Nassau, The Bahamas Report of what it's like to live there - 02/11/09
Personal Experiences from Nassau, The Bahamas
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is my second expat experience. I also served in Mbabane and lived in Nuevo Laredo for many years.
2. How long have you lived here?
2007-2009.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
There are direct and inexpensive flights to Miami, Charlotte, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, etc.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government (affiliated with the U.S. Embassy).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing varies. Many embassy families live in town houses or apartment. These are modern and U.S. style. About 25% of the houses are single-family dwellings with yards. But these units are also older and more prone to maintenance issues. The furniture is landlord provided so it ranges from ugly to great, with most being ok.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find almost anything locally, although some things we also ordered from Netgrocer. But the prices are ridiculous (US$8 for a gallon of milk). You just have to stop looking at the prices and buy whatever you need.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More paper supplies (TP, paper plates, Bounty, etc) since these are very expensive here. But make sure you will have a place to store it before you ship it.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, Burger King, etc. There are excellent restaurants throughout the island but the prices are high. Lunch for two can easily add up to US$80 and it can be much more expensive at the fancy restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants seem to be the only common problem throughout the island. You just have to store your food properly and get used to sharing your kitchen with them.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use the pouch. Even though we are next to the US it still take about 2 weeks each way. In an emergency you can FedEx an envelope to the U.S. for about US$30.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We pay our housekeeper US$9 per hour for two half-days per week. You can negotiate a lower rate if you hire someone for full days.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is an excellent gym (Bally's) on the Cable Beach area and the price is reasonable (about US$45 per month if you pay for the whole year). Embassy staff can also access the Hilton Gym across the Embassy for US$30/month. I dont know about the options on the other side of the island.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Most credit cards charge a 2-3% currency conversion fee so be careful (Bahamian $ are not US$). My card does not charge this fee so I use it for everything. ATMs are common but the fees can be as high as US$5 per transaction.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I think all religious services are in English and there seem to be a million churches throughout the island.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable is almost the same as what you would find in Miami and the cost is just a bit higher than in the US.You can get basic cable, HBO or similar packages, Digital cable, etc. Watching TV here is just like watching TV in the US. There is a Bahamian version of USA Today but I get my news online.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to be 100% fluent in Bahamian. There's no way around it.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Most streets dont have sidewalks and if they do they are uneven and have obstructions all along the way. Buildings are also not accessible and someone in a wheelchair would have a difficult time moving around.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Jitney buses cost US$1.25 each way and are often used by expats. These are safe and affordable.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can bring just about any US vehicle, although about 25% of the vehicles you see are right-hand drives imported from Japan. Before buying, keep in mind that gas here is always much more expensive than in the US.You can find most parts here but at very high prices. Most of us ship parts through the pouch as needed.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Our high-speed internet connection is great and we pay about $40 per month. Many people use Vonage, Skype, etc.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Buy a phone locally or bring/ship an unlocked phone from the U.S. The local rates are about .30 cents per minute but you need one for security reasons.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
From friends, I know there are quality vets on the island but I dont know about kennels. My friends always make arrangements to leave their pets with other friends.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are not many opportunities but I know of people (architects, medical professionals) that where able to get jobs locally. It depends on your background. But there are quite a few opportunities at the Embassy.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
In public the dress code is casual. At work it depends on the section where you work, but only the Executive Office requires a coat and tie.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate. The air quality is usually good, but too many vehicles leave behind a cloud of smoke.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
I dont know of specific immunizations that are required beyond the usual (Hep A & B, etc).
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime is a problem and you need to be aware of your surroundings. You hear of tourists being robbed but it doesnt happen often. We've also had a few Embassy houses burglarized, some with people in them- yikes!
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
We found a great OB-GYN, Pediatrician and Family Doctor (one of each). We also received great service at Doctor's Hospital on 2 occassions. That said, I would go to Miami for brain or heart surgery (maybe also for an appendectomy).
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is very nice. In the summer its hot and humid and it rains often. But in the winter its between 50 and 80, which I like.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, some embassy children participate in baseball and other sports.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge.
2. Morale among expats:
It seems to range from medium to high. In the Embassy, I've noticed morale issues mostly with Americans that have not served overseas before.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
See above.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Its great for everyone, although there might not be as much to do for teens. Singles make the best of it by going to bars/clubs and socializing with other singles. Most families and couples do well and participate in Embassy sponsored events. There are also about a dozen small social groups and its easy to find one or two to hang out with.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Bahamians are conservative but seem to be tolerant of alternative lifestyles. I've meet a few gay people living here and they where neither complaining nor trying to hide it.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not noticed many prejudices. However, locals are not very friendly towards Jamaican and Haitian immigrants (legal or not) as they compete for jobs.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
This place is great if you are into water sports and enjoy the beach. There is also a lively night scene. However, there arent many, if any, opportunities to attend cultural events. But you can always catch a cheap flight to the U.S. to get your shot of ballet, theater, etc.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing here is unique.
9. Can you save money?
Only if you stay home and don't talk to anyone. Even then the grocery and pay-per-view bills will get to you. There is no escape.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Not really. Its been a great 2 years but it was more than enough. I'm ready to move on.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Fur coat, expectations of paradise, plans to save money, adventurous spirit.
3. But don't forget your:
Wallet, snorkeling gear, kayak, etc.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Its been a good tour and I've made a lot of friends. But this place is not exotic or original at all. I really enjoyed socializing with Bahamians as they are warm and friendly.
