The Bahamas Travel Safety

Road safety

Use caution when driving in The Bahamas. Traffic accidents frequently result in injuries and death. Bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport. Road construction is not always well marked. Roads are generally adequate in major cities, but in poor condition in rural areas. Drunk driving is common.

Taxis

Taxis do not use meters, therefore, it is best to negotiate the price before you get in. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care late at night. After dusk, avoid travelling on local buses on routes outside of the main tourist areas.

Women's safety

Sexual assaults are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some incidents, the victim was drugged. Based on the crime situation of the Bahamas, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Scams

Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Secure your valuables, passports and travel documents in your hotel room safe. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Never leave your personal belongings unattended in restaurants or bars, or at the beach. Withdraw or exchange money at automated teller machines or exchange bureaus during daylight hours only, or inside reputable financial institutions, hotels and plazas. Do not exchange money on the street. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making withdrawals. Check your credit card statements regularly for potential fraud or unauthorized charges. When driving, keep your car doors locked and your windows rolled up. Never get out of your car to remove items blocking the road - this could be a ploy by armed assailants to rob you. Keep valuables out of sight in your parked vehicle. Stay alert to your surroundings, even in areas normally considered safe. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Crime increases during the holidays.

Crime

Crime, including violent crime, occurs mainly on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. Incidents of robbery take place in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even in day light hours. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. There has been an increase in muggings, armed robberies, home invasions and sexual assault targeting tourists in the cities of Nassau and Freeport. Avoid non-tourist neighbour hoods in downtown Nassau, especially at night, where the crime accounts for much of Bahamas high murder rate. Sexual assault occurs frequently, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships and on the beach. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, do not consume any drugs and don't accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers. Due to incidents of sexual assault, it is recommended to be wary when embarking on jet-ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators. Opportunistic crime, including petty theft and purse snatching, occurs frequently in tourist areas.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

LGBT

Local attitudes towards the LGBT community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. In the Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. However, LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You must have third-party insurance, which you can obtain at any port of entry. You must carry an International Driving Permit.