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Bahamas (BS)

An English-speaking Caribbean archipelago close to Florida, known for high-end tourism, no personal income tax, strong financial services, second-home communities, turquoise water and very high island living costs.

Capital: Nassau
Region: Americas
Language: English
Currency: BSD ($)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 75)
Emergency: 911
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Currency & Money

Practical money tips for living in Bahamas.

$
Bahamian dollar
BSD

Denominations

Coins: 1c, 5c, 10c, 15c, 25c. Notes: $1, $3, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100.

Payment Culture

The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Cards are common in Nassau, Paradise Island and resorts, but cash is still important for taxis, Family Islands, small vendors and hurricane outages.

ATM Tips

Use bank ATMs before travelling to Family Islands. Fees can be high and machines may run out around holidays, cruise-ship days and storms.

Exchange Tips

US dollars circulate widely at par, but local bills are not usually accepted outside The Bahamas. Keep receipts for large currency exchanges and property transfers.

Pro tip: Best apps for expats

  • • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
  • • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
  • • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents