Can You Use US Dollars In The Bahamas? (Here’s The Truth)

The Bahamas is the closest Caribbean islands to the United States of America with Bimini being the nearest of all the islands to Florida.

The island group consists of 700 islands with New Providence being the hub of commercial activity. If you are preparing for an upcoming vacation to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, you may be wondering if you can use US dollars in the Bahamas.

US dollars and coins are widely accepted by businesses both small and large on the island. ATM machines around the island and at casinos dispense US dollars. The exchange rate of the Bahamian dollar to the US dollar is 1: 1 and hence they are used interchangeably.

What Is The Official Currency of The Bahamas

The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar since the year 1966. The currency is issued and managed by the Central Bank of The Bahamas and is divided into 100 cents.

Bank notes are available 50, 20,10,5 and $1. Coins are available in 25, 10 and 5 cent pieces. The symbol is B$.

The penny was retired from circulation on December 31^st, 2020 and is no longer a legal tender. Nevertheless, credit card payments on the island include the penny whereas rounding down or up occurs for cash payments.

As an example, if an item cost B$10.81the credit card payment will be B$10.81 and cash payment $10.80.

Do I need cash in The Bahamas?

Cash is required for ease of doing business with street vendors and other small businesses on the island.

Credit cards are readily accepted at large businesses such as supermarkets, hotels, tour companies and restaurants

Can you use Euro dollars in The Bahamas?

Euros are not accepted in The Bahamas and it is best to convert your Euros into US dollars either in your home country or either US dollars or Bahamian dollars at a local commercial bank.

Some of the main commercial banks on the island include Royal Bank Bahamas Limited and Scotiabank Bahamas Limited.

Can you use Canadian dollars in The Bahamas?

Along the same lines as the Euros, Canadian dollars are not accepted in The Bahamas and you will be required to have your bank notes converted.

Can you use British Pound Sterling dollars In The Bahamas?

Similarly, British Pound Sterling is not accepted in The Bahamas and individuals with this currency will need to have their bank notes converted.

Can you use a debit card in The Bahamas?

Debit cards can be used easily around the island. ATMs dispense local currency. Certain ATM machines dispense both currencies. ATM machines at all the casinos dispense US dollars.

Kindly note that there is usually a fee that is charged by your bank for each transaction. There are ATM machines all over the island with 24 hour access. Generally, there are fewer machines present in the smaller islands.

General Travel Tips For The Bahamas

• It is hard to convert Bahamian dollars into other currencies once you leave the Bahamas. Therefore, unless you intend to keep the monies as a memorabilia, ensure and exchange or use it while in the Bahamas.
• Due to the pandemic, many hotels accept credit cards only for both room stay and incidentals.
• Casinos on the island only accept US dollars and the ATM machines at these locations dispense US dollars.
• The hurricane season begins on June 1^st and ends November 30^th annually. If you are visiting the island during this period, it may be prudent to consider travel insurance in the event of delay or interruptions.
• Lynden Pindling International Airport is the largest international gateway located in New Providence Island.
• Be sure and visit Pig Island to swim with pigs. It is one of the unique things to do on the island.
• The Aliv Discover App located in the Google Playstore is very helpful for finding best restaurants, attractions and things to do on the island.

Final Thoughts

US dollars and coins are readily accepted by businesses in Bahamas. The rate of exchange of the Bahamian dollar to the US dollar is 1:1. Credit cards and debit cards are generally accepted retail businesses such as restaurants, supermarkets, tour companies and hotels across the island.

If you are contemplating traveling to Bahamas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less.

This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less.

Need More Information?

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