Nassau, The Bahamas Report of what it's like to live there - 11/22/15
Personal Experiences from Nassau, The Bahamas
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Multiple
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
3. How long have you lived here?
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are crazy expensive. Gallon of regular milk is US$6.50 - $8.50. A bag of frozen chicken breasts is US$25. Fresh produce is sometimes good, sometimes not, always expensive. The COLA doesn't cover our increased expenses.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Artificial Christmas tree. Kayak. Stand Up Paddleboard. Tires. Desks / Bookshelves. Weight set. Scooter.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast food to high end -- it's all here. And expensive.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/Pouch
Be forewarned that shipping here, while faster than many other posts, has the worst handling of any of our previous posts. I am not sure whether it is Miami, Atlanta, or Nassau which is mishandling the boxes, but rarely do we receive a shipment which hasn't been damaged. It doesn't matter the vendor -- Amazon, Walmart, Target.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Bahamians are active, and you'll see people working out at local parks every day. This is a great post for people who love water sports, boating, kayaking, running, swimming, and more. There is a beautiful, safe run/walk path near Baha Mar resort.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Just patience to listen to the local patois, especially on the phone.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are not affordable for going to the grocery, the embassy, schools, or to see friends. Neither do the local buses seem to run to/from the places we would most likely go. Some people use the local buses during daytime, but don't bid on this post expecting to have access to public transportation. Many people get scooters to help avoid traffic to get to work quickly.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Cold A/C.
New law restricts vehicles older than 10 years.
High clearance is nice for frequent flooding.
Bring an extra tire or other supplies you anticipate needing.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
This is one of the few places that actually delivers the speed of internet you buy. We've been pleased.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a 0% differential post with critical crime. It doesn't make any sense. Murder and rape are rampant. Home invasions are increasing.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Nassau is often cleared for Med Class 2 family members, but it is because of the close proximity of care in the U.S., not because of the care available at post. Local medical care is expensive and sometimes great, sometimes not.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Beautiful sea breezes most of the time.
The dump burns and toxins are in the air for months though it isn't as bad as China.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
While expensive locally and so better to order online, the local grocery stores actually carry a wide range of specialty products (gluten-free items, almond and soy milk, etc.)
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Beautiful and temperate.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Unlike many posts, Nassau has a small Department of State presence and a large number of other agencies (CBP, Coast Guard, DEA, etc.) This is often the only overseas assignment for CBP families, and they frequently stay for 3-5 years. It's a different feel than many embassy communities.
There is a large expat community outside the embassy, and the local population is very diverse -- some are welcoming to expats and others are less so.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
10. Can you save money?
No. The extra costs here exceed the COLA, and there is no differential in spite of the critical crime threat. No R&R and high plane ticket prices to go even to Florida (yet, sanity requires occasional trips.)
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
4. But don't forget your:
Willingness to host guests!
