Bahamas Travel Planning & Travel Tips
Embassy Contact Information: Americans living in or visiting The Bahamas are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and obtain updated information on travel and security within The Bahamas. The U.S. Embassy is located next to McDonald's restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Nassau; telephone (242)322-1181, after hours: (242)328-2206. The Consular Section hours are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, except local and U.S. holidays. The U.S. Embassy is also responsible for consular services in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a United Kingdom (British) overseas territory. U.S. citizens may obtain updated information on travel and security in TCI from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.
Bahamas Climate:Because of the Gulf Stream, winters in
the Bahamas are fairly mild, about 10 degrees F/5 C warmer than in nearby
Florida. The summers can be humid, rainy and warm (day temperatures reaching
into the low 90s F/33 C), but are moderated by trade winds. High season
is from November to mid April, when the weather is generally good. Hurricane
season is from July to October, and most rain falls at that time. There
really is no bad time to go, but take along at least a sweater during the
winter. Average day temperatures in fall and spring are in the 70s-80s F/23-32
C, with nights in the 60s F/15-22 C. Winter temperatures can be about 10
degrees F/5 C cooler.
Calling Internationally: Communications have improved recently,
although some of the Out Islands are still difficult to reach. In recent
years, virtually every hotel in The Bahamas seems to have installed a fax
machine. Direct long-distance dialing between North America and Nassau,
Grand Bahama, the Abacos, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera,
Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, the Exumas, and Stella Maris on Long Island
is available.
To call The Bahamas from the U.S. or Canada, dial 1-242 plus the seven-digit
local number. From the U.K., dial 001-242 plus the local seven-digit number.
To make a direct international call from The Bahamas to the U.S. or Canada,
dial 1 plus the area code and local number.
To call other countries, dial
011 plus the country code (the U.K. is 44, for example), the area code (usually
without its initial zero), and the local number.
For local calls within The Bahamas, simply dial the seven-digit number.
To call from one island to another within The Bahamas, dial 1-242 and then
the seven-digit local number.
Electricity: Electricity is normally 120 volts, 60 cycles,
AC. American appliances are fully compatible; British or European appliances
will need both converters and adapters.
Travel Insurance for Bahamas Trips: You should consider the benefits of travel
insurance as part of your Bahamas travel planning. Most travelers look for
travel tips that discuss the importance of travel insurance and
travel insurance through AIG Travel Guard can provide important coverage for your trip.
Whether you’re taking a family vacation or business trip, AIG Travel Guard has a plan for your Bahamas travel. These plans may include valuable medical expense coverage,
trip interruption, medical emergency assistance and treatment services
and more. And with AIG Travel Guard’s 24-hour assistance line, your
coverage can act as a travel guide should your plans change.*
For more than 20 years, AIG Travel Guard’s plans have covered millions
of travelers throughout the world. We're America's leading provider of
travel insurance plans and assistance programs and we're here to help you 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. Coverage provided through AIG Travel Guard is easy to buy and with our
24-hour emergency travel services it's even easier to use.
*Non-insurance services provided by AIG Travel Assist.
|