Bahamas — Currency & Money

The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar and the two circulate interchangeably — pay in USD and you may get change in BSD, which is worthless outside the country, so spend it down before leaving. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Nassau, Paradise Island and the resort zones; the Out Islands are far more cash-dependent. ATMs at banks in Nassau dispense BSD (a few dispense USD); airport and casino ATMs carry the worst fees.

Tipping is embedded: 15% service is automatically added to most restaurant bills — check before adding more. Taxi drivers expect around 15%, hotel housekeeping -3 a day. The Bahamas is one of the most expensive countries in the Caribbean; budget accordingly.