Living in Bahamas

"Expats considering retiring in the Bahamas should consider the cost of living as well as the local culture. Before deciding to retire in the Bahamas, expats should familiarize themselves with the different visa requirements and ensure they comply with them. Additionally, expats should be aware that property ownership is restricted in certain areas and that different taxes may apply. Lastly, expats should research the local infrastructure, such as hospital and medical care availability, as well as transportation and accessibility options," said one expat who made the move to Bahamas.

"Really take a close look at the cost of living before deciding. Everything is much more expensive here then it would be in most parts of the world. As an example a car here will cost about double the value in the USA. If you import it they add 75-80% duty on the value they determine (along with all the freight costs it quickly gets to 100% on top of the value) and if you purchase here the prices are already about double the price in the USA to begin with. Rent, Water and electricity are also very expensive here. This is not a location you would come to in order to lower your cost of living and "stretch" your salary but if you can afford the high cost of living the weather, beaches and people are quite inviting," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"There is a large expat community in New Providence so it is easy to find others with the same interests as you. We have met most of our friends through the school which our children attend but there are also women's clubs, a Foodie group, running clubs, rugby leagues, a ball hockey league, sailing groups a kiwi club, a humane society that you can volunteer at and all other kinds of clubs and organizations. In addition you can find groups on Facebook of people living here on the island. There are also club houses on the island that you can purchase memberships at and meet people through as well, these tend to be more expensive then the cost of a similar club in North America," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"Expats living in the Bahamas often join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sailing, diving, golfing, fishing, and tennis. There are also many popular expat hangouts, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Expats can also meet people by attending expat get-togethers and events, volunteering, attending sports leagues, or joining a church or other religious organization. Additionally, many neighborhoods in the Bahamas have their own ways of bringing locals and expats together, such as block parties, festivals, and other celebrations," said one expat in Bahamas.

"It is a vast range of differences. The range is from very hardworking individuals that are employed by the banks, hotels etc which get very little time off to enjoy the island to the ultra rich with family money that spend most of their time living up the easy life and everything in between. We are considered a medium class family back home in Canada and so we are somewhere in the middle and spend most of our free time with our three children visiting and attending youth sports and clubs. Their is a vibrant night life scene but it can become fairly expensive quickly. The beach is a big draw in the warm months but locals do not swim in the winter months and so they are normally fairly empty at that time of the season," remarked one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"Life in The Bahamas is a mix of stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a laidback, relaxed atmosphere. Expats and digital nomads find it easy to settle in and make friends in the welcoming, diverse communities. The beaches offer a host of recreational activities, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, while the cafes and restaurants make it easy to find a bite or drinks. Shopping and nightlife are available in many of the local towns, with the bonus of low prices. The main international airport makes it easy to take off to other islands or countries for short trips. What’s more, there’s the bonus of dependable sunshine and the warmth of the Caribbean," wrote one member in Bahamas.

"The Bahamas is generally considered to be a safe destination with a low crime rate, particularly when compared to other Caribbean countries. However, crimes such as theft and taxi scams still occur in Nassau and Freeport, the country’s two largest cities. In particular, tourists should take care to protect their belongings when walking through unknown neighborhoods or when using public transportation. Additionally, petty street crime such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching is on the rise in certain areas, so travelers should always be aware of their surroundings," remarked one expat who made the move to Bahamas.

"Yes, unfortunately the crime rate is fairly high. The Murder rate is extremely high for the population. Most of the crime happens in the sketchy areas and is drug or gang related so does not affect us directly. However be careful with your money in town as robberies are fairly common for those who do not take precautions," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"The Bahamas has a diverse population, with approximately 46 different ethnicities represented. People from many different backgrounds live and interact peacefully in the Bahamas. There is an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance towards different cultures, religions, and lifestyles in the Bahamas, and individuals from different backgrounds are accepted without prejudice," remarked one expat living in Bahamas.

"Again there is a large diversity on the island due to the high amount of expats from all around the world. Most of the locals are quite religious and attend church weekly. They are accepting of differences and I have not had any trouble with either locals or expats because of my different religious, racial or cultural views. It is of course important as with anywhere to respect their differences and not try to change them (we are the visitors after all). Financially the differences even among the locals ranges widely from extremely poor struggling to maintain a roof over their heads to ultra rich living in Mansions on the water. It is important to recognize these differences when living here," wrote one member in New Providence.

"It is a nice school, if you get the teachers on your side they will help you out. It has the smallest teacher to student ratio and the only school on the island that provides IGCSE & IB. BGCSE offered at the other schools is not rigorous enough for university entrance in Europe but ok for US (lower to middle tier universities) if you have children of that age," commented one expat when asked about Lucaya International in Freeport.

"Think it is important that you make a point to come and visit and see for yourself if you can. Enroll early," explained one expat in Nassau, Bahamas with kids at Lyford Cay International School.

"The cost of living in the Bahamas can vary depending on where you choose to live. Generally, prices for food and utilities are on the higher side but other expenses, such as accommodation and transportation, are relatively affordable. Rent is typically high in larger cities and areas popular with tourists, but other areas are more affordable. In general, living in the Bahamas is more expensive than living in the US, but the country offers a unique lifestyle and a beautiful natural environment to enjoy," explained one expat living in Bahamas.

"This is of course a loaded question as it depends on your personal level of comfort. As mentioned above there are billionaires living here and so they live a much higher living standard then your average retired couple. We also have teacher friends that are living here on their salaries in 1/12 apartments but living well and going out with friends so if you have enough income to get a permit to reside you can find a way to live here within that means," said one expat in New Providence.

"Definitely on the high end. Almost all goods are imported and there is a very large duty fee for just about everything. COL is also high as many of the safer places to live come with a larger price tag. We have seen Paradise Island 2-3 bedroom condos from $2500-$5000 a month. The same product 'across the bridge' in Nassau will run about half of that," commented one expat who moved to Paradise Island.

"The cost of living in Bahamas is generally considered to be quite high for the average traveler. Generally, larger cities such as Nassau have the highest cost of living. Rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Bahamas can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per month. A dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Bahamas can cost anywhere from $50 - $80 USD," said one expat.

"We love the beach and sun. We walk to or take the golf cart to Cabbage Beach (public side) via the Paradise Island Resort entrance. It is on the east side of the island but well away from the public beach near Atlantis which is covered in tourists, vendors and others. Paradise Island Resort also has a small market that serves alcohol as well. We golf at the Ocean Club Golf Course. Fantastic and beautiful club and course. There are also three other courses in Nassau: Lyford Cay (private), Albany (private) and The Blue Course (Bahamar Resort). Most if not all of these have tennis. It is common to boat to some of the family islands for the day or weekend. Several charters from any marina if you don't have a boat. It may take a couple months to figure all the activities out and what is good for you but it will be worth it. Oh, snorkling, freediving and spear fishing are very popular," remarked one expat in Paradise Island.

"Residents of the Bahamas enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, golf courses, tennis courts, and marinas. There are also a number of water sports available, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spas and resorts to choose from. Additionally, there are a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites. Finally, the Bahamas is home to a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," wrote one expat living in Bahamas.

"Tropical temperate. Humidity is high most of the year with temp ranging from 50-90 degrees. Rain comes and goes quickly. Hurricane season is one to watch as even if one does not hit your island, the affects from afar are felt in the tides and wave swells," mentioned an expat living in Paradise Island.

"The Bahamas have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F) and the humidity is usually high. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the most rain falling in September and October. The islands are also prone to hurricanes during the summer and fall months," said an expat in Bahamas.

"One of the most popular restaurants in the Bahamas is Graycliff Restaurant. Located in Nassau, this restaurant is known for its exquisite cuisine and luxurious atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to classic Bahamian dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner. Another popular restaurant in the Bahamas is The Poop Deck. Located in Nassau, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor. The menu features a variety of dishes, from classic Bahamian dishes to international cuisine. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a special occasion. The Fish Fry is another popular restaurant in the Bahamas. Located in Nassau, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, from classic Bahamian dishes to international cuisine. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a casual dinner. Finally, The Flying Fish is a popular restaurant in the Bahamas. Located in Nassau, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor. The menu features a variety of dishes, from classic Bahamian dishes to international cuisine. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a special occasion," said one expat living in Bahamas.

"Anything and everything you want. A lot of tropical vibes with seafood as the prominent choice. Touristy to home made, it is all here. Suggest for the more intimate experiences to find one of the main spots in the hotels," mentioned one expat inParadise Island.

"Fresh Markets and Super Value are two food chains that service as major grocery stores. The latter being a bit less pricey and offers discounts for repeat business. Fresh Market has a wider assortment of expat delights but is far more expensive. Suggest Lowes for cleaning supplies, pharmacy and baby supplies. We shop Super Value for a big shop of necessities. Lowes for baby stuff and disposables. Fresh Market for meat and fish. The Marathon Mall has a store called, Kelleys, which is similar to a Walmart/Target," said an expat in Paradise Island.

"People living in the Bahamas typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and markets. Additionally, many people shop at larger chain stores such as Walmart, Kmart, and Target. There are also a variety of specialty stores, such as health food stores, that offer a wide selection of items. Additionally, many people shop online for groceries and other items," remarked one expat in Bahamas.

"You must have a job to get a visa to live. The job must convince the government no Bahamanian can do your job before the residency/work visa is permitted. You can qualify for residency visa when you purchase a home for more than $350k-$500k. That number may vary depending on which island. this can be a very lengthy process," remarked one expat living in Paradise Island.

"The Bahamas has both a visa and residency requirements for foreigners who wish to visit or stay. Visitors from certain countries must apply for a visa from a Bahamian embassy or online before traveling to the Bahamas; a valid passport is required for the visa application. To apply for a permanent residency, foreigners must submit a form to the Department of Immigration, along with a valid passport and supporting documents such as birth and marriage certificates. They are also required to pay the applicable residency fees and have their passport photograph taken. Applicants must also provide supporting documents that demonstrate financial stability, such as proof of income, and will be subject to a background check. Once approved, a resident’s permit is valid for five years and can be renewed," said one expat living in Bahamas.

"I have found that the health insurance costs is more related to your health history then where you choose to live. Exclusions in new policies are common if you have a history of certain health problems. I have expat insurance as well as international health care insurance and have found them to be adequate in paying for both emergency situations as well as routine costs. The one problem has always been that I must pay for many services on my own first and then have it reimbursed by the health care provider, this can be hard on the cash flow if you don't have the money put aside for an emergency situation," commented one expat living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"Before our health insurance kicked in at work our daughter needed stitches. We initially went to PM for treatment but after several hours wait a coworker assisted us to a private provider down the street. The cost at PM to be registered was $150. We lost that. The total cost at the private provider was approx $800 not including meds which were about $150. Work health insurance appears pretty good. We have a moderate copay and are accepted most places...even in united states," remarked one expat living in Paradise Island.