Bahamas Shopping

The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$), but it’s tied to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio and US dollars are accepted everywhere at par. There is thus no need for Americans to change money, and many tourist-oriented businesses will even give change back in US$. Do keep an eye out for the famous (but now rare) three-dollar bill and 15-cent coin, both originally made to ease the 1966 transition from pounds to dollars, $3 being roughly equivalent to £1 and $0.15 approximating a shilling.

There is very little made in the Bahamas, but some luxury goods can be purchased at a bargain. Cuban cigars are also readily available. Salespeople in the straw market have a very direct but often humorous manner of negotiating the price of a product. A sense of humor is greatly appreciated in this island nation.