Living in Bahamas guide
 

Bahamas

Bahamas

The Bahamas is well-known tourist spot where people go to get away from the hustle and bustle of real life. Some people just decide to stay and make their living in the warm climate. Most expats who move to the Bahamas do so in order to get involved in the tourism industry, start their own business or work in financial services. Many just move here to get away from city living because life in the Bahamas is easy and the paperwork is kept to a minimum. Check out our easy-to-follow guide to Barbados.


Nassau Bahamas

Expat Clubs


There are expats in the Bahamas that communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com. There are organizations in the country that foster community service and most importantly meet other expats.





Nassau Hash House Harriers

This is a group of expats who meet up on a regualr basis and there only requiment for joing the group? You best be up for a good time!

Runs set on Sundays at 4pm in 'Winter' and Mondays 6:30pm in Summer.  Walkers also welcome.

Website: http://www.nassauh3.com/





The Bahamas National Trust

This organization accepts members and donations from the community. They aim to preserve and conserve historical places and the natural beauty of the Bahamas.

Address:  P. O. Box N-4105, The Retreat, Village Road, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 393 1317

Fax: +1 242 393 4978

Toll Free: +1 866 978 4838

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.bnt.bs/home



Bahamas Humane Society

The Bahamas Humane Society is a non-profit organization, comprised of a compassionate team, dedicated to promote the humane treatment of animal and prevent cruelty to animals through continuous education. Membership proceeds go directly to the operations of the center.

Address: Dunmore Avenue in Chippingham. P.O.Box N-242, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 323 5138, +1 242 325 6742

Fax: +1 242 356 2659

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bahamashumanesociety.com

International Schools 


Lucaya International School

The school was founded in 1998 by island parents wishing to build a school that offered an international curriculum.



Curriculum: PYP, IGCSE, International Baccalaureate

Address: Chesapeake Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 373 4004

Fax: +1 242 373 6510

Email: [email protected]

Website: lucayainternationalschool.com



Lyford Cay International School

Lyford Cay International School is an independent, non-denominational day school offering a high standard Nursery through Grade 12 education. The school is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Middle Years program and is completing the authorization process to teach the Primary Years Program (and in the interim we are teaching the PYP). Additionally we are accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.



Curriculum: PYP, International Baccalaureate

Address: Lyford Cay Drive, PO Box N-7776, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 362 4774

Fax: +1 242 362 5198

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lcis.bs



St Andrew's School - The International School of The Bahamas

St Andrew's has high academic standards and holds internationally accredited status with both the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. St Andrew's was the first school in the Bahamas to be authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Organisation's Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Pre-University IB Diploma curriculum.



Curriculum: PYP, International Baccalaureate

Address: PO Box EE 17340, Nassau, New Providence

Tel: +1 242 324 2621, +1 242 324 2622, +1 242 677 7800

Fax: +1 242 324 0816

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.st-andrews.com

Local News in English


The Bahamas Journal

This is an English language news site that delivers local stories, business and editorials.

Website: www.jonesbahamas.com



The Nassau Guardian

The newspaper dates back to 1844. With its online site, they bring news updates and stories on relevant local issues, business, sports and lifestyle.

Website: www.thenassauguardian.com

Country Information 


Location: Central America

Capital City: Nassau

Other Important Cities:

Currency: Dollar ( BSD )

Language: English

Calling Code: +1-242

Internet TLD: .br



Electricity: The Bahamas runs on 120V 60Hz similar to the US and Canada. There are two power companies supplying electricity: Bahamas Electricity Corporation provides power to the entire island except the Grand Bahama, which is power separately by Grand Bahama Power Company.



Bahamas Electricity Corporation

Address: PO Box-N7509, Nassau, N.P., Bahamas

Website: www.bahamaselectricity.com



Grand Bahama Power Company

Address: Pioneers Way & East Mall Drive, P.O. Box F-40888, Freeport, Grand Bahama

Tel: +1 242 350 8900

Fax: +1 242 351 8008

24 Hour Call Center: +1 242 352 8411

Website: www.gb-power.com/en/home/default.aspx



Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance: 919

Fire: 919

Police: 919 



Country Information

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahamas

Embassy Information


http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/bahamas 

Residents Visa and Work Permit information


Foreigners wishing to travel to The Bahamas for vacation and/or for business may require to visa for entry into the country.  Be sure to check the Visa Requirements for Foreign Visitors to The Bahamas to determine the visa requirements for your country. Visa applications should be done at embassies or consulates in your home or host country.



Documents Required
  • Valid Passport - All visa applicants must be in possession of a valid passport, with more than 6 months remaining, and a return ticket.
  • 2 passport photos on white background
  • A job letter/business licence
  • An original bank reference letter/statement
  • Police report
  • Hotel/Cruise itinerary
  • Flight itinerary/ticket copy
  • Copy of conference/invitation letter
  • Copies of previously held visas
  • Copy of Children’s Birth Certificate to prove parental relations
  • Copy of a valid work permit (for Companies applying for a foreigner to take up employment in The Bahamas)
  • All foreign marriage, birth, and death certificate submitted in support of a visa application must be legalised/Apostilled in the country of origin before submission
  • Valid US visa (for Foreigners who wish to visit The Bahamas via cruise ship from the USA)

For more information please visit the Bahamas’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration site.


Accommodation


Expats will find that there are a lot of choices when it comes to accommodation in the Bahamas. Made up of several islands, housing options will not be a problem. Nassau, on New Providence Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama, are the two big cities in the Bahamas. There are a lot of hotels in the Bahamas where you can stay for an initial period, before you choose the area in which you will live.



There are a few real estate agencies in the Bahamas that deal in sales and rentals. It’s a good idea to engage an agency, unless you know someone who is willing to rent their property to your privately. English is widely spoken in the Bahamas so communication is not a big deal. Expats can choose to live in an apartment or apartment complex, condo, townhouse, fourplex, duplex or half duplex. Prices vary and it is always a great idea to buy, you will always regain your losses either with holiday rentals or resale. A beachfront 3-4 bedroom house in Nassau will set you back around USD15 000. This is one of the pricier options, but it is your own slice of paradise.

Driving License


Non Bahamian Transfer Drivers License Form

Foreigners in the Bahamas can transfer their driving licenses at the relevant government department in the Bahamas. Before you can apply for permission to drive in the Bahamas you must present an approved Immigration status in the form of a residency certificate or work permit.



Documents needed:
  • Original and photocopy of passport
  • Original and photocopy of driving license
  • Original and photocopy of your residency certificate

Download the form here>> 


Healthcare


The Bahamas has an excellent healthcare system. Well-equipped hospitals and highly trained staff ensures that the quality of medical services are well above standard. Public and private medical facilities are available on across the islands. Routine vaccinations before travelling are recommended. There are no national health insurance schemes that expats can enroll; a private health insurance is advisable.

Insurance Companies



Bahama Health

This insurance company is under the belt of Family Guardian Insurance Company. They offer individual and employer-sponsored group coverage including medical, dental and vision. 



Address: Family Guardian Financial Centre, East Bay & Church Streets, P.O. Box SS-19079, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 396 1300

Fax: +1 242 396 1301, +1 242 396 1302

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bahamahealth.com



Colina

A health plan with Colina offers access to one of the largest overseas health networks and the best medical care that you will find in The Bahamas and throughout North America.

Address: 308 East Bay Street, P. O. Box N-4728, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 396 2100

Fax: +242 393 1710

Website: www.colina.com



Hospitals - Public



The Public Hospitals Authority

The Public Hospitals Authority is recognized as one of the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean, earning praise for being the provider and employer of choice for the people that live and visit The Bahamas.

Address:

Tel: + 242 502 1420

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.corp.phabahamas.org



Prince Margaret Hospital

The Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) is a non-profit publicly funded facility built in 1952. The Princess Margaret Hospital is a comprehensive Healthcare System, providing primary, secondary and tertiary health services. It is the premier referral centre in the country, acclaimed for its Neonatal Intensive Care capacity, and with a level one Trauma Centre.

Address: Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 322 2861

Website: www.pmh.phabahamas.org



Grand Bahama Health Services

Grand Bahama Health Services is an institution of the Public Hospitals Authority located on the Island of Grand Bahama, the industrial capital of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  It is a local healthcare system comprised of the Rand Memorial Hospital and ten (10) outlying Community Health Clinics. They have specialist services including pediatrics, surgical, gynecology and oncology among others.

Address: East Mall Drive, P.O. Box F-40071, Freeport, Grand Bahama, the Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 350 6700

Fax: +1 242 352 6162

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.phabahamas.org



Hospitals - Private



Doctor’s Hospital

The facility provides primary specialty and subspecialty care both on an in-patient and out-patient basis, including acute care, emergency, medical, surgical, obstetric, laboratory services and the latest in imaging technology. Doctors Hospital features a three-room operating suite, eight-bed intensive care unit, the latest diagnostic equipment including CAT scan, nuclear medicine, X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, MRI, full scale clinical laboratory, rehabilitation services department, and a maternity wing equipped with a newborn nursery.



Address: #1 Collins Avenue & Shirley Street, P.O. Box N 3018, Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: +1 242 302 4600

Fax: +1 242 322 3284

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.doctorshosp.com/index.php



The Walk-In Clinic

The Walk-In Clinic was pioneer in the low cost health care within the private sector and also saw the need to be accessible to the general public by extending hours from 7am to 10pm daily, including weekends and holidays. No appointment necessary. It is also equipped with qualified doctors, registered nurses and pharmacists, certified laboratory technicians and imaging personnel.



They have three branches:

Collins Avenue Clinic

Address: 35 Collins Ave, Nassau

Tel: +1 242 328 0783

Fax: +1 242 356 9825

Email: [email protected]



Carmichael Road Clinic

Address: East of Faith Ave. Carmichael Road, Nassau

Tel: +1 242 341 1177  

Fax: +1 242 461 1126

Email: [email protected]



Sandyport Clinic

Address: Sandyport, Nassau

Tel: +1 242 327 5483

Fax: +1 242 327 5492

Email: [email protected]