Nassau, The Bahamas Report of what it's like to live there - 05/28/24
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?
No, I've lived in cities in Latin America and Africa as expat.
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?
USA (Midwest). Easy travel to the USA. 30 minute flight from Miami, many direct connections from major US cities including Los Angeles as of 2023.
3. What years did you live here?
2023- present
4. How long have you lived here?
Less than one year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice housing, many homes near the beach with beautiful views. I do not have a beach view but am a 30-minute walk along the nicest walking path in town to the nearest beach so often jog there, and a five minute drive. Commutes to embassy range from 15-20 minutes to 45 minutes-60 minutes, depending on traffic and where you live. That being said, the entire island is only 7 miles by 21 miles, so this is not never-ending LA, ATL, or NY traffic.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find most things you are looking for at a cost. Between 30-50% more than the US for most groceries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Trash can, kayak, tires, rugs.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of great restaurants- we kee a running list. Some affordable options (thinks Applebees prices), but most are pricey (think Cheescake factory, at least $20 an entree). I love Wild Thyme, Twisted Lime, Louis and Steens, Kyma, Mi&Bis, Mexicaba, Athena Cafe, Yellowbell, and Margaritaville (my favorite fish tacos on island).
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really, but expect some bugs during the summer months. We’ve managed with exterior spray pesticides and some bug spray as needed indoors (and Terro for ants).
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It ranges. We have someone come once a week for $130, but we have a large home (about 2500 sf). Nothing like what we could afford in some previous assignments. Some people do have full time help, however.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I feel safe walking in my area, where there a great sidewalks, but this is rare on island (very few sidewalks). Nassau is relatively safe: you know where not to spend a ton of time like in any major city.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Good gyms, and several options ranging from $700 per year to $1600 per year (per person). Most people like MacFit360 or Club One, but there is also a decent gym at the Blake Road community center that is like $20 a month or something. Lots or running clubs, too.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, most resorts are cashless. Most places except smaller street vendors/fairs accepts credit cards. If you bank with Bank of America, there are not ATM fees with Scotiabank here.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many, many.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes I think so, not many sidewalks, elevators may be defunct in buildings, narrow streets downtown.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are jitney buses that run from one side of the island to the other for about $2.50. Very cheap, but they do not run on a schedule so I do not use them (many locals do, however). Other than that, taxis or your own POV. Taxis are pricey.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Do not get a Nissan Note. Popular for theft of car parts. Recommend any SUV so you have a bit of clearance when it rains (because it floods often).
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Fast and reliable. Fiber available throughout most of the island. We have not had any issues, and had our internet set up in less than a week.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Yes, get a local SIM card. We kept our US phones too and use them at home for WiFi calls back to the states.
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?
Telecommuting, some local jobs, too. Salaries are generally lower than in the US for comparable work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many. Rotary and Kiwanis are huge here.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Bahamians tend to dress up. Think British high tea fashion for the ladies (and gloves and hats are required from time to time at fancy events). If you are in shorts and a polo, you will probably be mistaken for a tourist.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really- like anywhere, use common sense. We feel safe here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not really. Major medical issues I’d go to the states. You can find a lot of specialists here, though.
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?
Good overall.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Good overall- I suffer from both and have not had any issues here.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I am aware of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid in summer, and rainy at times, mild and beautiful in spring, lovely in winter, too.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Great international schools. We’ve been happy with faculty, engagement, curriculum, extracurriculars, activities for family, and PTA from K-12. Recent grads getting into great schools abroad (US, UK, Canada) with scholarships. Look at Lyford Cay, Windsor, and Kings College- these three I can vouch for, but there are other options, too.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Lyford has accommodations- I am not sure of the details.
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?
Yes- available at the main schools mentioned above. Comparable to US private care prices.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, many. The only thing we’ve not been able to finals at the level we want is US football and cheerleading. Lots of water sports (and kids are sailing too- national sport here), and soccer, track, volleyball…
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large - more than 20,000 expats here. Not sure if there is one community so cannot really speak to overall morale. We are happy.
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?
Yes, Rotary, Kiwanis, churches.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for all. It’s easy to enjoy the beach, and pretty good food scene. Lots of events going on, too. Something to do every weekend. A lot of singles like BahaMar’s jazz bar.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes and no. It depends on if you get connected in groups, clubs, churches, and get out. Bahamians are very friendly, but to develop relationships I’d recommend something to connect you…
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No provision in the constitution and pretty conservative society. That being said, same sex diplomatic spouses can now get accredited here.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Xenophobia (Haitians).
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Atlantis waterpark, BahaMar waterpark, BahaMar water show, beach time (Goodman’s Bay, Jaws), Clifton Heritage Park, good food scene, Christmas fairs, other islands (Exuma, Eleuthera, Long Island)
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Long Island- still relatively untouched.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of handicrafts and artwork readily available. One mall on island but not a lot of big name stores and nothing to write home about. Not a big traditional clothes shopping post...I would not come here for that.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Lovely weather, nice people, little traffic, good schools.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That the streets flood most times it rains
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coat
4. But don't forget your:
Swimsuit and sunscreen
