Nassau, The Bahamas Report of what it's like to live there - 03/07/10
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?
No. I've lived in Wiesbaden, Germany; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, Korea and London, England.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
I live about 3 miles from post by car.
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mix of single family homes and gated communities. Nicest embassy homes are on the canal in Sandy Port. Commute time is often an hour most days to go about 3 miles. There is only one road in and out of town.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is readily available but can cost double or triple what you're used to paying in the states.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Non-perishable food. Food is really expensive here so bring as much as you can with you.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Very few decent restaurants available, a few Sushi, Italian, Greek and Indian...no Mexican. Fast food includes KFC, Wendy's McDonald's and Burger King...no Taco Bell. Price is usually double what is costs in the states.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes and flies in the summer.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through diplomatic pouch. It can take 3-4 weeks each way.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Readily available. Housekeeper will charge between $40 and $70 for house cleaning.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes but not at post. $35 per month at the Hilton across form the Embassy or $600 a year at Bally's which is about 6 miles from the Embassy.
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?
Easy, some ATMs dispense US currency and some don't charge a fee.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, every type of Religion available. The country is a Christian nation (per their Constitution) so there is no separation of church and state, religion is a part of almost every government and non-government function.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable TV from the States, about $50 per month for basic cable. Several newspapers including US papers.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, Bahamians speak English but there are books that will teach you the colloquialisms.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot. There are few sidewalks or ramps. There is a requirement for buildings to be handicap accessible but its not enforced.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The local jitney (bus) is available though not necessarily safe. Bus drivers drive pretty crazy and they're not well maintained. Bus drivers also tend to drink and drive. $1.25 in most directions. Taxis are readily available but more expensive.
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?
Any type is fine, the roads are pretty rough, lots of potholes so if you have a SUV that would be better.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, about $35 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked cell phone
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)?
Yes.
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 job opportunities but they require a work permit and are mostly low paid.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Pretty formal, suits most of the time.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, crime is pretty high. 87 murders in 2009 for a population of about 330,000. The country also has the highest rate of reported rapes in the world. Some embassy staff have had cars broken into. Tourists are periodically robbed.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Decent, although for serious things most people fly back to the States.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Mostly good because of the ocean breezes and lack of smog producing industries. Pretty toxic when the garbage tip is set on fire or you're trapped in gridlock traffic. Most people don't maintain their cars very well so the traffic fumes can be pretty bad.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Usually in the 80s. Winter can get a bit chilly, down in the 50s. Bring a space heater for the winters if you feel the cold a lot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Lyford Cay and St. Andrews are the best private schools. They use the IB curriculum
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not many do.
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?
Private pre schools are available
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes through school, soccer, softball, dance
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
About 30,000.
2. Morale among expats:
Some agencies/sections at post have great morale and others have very poor. Ask about the morale in your agency/section before making the decision to come here.
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?
Not much. A couple of casinos and bars/clubs that are frequented by cruise ship passengers and tourists.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a good city for families. Not a great city for singles, very small embassy community with not much to do. Dating options for singles are not great.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, the country is by and large very homophobic. Several gay men were murdered in 2007 and 2008 including famous hand bag designer Harl Taylor. Gays report living in fear, being discriminated against at work, and are unable to live openly as gay men. Rosie O'Donnell's Family Vacations cruise was picketed in 2004 by conservative religious groups. Films with gay content such as Broke Back Mountain have been banned.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is a significant amount of anti-Haitian sentiment in the country. Haitian immigrants are routinely blamed for most of the country's ills. Haitians report being harassed by police. Many Bahamian born Haitians are living in a quasi stateless status because they are unable to apply for citizenship until their 18th birthday and even then it can still take years to get the paperwork.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Summer festivals are fun, International Cultural Festival, Bahamas International Film Festival
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Not much besides the beach and water sports. Atlantis has the occasional concert or show. In the summer there are artsy and cultural things to do. Not much to do in the winter. Inter island travel is readily available via air and ferry.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not much, straw products.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Travel to other Bahamian islands is easy, although not necessarily cheap. Travel to the U.S. is easy and convenient.
11. Can you save money?
No, it is very expensive to live here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
image of The Bahamas as the land of sunshine and pina coladas. There are serious social and safety concerns here. Once you leave the tourist areas it can become pretty 3rd world-ish pretty quickly.
3. But don't forget your:
sunscreen and snorkel.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
How to be a true true Bahamian
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Several good ones that were featured during the Bahamas International Film Festival.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Consider buying a scooter, the traffic is really bad. If you have a boat, definitely bring it, some great exploring to do. Most important think is to ask about the morale in the office you're considering going to.
