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Things You Should Know Before Visiting Nassau, Bahamas
- Santeka Grigley
- Jan 22
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 23
Nassau, Bahamas is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches, and laid-back island vibes that make it a dream destination for many travelers. On the surface, it feels like the perfect tropical escape, but there are a few important things you should know before visiting Nassau, Bahamas. We spent a full week in Nassau in August, and while the scenery was stunning and the weather was beautiful, the experience came with some unexpected realities that are worth understanding ahead of time.
From the true cost of dining out and grocery shopping to how transportation works on the island, Nassau requires a bit more planning than you might expect. Some things operate very differently than in the U.S., and without preparation, expenses can add up quickly or plans can feel inconvenient once you arrive. Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a group trip, or visiting for the first time, knowing these details in advance can help you budget smarter, move around more easily, and ultimately enjoy your time in the Bahamas without unnecessary stress—and this guide will help you do just that.
Learn More: Come with Me Grocery Shopping in the Bahamas
Skip to the section you're most interested in: Plan Your Budget Carefully - Grocery Shopping - Transportation: What to Know - Plan Your Nights - Resort vs Airbnb: What's Actually Cheaper - Be Careful Booking Excursions - Payment Tips - Dress Codes & Nightlife - Downtown Schedule
Tops Things You to Know Before Visiting Nassau, Bahamas
1. Nassau Is Very Expensive—Plan Your Budget Carefully
Nassau is expensive, and that’s not an exaggeration. Dining out, groceries, drinks, transportation—everything adds up fast. Part of this is due to the 10% VAT tax, which is applied to most goods and services. On top of that, restaurants and bars typically add an automatic gratuity of around 15%, and in some cases, you may also see an additional service charge.
By the time taxes and gratuity are included, restaurant bills can be significantly higher than expected. This was especially noticeable coming from New Jersey, where we’re already used to higher prices.
Pro tip: Always check your bill carefully so you understand what’s already included before tipping extra.
2. Grocery Shopping Can Be Shocking
Groceries in Nassau are very expensive, especially American products. Even basic items can feel overpriced, and costs add up quickly if you’re shopping for a family. If you’re traveling with kids or if there are items you or your family consume daily, pack them in your suitcase. Think:
Juice boxes
Fruit snacks
Oatmeal
Coffee
Breakfast staples your kids won’t go without
Packing some of these items saved us money and made mornings much easier. While groceries are generally cheaper than eating out for every meal especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the sticker shock at grocery stores is still very real, particularly for families.
Learn More: What You Need to Pack for the Bahamas
3. Transportation: You’ll Need a Car or Driver
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft do not exist in Nassau. Your main transportation options are:
Renting a car
Hiring a private driver
Using taxis (usually called by hotels or resorts)
We stayed about 6 minutes from the airport at a timeshare and chose to rent a car. Our experience was smooth, but it’s important to set expectations.
Renting a Car in Nassau: What to Know
We did not rent at the airport (and honestly don’t recall if it was even an option).
We arranged our rental in advance via WhatsApp, which is very common there.
The company met us outside baggage claim, handled paperwork on-site, and collected the security deposit and rental fee.
When we departed, they met us again at the airport to retrieve the car.
You must return the car with the same gas level it had when received.
Important lesson learned: Communicate clearly about your luggage and group size. We had four people and expected an SUV but were given a very small crossover (think Scion-size). The rental company had to follow us to the resort to transport luggage separately.
Also, don’t expect rental cars to resemble what you’d get from Enterprise, Hertz, or Budget in the U.S. They’re functional, but often older and more worn.
4. Things Close Early—Plan Your Nights
One thing that surprised us was how early many places close. Restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and even convenience stores often shut down by 10 PM. While there are exceptions, late-night options are limited, especially outside resort areas.
We stayed near Sandyport Beach Resort, which has restaurants, shops, and stores, but most were closed by 10 PM. For late-night food or drinks, we often drove to Baha Mar. They have a 24-hour restaurant called The Swimming Pig, but it wasn’t anything special.
If your accommodation has a kitchen, stock up on snacks and late-night essentials.
Read More: Sandyport Beach Resort Review: Pros & Cons
5. Resort vs Airbnb: What’s Actually Cheaper?
Large resorts like Sandals and Baha Mar are extremely expensive, but many families still choose them for the convenience. With food, kids’ activities, pools, casinos, nightlife, and entertainment all on-site, there’s no need to rent a car or worry about transportation. That said, our experience was different. Between the timeshare fees and the cost of renting a car, we ended up spending more than we would have on a newer, more modern Airbnb. Some Airbnbs even include a car with the rental, which can significantly reduce overall costs. In comparison, our timeshare felt a bit dated and run-down.
Next time, we’d choose an Airbnb especially when traveling with kids or on a budget. Having a kitchen helps offset food costs significantly and offers more flexibility throughout the day. That said, eating out may actually be cheaper than grocery shopping if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, while families tend to benefit more from buying groceries and cooking at least some meals during their stay.
6. Be Careful Booking Excursions Through Resorts
We booked a private boat excursion to swim with the pigs through our resort, assuming the price reflected convenience and quality. Once we arrived at the dock, it became clear that the same experience was being offered at a much lower cost through other operators. Excursions booked through resorts are often significantly marked up, so it’s worth taking the extra step to compare options. In some cases, you can save money by booking directly at the dock or using trusted platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Always compare prices before committing so you don’t end up paying more for the same experience.
7. Payment Tips: Carry Cards and Cash
When it comes to paying for things in Nassau, it’s best to be prepared with multiple options. While many places accept cards, situations can change quickly.
Many places in Nassau are cashless, but not everywhere.
We were dining out one night when a restaurant’s card machine went down—having cash saved us.
American Express is not widely accepted, so Visa or Mastercard is a safer option.
ATMs are available throughout the island, but withdrawal fees can be high.
8. Dress Codes & Nightlife
Some nightlife spots, especially at resorts like Baha Mar, have strict dress codes, and places like Bond Nightclub will turn you away for the wrong shoes or attire. It’s also important to expect higher drink prices and, at certain venues, a cover charge just to get in. Checking dress codes and entry requirements in advance can help you avoid disappointment and unexpected costs.
9. Downtown Nassau Has a Schedule
Downtown Nassau’s activity is closely tied to cruise ship schedules:
Cruise ships typically dock early in the morning, bringing a surge of visitors.
While ships are in port, the area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
After the ships depart in the late afternoon or early evening, many businesses close, and downtown quickly becomes quiet.
Pro tip: Plan your shopping and sightseeing in downtown Nassau earlier in the day to make the most of the activity.
Nassau is stunning, but a trip here requires careful planning especially when it comes to budgeting, transportation, meals, and accommodations. Understanding what’s costly, what closes early, and where you can save will make your vacation far more enjoyable. Whether you opt for a full-service resort for convenience or an Airbnb for flexibility, being prepared helps you avoid surprises and make the most of your time in the Bahamas. With the right planning, Nassau can be an unforgettable destination without draining your wallet.
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