About mjahrens

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Bahamas: Cost of Living:

I live on a family island, but I find the COL in Nassau across the board 20% higher than in Miami excluding rent. Rent is 25% cheaper than in Miami. There are plenty of websites that will give you specific cost comparisons of specific goods contrasted to specific world cities. Just google "cost of living Nassau". You'll find updated info to date

Bahamas: traveling with pets?:

There are 2 forms required . 1. Pet Import Application and 2. International Health Certificate. You obtain both from the Bahamian Department of Agriculture. The application cost $10. The International Certificate you take to your vet and get your pet examined. There must be also proof of rabies vaccination. You then can bring the pet into the country, but must be done within 48 hours of the exam. Airlines are the ones who check your paperwork. Bahamas Air, Jet Blue, and American Airlines charge $75, $100, and $125 respectively. Pets must go into carrier which fits under the seat. When returning to the US, no paperwork is required and no one checks anything since the Bahamas are not currently on a disease watch list. When requesting the Application form, you often have to call several times. Sometimes it has taken us 2 weeks, sometimes 2 months. Here's a place to start. http://www.bahamas.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/bahamas_application_to_import_domestic_animals_in_tiotb.pdf

Bahamas: Homeowners Certificate:

There are two types of homeowner's certificates and they are tied to the value of the property you own. If value is $250K or above, you can apply for a certificate. You are considered a resident. The main benefits are you get to bring in more duty free, you can come and go unrestricted, stay as long as you want, do not need a return ticket to enter the country (no one ever asks except Jet Blue, but this is a royal pain), and you can use the often very shorter Bahamian immigration lines. The residence card is good for you and family and is renewable each year. For me this is important. I live here year round, but must travel worldwide every 2-3 weeks, and never know my schedule. Plus, I love this country and its people and am proud to be a resident. If your property is greater than $500K, you can get a permanent residence card.

Bahamas: VAT query:

Hello Sailor Bob Yes there are VAT exemptions. In areas of high volume visitor traffic where most sales are to visitors, the govt has set up VAT exemption zones. I think all of these coincide with duty free zones. You can get a refund on the spot or at ports or the airports. Unfortunately, there is no exemption for hotels etc in tourist spots even though this meets the definition!

Bahamas: Andros:

Sorry I overlooked the message. am on Andros. How can I help you?

Date Joined:

3/25/2016

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