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ARRIVING AND DEPARTING
What are the entry requirements?
Visitors must bring ONE of the following, PLUS your return ticket:
1. Passport (current or expired up to 5 years maximum)
2. Birth Certificate
3. Certificate of Naturalization
Do I need to take medical shots before entering the country?
No, vaccinations are not required for visitors to The Bahamas, unless arriving from an infected area.
Is there a departure tax?
Yes, there is a departure tax of $15 per person from all islands in the Bahamas. Children under six years, with proof of age, are exempted from payment of departure tax.
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BAHAMIAN CULTURE
Is the Bahamas politically, socially and economically safe?
Bahamians have enjoyed political, economic and social stability for more than 250 years. Tourism has flourished in our islands because of our warm, friendly people, political freedoms and temperate climate.
What are the holidays in The Bahamas?
We celebrate New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter), Whit Monday (8th Monday after Easter), Labour Day (1st Friday in June), Independence Day (July 10), Emancipation Day (1st Monday in August), Columbus Day (October 12), Christmas (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26).
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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
Why is the ocean so beautiful in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas archipelago has some of the most beautiful waters on earth. The waters are virtually free of pollution, making them among the clearest and most colourful to be found anywhere. The sandy bottoms, depth of the water, coral heads and sunlight are ultimately responsible for its incandescent colours.
Where is The Bahamas located?
The Bahamas comprises 700 low-lying islands and cays that stretch over 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean between the southeastern tip of Florida and northern Hispaniola. The northernmost island, Bimini, is just 25 minutes by plane from Florida. Nassau is the capital city, located on the island of New Providence. About 29 of the islands are well inhabited with the infrastructure to support tourism. Some of these islands are Andros, Abaco (Home of the Banyan Beach Club Resort), Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Grand Bahama Island, New Providence (Nassau & Paradise) Island, Long Island, Cat Island and Bimini.
Is crime a problem in The Bahamas?
As in any country, there is some crime. Fortunately, crime is kept to a minimum in Treasure Cay, where many residents still refuse to lock there doors. Bahamians are a warm and friendly people, but we do ask that you exercise the usual measure of caution.
Is the Bahamas part of the United States?
No. The Bahamas is an independent country and a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
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GETTING AROUND
How can I get to Treasure Cay, Abaco?
Convenient regularly scheduled airline service and charter flights are available. The Banyan Beach Club is just 7 miles from the Treasure Cay Airport (Airport code: TCB) and some 21 miles from the Marsh Harbour Airport (Airport code: MHH). See "Getting Here" for more information. Private pilots see Pilots and yachtsmen see Boaters.
What is the approximate taxi fare to or from Treasure Cay Airport or Marsh Harbour?
All taxis are government controlled. Accompanied children under three years ride free.
To / from The Banyan Beach Club and Treasure Cay Airport: approximately $14.00 for two passengers, plus $5 per additional passenger
To / from The Banyan Beach Club and Marsh Harbour Airport: approximately $65.00 for two passengers, plus $5 per additional passenger
What are my transportation options at Treasure Cay, around Abaco, or to neighboring islands?
Cars, golf carts, scooters, and bicycles can be rented by contacting The Banyan Beach Club's front desk. Taxis are readily available at all times, and several local island restaurants provide complimentary taxi service for dinners. Boats can be rented from JIC Rentals, and you can travel by regularly scheduled ferry boats to New Plymouth on Green Turtle
Cay and to Hopetown on Elbow Cay. This service to the out islands is provided through the mailboats. Although principally outfitted for freight, they offer passage to travellers for a minimal fee.
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MONEY
Can I spend U.S. dollars in The Bahamas?
Yes. The United States dollar is on par with the Bahamian dollar.
Are things expensive in The Bahamas?
Prices in The Bahamas are comparable to other destinations. Prices vary in relation to the product. Some luxury items, for example liquor, perfume, watches, or photography equipment, can be more reasonably priced than in the Unites States. Breadbasket items tend to be more expensive than in the United States. Below are some examples of food prices in Nassau / Paradise Island (CPI August 1997):
1/2 gal. milk: $2.20
1 loaf Natures Own Bread: $2.49
1 doz. ex. large eggs: $1.35
1 gal. bottled water: $1.25
5 lbs Uncle Ben's Rice: $3.75
Tropicana Orange Juice: $4.98
18 oz. Kelloggs Corn Flakes: $3.68
1 pack filter cigarettes: $4.50
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FOOD AND DINING
What food can I bring to The Bahamas?
Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products. All meats must be canned or frozen. Note: To save on food costs, our guests are always encouraged to bring one suitcase full of canned items, meats, cheeses and other goodies with them to the resort.
What foods are available in local markets?
Since The Banyan Beach Club provides fully-equipped kitchens, you may want to shop at one our nearby food stores. They sell a range of familiar foods, beverages and drugstore items, along with local fruits and vegetables in season.
What is Bahamian food like?
Bahamian food is high in carbohydrates but very flavourful. Some of our staples include peas 'n' rice, macaroni, boiled or fried fish, steamed conch and johnny cake. A favourite among visitors is the conch, an aphrodisiac, which is served as chowder or a salad. Tropical drinks include Rum Punch, Bahama Mama, Goombay Smash and Yellow Bird.
Is the drinking the water OK?
The water is drinkable, but we recommend bottled water for drinking. It is readily available at several local markets and at our resort.
How much food & liquor can I bring into The Bahamas?
A visitor can bring a quart of alcoholic beverage, a quart of wine, two hundred cigarettes or 50 cigars.
What is the common tipping policy?
Most restaurants include a 15% gratuity in the bill.
What kind of local dining is available near Banyan Beach Club?
First, make sure to visit the Sand
Bar, our new beachfront Bar and Grill located on property and open 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm. In addition, Treasure Cay features many fine restaurants, most of which provide Free transportation.
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WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS
Is The Banyan Beach Club ideal for honeymoons?
Its a perfect spot for honeymooners and our Wedding Planning Services are always Free!!
We can arrange weddings from 2 to 150 people. Most of our weddings are casual beach front
bare foot weddings, but we will taylor make your perfect wedding setting.
What is necessary for foreign nationals to marry in The Bahamas?
Couples can be married after being resident resident in The Bahamas for 24 hours. Both parties must bring along birth certificates and photo ID's. Persons who are divorced must bring along their final divorce decree (original or certified with raised seal). U.S. residents only are required to make a sworn declaration either at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau / Paradise Island (a $50 fee) or at the office of a Bahamian Notary Public (a $15 fee) if they have never been married. Other nationals (both parties) are required to bring sworn affidavits in English stating that the parties concerned were never married. No blood tests required. For more information, please call toll-free at 1(888) NUPTUAL, or contact the Ministry of Tourism's People-to-People / Weddings Department at tel: (242) 356-0435-8 or call the Registrar General's office at (242) 322-3316, or contact the Bahamas Tourist Office nearest you.
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WEATHER
What clothing can I wear in The Bahamas?
Summer clothing can be worn year-round. However a sweater or light jacket may be desired for some early mornings and evenings in the winter. All Abaco area restaurants allow casual dress.
What is the average temperature in The Bahamas?
For the latest information on weather in The Bahamas please consult
local weather. The Bahamas has a temperate climate ranging from 80-90 degrees fahrenheit with high humidity in the summer months to 70-80 degrees fahrenheit in the winter. Night-time temperatures are generally cooler by 5-7 degrees. Sea surface temperatures vary between 74 degrees in February and 84 degrees in August.
When is the rainy season?
The Bahamas experiences some rain year round, however the months of May through October constitute the rainy season.
Should I avoid visiting the Bahamas during the hurricane season?
The months of June to November constitute the hurricane season. The weather does influence travel decisions and oftimes inaccurate reporting of information on hurricanes results in needless
cancellations by U.S. travelers. Ninety percent of the time the weather in these months is
some of the best of the year. The Bahamas hoteliers, including The Banyan Beach Club Resort, have instituted a Hurricane Hotel Policy for vacationers which states that visitors who cancel a Bahamas vacation during a hurricane will receive an immediate refund with no penalties. If caught on-island during a hurricane, they would be extended the lowest possible rate and all possible courtesies. Before you travel we advise that you monitor the Weather Channel in your city for accurate coverage on hurricanes travelling in the Bahamas and Caribbean regions.
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SPECIAL SERVICES
Are there tax incentives for meetings or special groups in The Bahamas?
The "How do U.S. Planners Deduct The Cost of A Meeting Held in The Bahamas" guide provides answers to questions regarding tax incentives for special groups visiting the country. Call toll-free 1(888) GROUPS1 for more information.
How can I contact the Out Islands Promotion Board?
The Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. office: tel (954) 359-8099 fax: (954) 359-8098. You may call toll-free (800) 688-4752 or call The Travel Desk at 1 (800) 513-5535.
Whom do I contact if I have a complaint about The Bahamas?
Complaints can be forwarded to the Visitor Relations Units of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in Nassau / Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island or to the local tourist offices in Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma or Harbour Island, or you can contact the help line at (242) 326-4357.
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AGE REQUIREMENTS
What is the legal age for gambling?
The minimum legal gambling age is eighteen.
What is the legal age for drinking?
The age of legal majority in the Bahamas is eighteen.
Can kids under ten years travel to The Bahamas?
Yes, children under the age of ten can travel to The Bahamas, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children from the United States can travel using a birth certificate or a passport. Children from Europe and other countries will need passports for entry into The Bahamas.
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TREASURE CAY
What nightlife is there at Treasure Cay?
Overall Treasure Cay is a pretty
quiet laid back area. At night the Typsy Seagull is the place to be. You can hear Chris
the Burner playing everything from Bahamian Soca to Tom Jones late into the night four
nights a week.
What churches hold services near Treasure Cay?
Churches of most religious denominations
are within 5 miles of Banyan Beach Club.
Are there any casinos at Treasure Cay?
Not at this time.
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APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS
What appliances are supplied at Banyan Beach Club?
Central air conditioning, color television (with premium cable service), telephones and fully-equipped all-electric kitchens are standard in all units at Banyan Beach Club. Also supplied are steam irons and ironing boards. Coin washing machines and dryers are conveniently located at The Banyan Beach Club for guest use.
What is the electrical voltage?
The electrical voltage is generally the same as that of the United States (120 voltage 60 cycles). Banyan Beach Club has standard US-style electrical outlets.
Can I take my laptop computer to The Bahamas?
Yes. On arrival, you will have to fill out a Declaration of Value form and Bahamas Customs will make note of the make, model and serial number of the computer.
Will my cellular phone operate in The Bahamas?
If you wish to use your cellular phone while in The Bahamas you should first register it with the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation. You can call them at tel: (242) 394-4000 or by fax at (242) 394-3573.
At this time only Cingular Wireless phones gain signal in the Abaco's. Soon service will
be available for all GSM phones.
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SHOPPING
What are the duty free shopping policies?
U.S. residents, including minors, can take home duty free purchases up to $600 providing they have been out of the country for 48 hours. Items, which must be purchased from duty free stores, include crystal, liquor, linen, leather, jewelry, porcelain and souvenirs. United Kingdom residents are allowed 2 litres (67 oz) of spirits, (one of which must be manufactured in the Bahamas or Caribbean) 200 cigarettes or a half pound of tobacco, and duty free exemption on other goods up to a total value of 145 pounds. There are three categories for Canadian residents: A 24-hour visitor - $50.00 duty free on return. A 48-hour visitor - $200.00 duty free. A Canadian visitor staying longer than 48 hours - $500 duty exemption. The latter being allowed only once per annum.
What newspapers are available in Treasure Cay?
US and Local newspapers are available throughout Treasure Cay usually within one day of publication.
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PETS
Can I bring my pet to Banyan Beach Club?
Yes, we welcome small pets. However you need an approved permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. An application can be mailed to you, or you can write a letter to the Director of Agriculture, attn. Permit Section, Post Office Box N-3704, Nassau, Bahamas. In the letter please include your full name and address and the expected date of arrival into the country. Additionally, particulars on the pet, e.g. sex, age, breed, country of export, final destination in the Bahamas. The pet must be six months or older. Any younger and it will be refused entry into the country. There is an application fee of US$10 (cash or money order only) for one or more of the same type of animal. If you are in a hurry and need a faxed copy of the permit, the cost would be US $15.00 for the copy and the original would be forwarded by mail.
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