have been out of the country for 48 hours. Items, which must be purchased from duty-free stores, include crystal, liquor, linen, leather, jewelry, porcelain and souvenirs. A visitor can bring a quart of alcoholic beverage, a quart of wine, two hundred cigarettes or 50 cigars.
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