Paradise Beach in Nassau, Bahamas
One expat in the Bahamas advised those considering a move there to visit the island several times before making a commitment to live there, make sure the paperwork is in order and know what they getting into prior to coming. She went on to explain that the island is quite segregated and prices are extremely high.
Nassau
No, I had a Bahamian boyfriend and had bought a time share before moving.
No...unless Bahamian-ese is considered a language. The dialect is different but it's still English. Takes a bit of getting used to and understanding. I still ask my husband "Huh? What did you say?"
No, I was a bit naive. I simply figured I'm Black, they're Black, how hard can it be? It was extremely challenging!
Very.
All of them. As a tourist I was in the honeymoon + irritation stage. When I first moved here, I was often in the irritation + anger stage. Now, several years (and a couple moves back to the US) later, I'm in the adjustment + acceptance stage.
I was very lonely and depressed back in 2006 when I first moved here. I ran back to California as fast as I could! But I loved my fiancée and we were having our first child. I still remained home as I wasn't ready to come back yet. When I had my second child and finally married, I moved back.
Although its still a little lonely not quite fitting in with the locals, I've got my expat group and my family...I'm happy.
Their appreciation for their history.
Lack of professionalism, laid back attitude in industries that should move swiftly, prices, customs duties, lack of activities for children.
Yes, too many to name but the one that stands out is refusing to pay 15% gratuity on service/no service and complaining on a regular basis to managers!
Know what you are getting into prior to coming. The island seems pretty segregated. I'm from California and lived in Miami where everyone got along, mixed and mingled. I see that rarely here and it's bothersome.
Visit the island several times before making a commitment to reside. Make sure to have your paperwork in order.
Understand that anything you order and have shipped it will be charged duties and freight charges. If you use recoup one or receive discounts on items and those savings are listed on an invoice, you pay FULL PRICE regardless of the discount.
Prices are extremely high for everything. Cash is better than using credit cards as both the Bahamas and your bank will charge you ridiculous fees. Don't use your credit cards without keeping notes and track of where you used them. Check your account daily as credit card number theft is high.
Everything shuts down by 10:00 PM. There are no "7-elevens" or Circle K's here. If you need food, fast is your main option after 9 PM. Bars and restaurants may be open later but not much.
Traffic can be a nightmare. People drive how they want, not how they should or what's dictated by law.
People expect to get tipped for everything...pumping gas, bagging groceries, etc. be aware that when you buy food, they have youngsters pack the bags and carry them out. Be prepared to tip up to $5.
Prices on shelves are NOT reflected on the items you may purchase. Be aware that shelf prices are not changed regularly.
Prices on items are not the prices you will be charged. If a bag of chips have $3.99 stamped on them, rest assured you'll pay $5.99 for them or more.
You won't find gas prices posted. You'll have to ask. Most gas is over $5 per gallon.
I have visited several times both Nassau & Freeport. My fiancé is Freeport and we're seriously considering the move. I love his family & they love me, so i don't think the social aspect would be as bad. However, what about jobs & schools for my children? Do you have any take on this? You have two children, right?
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