Posted by: travadmin on Oct 01, 2003 – 08:33 PM
newsandinfo  Here are some do’s and don’ts you might keep in mind when visiting The Bahamas. From the Bahamas Travel pages at iExplore. There’s a ton of other information there too, on The Bahamas and just about every other destination.

Don’t confuse reggae music with calypso. Though it’s now heard everywhere in the Bahamas, reggae initially developed in Jamaica. The more traditional style in the Bahamas is calypso (though it hails originally from Trinidad). The album Junkanoo by the Baha Men (available internationally) is a good introduction to Bahamian calypso music.

Do negotiate your taxi fare (or ask the driver to turn on the meter) before climbing in.

Don’t be surprised if you’re called “Darlin” or “Honey” in the Bahamas. It’s as common a greeting in the Bahamas as “Mon” is in the Caribbean.

Don’t plan to sunbathe nude or camp on beaches: These are illegal activities in the Bahamas (though topless bathing is tolerated in some areas).

If you’re arriving by private boat, do fly a yellow flag until you are cleared by customs.

Don’t worry about changing money if you’re a U.S. citizen. The U.S. dollar is on par and accepted along with the Bahamian dollar.

Do experience the less touristy side of the Bahamas: Travel between islands on a mail boat. Your companions will be Bahamians (and sometimes their goats and chickens).

Don’t expect to find full banking services on all islands. Make sure you have enough cash or traveler’s checks if you go beyond Nassau or Freeport/Lucaya.