5 Tips for Living in Nassau in the Bahamas

Expats who choose to live in the Bahamas can explore a Caribbean paradise. Find out what it means to call Nassau, on the island of New Providence, your home.

What expat hasn't dreamed of moving to the Bahamas to live not just overseas, but by the sea? Although expats will find 700 islands, cays, and islets for expats to explore, many expats choose Nassau as their home in the Bahamas. Here are some important tips to consider when considering Nassau as a potential home abroad.

Nassau is on the Island of New Providence

Nassau, which is the capital of the Bahamas, is located on the island of New Providence. At nearly 250,000 people, the city of Nassau contains about 70% of the entire population of the Bahamas.s

Contact Bahamas Immigration or an Attorney About Work Permits

For information regarding permits (work, spousal, etc.) it is best to speak directly to Bahamas Immigration or contact a local attorney for advice or information. Because each situation is different than the next (forums are made up of Americans, Canadians, Cubans, Etc..), any advice you receive on permits are typically pertaining to the individual, not the whole.

English Is Spoken In Nassau

One expat married to a citizen of the Bahamas reported that "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?"

Nassau Has Tons of Great Restaurants

The restaurants in Nassau offer expats all kinds of international cuisine besides Bahamian Cuisine.

Consider A Gated Community

One expat who moved to Nassau wrote that "the security was very important to us. We live in a gated community." Another reported expats should "Consider traffic and safety when choosing" a place to live. A third expat in Nassau advised expats to "look for security first and foremost" and that "gated communities feels safest if you are alone."

More about Nassau

Healthcare in Bahamas

Expats in The Bahamas share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in The Bahamas. Advice about emergency services on smaller islands, flying to Florida for care, ambulance services, prescription medicine and having a baby in the Bahamas.

Moving to Nassau

Work with a good realtor. Talk to people and look at websites. Look for "security" first and foremost. Gated community feels safest if you are alone.

Moving to Nassau

When you're moving to the Bahamas, pack everything in plastic boxes to keep the cockroaches away, consider finding a home in a gated community for better security and make sure you have a extra room for your many guests!

Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance in Nassau

An expat living in Nassau, Bahamas talks about the quality of healthcare in the Bahamas. He explained that the hospitals and clinics in the Bahamas provide care more quickly than in this home country of Canada. Also, many expats in need of specialized care take a quick trip to Florida.

Retirement in Coral Harbour

An expat who retired in Coral Harbour, Bahamas talks about what it's like living there - from the thriving nightlife to the lack of big stores, financial requirements for permanent residence and healthcare.

Culture Shock in Nassau

An expat in the Bahamas says that learning to throw away schedules and live on island time in one of the most challenging aspects of living in the Bahamas. But, he also explains how the laid back lifestyle and less stressful work environment is one of the most rewarding aspects... you have more time to listen to and be present for your children.

Culture Shock in Nassau

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.

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Expats in The Bahamas: Pros and Cons of Living in The Bahamas

Expats in the Bahamas discuss the pros and cons of living in the Bahamas. Topics covered include meeting people, the friendly Bahamians, beautiful beaches, schools, go-with-the-flow attitude, cost of living and the lack of eldercare facilities. Expats in the Bahamas have specific advice about where to live if you have kids and want to meet people.

11 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in The Bahamas

Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program

Spend a year working remotely from the Bahamas with their new Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program. Plus, you can apply online and get approved in 5 days.