Moving to Bahamas

What do I need to know before moving to Bahamas?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bahamas, they said:

"The Bahamas is a beautiful island nation situated in the Caribbean, offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Expats should be aware that the local language is English, so it is helpful to know the basics, although most everyday conversations will be conducted in English. It's wise to research transport options before arriving in The Bahamas as public transportation is limited. Additionally, expats should be aware that the cost of living is relatively high compared to other countries in the Caribbean, and expats may need to adjust their budget accordingly. Despite these considerations, moving to The Bahamas can still be an incredibly rewarding experience and should be a smooth transition for those prepared to live in a tropical island paradise," remarked one expat who made the move to Bahamas.

"Use these types of forums to ask questions. Use the internet to explore. Google maps was very helpful. Our process was 10 months from first interview, so we had plenty of time to research, neighborhoods, schools and shopping areas. That said, nothing can prepare you for being on the ground. If you can get the chance to do some recon, do it," explained one expat living in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

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How do I find a place to live in Bahamas?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We used a couple online real estate agents: Dupuch and Paradise Island living. Looking for anything on Paradise Island close to Atlantis," explained one expat living in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

"Saw a variety of places in the West on a prior visit and gave realtor an idea of what I liked. Recommendation from local contacts was to look out West as traffic from East into town was terrible and job was in town," said one expat in Nassau.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Bahamas?

"I live in a gated community with a pool. It's a townhouse style condo and the complex of 20 units is made up almost entirely of expats," said one expat in Nassau.

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What is the average cost of housing in Bahamas?

If you are thinking about moving to Bahamas, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Much much much higher. It varies. USD 3,000 per month will get you a decent apartment. USD 7,000 per month will get you a big house," explained one expat living in Nassau, Bahamas.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Bahamas?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Bahamas, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"When we first arrived we purchased a small condo which was rather easy to do. There are a lot of taxes and fess involved and the real estate laws are a little complicated here so it is highly recommended you get a good real estate agent involved and not purchase directly from the seller," replied a member in New Providence.

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What should I pack when moving to Bahamas?

We asked people living in Bahamas to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Only needed electronics (PC or Mac etc) and especially cables; what you can pack in checked luggage; most homes for rent/lease are furnished; would recommend purchasing just low cost housewares here (cheap plastic knockoffs) but any appliance (Air Fryer; etc) you should bring as it will cost double here to purchase plus VAT tax," commented one expat who made the move to Bahamas.

"I wish I had brought climate friendly work clothes, tech friendly items like chromecast/ firestick/ routers and tools. I wish I had left kitchen utensils and luggage items," remarked one expat in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Bahamas?

We asked people in Bahamas if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Not so much blunders as incidents that might be interesting. Eg A businessman we have to have several meetings with who would constantly ask me (as the woman) to get him another drink etc. Friendly guy but it was just automatic that the woman was expected to do this. My partner finally just told me stay seated and he made a point of getting it instead. Being on the receiving end of a misogynist joke at my expense in a shop, and me responding with a witty put down. He was somewhat taken aback," remarked one expat in Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.

"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," said one expat in Nassau.

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Why do people move to Bahamas?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Bahamas, they responded:

"The Bahamas offers expats a chance to enjoy a sunny, tropical lifestyle with a vibrant social scene and stunning natural beauty. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other parts of the world, and there are no income or capital gains taxes. Expats living in the Bahamas will also find a safe and friendly environment with a stable and modern infrastructure and world-class medical care. The country also offers excellent education opportunities and an abundance of outdoor activities and attractions," commented one expat who moved to Bahamas.

"I believe the majority of foreigners are here for retirement and tax shelters. Many foreigners are here in the banking sector while others are here working in tourism," said one expat.

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How are healthcare services Bahamas?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahamas, they replied:

"The healthcare services in the Bahamas are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in the Bahamas can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," offered one expat living in Bahamas.

"Regardless of coverage, ensure you have the ability to travel to US for any major care needs. There are many private practitioners but only two hospitals. One is for people without insurance (Princess Margaret) and the other is for people with insurance (Doctors Hospital). Ask around in your community for reliable local providers, especially for kids. We found some incredible providers this way for our children," wrote one expat living in Paradise Island.

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What are medical services in Bahamas like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bahamas, they replied:

"The medical services in the Bahamas are generally of a high standard. The country has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. The country also has a number of private medical facilities, offering a range of services from general practice to specialist care. The Bahamas also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications. In addition, the country has a number of medical insurance providers, offering coverage for medical expenses," wrote one expat living in Bahamas.

"The majority of people who can afford insurance use the local private hospital as a reference to have any real work done in the US. Probably the most advanced procedure you can have here with accuracy is MRI/CAT scans. From there, you are diagnosed and sent to US for treatment," commented one expat living in Nassau.

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