FAQs
1. What are the entry requirements? A valid passport is needed to enter the Bahamas.
2. Where do I clear customs? At the first point of entry into the country. If you are going through Nassau then you will clear customs there. If you are landing on Eleuthera from the US then you will clear customs on Eleuthera.
3. Do I need any special inoculations? No.
4. How much time should I allow to make my connection in Nassau? At least an hour and a half. You will have to collect bags, clear customs, switch terminals, and go through airport security again. Plan accordingly.
5. Can I bring food? Yes, but no fresh produce or vegetables. It is best to freeze meat and use it as your ice blocks. Some airlines consider frozen ice blocks to be liquid. Check with your airlines.
6. Can I bring pets? Yes, but you have to file for an import license. Be aware that there are many restrictions governing bringing pets in and out of the island. You will likely be required to get a recent vet approved health certificate as well as a recent rabies shot or proof thereof. In addition, there is an application and a fee.
7. What type of electricity is used? 110v, the same as in the US.
8. Is the water safe to drink? We recommend using bottled water especially at the house as our house water is rain water that is collected into a cistern tank under the house.
9. Will my cell phone work? Probably. Check with your carrier for specific coverage areas and roaming charges. Be careful with data roaming while on Eleuthera. It can get very expensive, very quickly.
10. Is Eleuthera safe? Yes, it is very safe. We do have a wall safe at the house for extra security and we do recommend locking the house when you leave as there is occasional petty theft on the island.
11. What about medical services? The nearest clinic is located in Governor's Harbour. The nearest pharmacy is in Spanish Wells.
12. Are bugs a problem? Yes, they can be. The island has mosquitoes and no-see-ums. The mosquitoes tend to come out at dusk and dawn. The no-see-ums will be present unless there is a breeze or cooler temperatures. No-see-ums turn dormant if the temperature is low so consider using the A/C to help. We recommend bringing and using a bug spray with deet. Different people have different sensitivity levels to both the bites and the after effect.
13. I am arriving on Sunday. Will stores be open? Restaurants will be open, but most other stores close in the morning. Consider having food stocked, bringing your own, or eating out if you are arriving on Sunday.
14. When is the best time to grocery shop? Tuesday is the day that fresh supplies arrive. It is generally advisable to shop either on Tuesday or shortly thereafter.
2. Where do I clear customs? At the first point of entry into the country. If you are going through Nassau then you will clear customs there. If you are landing on Eleuthera from the US then you will clear customs on Eleuthera.
3. Do I need any special inoculations? No.
4. How much time should I allow to make my connection in Nassau? At least an hour and a half. You will have to collect bags, clear customs, switch terminals, and go through airport security again. Plan accordingly.
5. Can I bring food? Yes, but no fresh produce or vegetables. It is best to freeze meat and use it as your ice blocks. Some airlines consider frozen ice blocks to be liquid. Check with your airlines.
6. Can I bring pets? Yes, but you have to file for an import license. Be aware that there are many restrictions governing bringing pets in and out of the island. You will likely be required to get a recent vet approved health certificate as well as a recent rabies shot or proof thereof. In addition, there is an application and a fee.
7. What type of electricity is used? 110v, the same as in the US.
8. Is the water safe to drink? We recommend using bottled water especially at the house as our house water is rain water that is collected into a cistern tank under the house.
9. Will my cell phone work? Probably. Check with your carrier for specific coverage areas and roaming charges. Be careful with data roaming while on Eleuthera. It can get very expensive, very quickly.
10. Is Eleuthera safe? Yes, it is very safe. We do have a wall safe at the house for extra security and we do recommend locking the house when you leave as there is occasional petty theft on the island.
11. What about medical services? The nearest clinic is located in Governor's Harbour. The nearest pharmacy is in Spanish Wells.
12. Are bugs a problem? Yes, they can be. The island has mosquitoes and no-see-ums. The mosquitoes tend to come out at dusk and dawn. The no-see-ums will be present unless there is a breeze or cooler temperatures. No-see-ums turn dormant if the temperature is low so consider using the A/C to help. We recommend bringing and using a bug spray with deet. Different people have different sensitivity levels to both the bites and the after effect.
13. I am arriving on Sunday. Will stores be open? Restaurants will be open, but most other stores close in the morning. Consider having food stocked, bringing your own, or eating out if you are arriving on Sunday.
14. When is the best time to grocery shop? Tuesday is the day that fresh supplies arrive. It is generally advisable to shop either on Tuesday or shortly thereafter.