travel tips

Travel Tips

Clothing

We keep it pretty casual here at Exnihilo. Long Island in general is very laid back and unpretentious. The exception to this rule is if you plan to attend one of the local churches, then nicer, more conservative attire is approprialte.

Currency

The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. ATMs are available at the local banks.

Driving

If you plan to rent a car British rules apply, so please drive on the left. If driving in Nassa watch those roundabouts! Persons entering a roundabout (traffic circle) must give way to traffic coming from the right already on the roundabout. Visitors may use their home license for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets.

Electricity

Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible. However, here at Exnihilo we are primarily powered by solar and wind so we remind our guests that conservation is as easy as island life. Forgo the hair dryer and relax.

Emergency Numbers

The visitor emergency number for travellers in distress is 242-326-HELP.

Language

The official language of The Islands Of The Bahamas is English, more British than American, and generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect. You will notice some charming differences immediately. By the tine you leave you will be saying “It is for true”. (for sure)

Mail

If you are sending letters or postcards be sure to use only Bahamian stamps. Mail travelling to The Out Islands will arrive a bit more slowly than to Nassau and Grand Bahama Island since it goes by mailboat. Our mailboat comes once a week.

Time

Eastern Standard Time is used on all islands. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with U.S. summer hours.
 

Immigration Requirements

Upon your arrival to the Islands of the Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an ImmigrationArrival/Departure Card, which you will keep part of until your departure.
  • All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.
  • U.S. visitors staying for eight months or less need a return ticket plus a passport (passports expired up to five years may also be used) or a certified birth certificate with an official photo identification.
  • Naturalized citizens require naturalization papers (photo identification is not required).
  • Alien residents in possession of a U.S. Alien Registration Card may enter The Islands Of The Bahamas without a visa for visits not exceeding thirty days. Presentation of a current national passport, or one that has been expired for five years or less, facilitates processing.
  • Permanent residents (green card holders) require their green card and a valid passport from their place of birth.
  • Canadian visitors staying less than three weeks need the same identification as those from the U.S. and do not require a visa.
  • Landed immigrants in possession of the Canadian Immigration Record Form 1000 should follow the same requirements as Alien residents.
  • All others need a valid passport.
  • British subjects from the United Kingdom and colonies may enter The Islands Of The Bahamas as visitors without passports or visas for periods not exceeding three weeks. For longer stays they must present a passport.

Customs Entry

When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked for a verbal baggage declaration. However, your luggage is also subject to customs inspections. If you are carrying dutiable items, you will need to fill out a Baggage Declaration Form.
Custom Duty: Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult is allowed 50 cigars or cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Customs Duty, in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Household effects, such as small appliances (such as blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of the cost. Linen and china are duty free for each arriving visit. Computers such as laptops are considered a part of your personal effects and therefore are duty-free. 

 
 

Mailing List

If you'd like to be added to the Exnihilo Retreat mailing list, please enter your name and email address below.

Donate to Exnihilo

If you are interested in speeding the progress of Exnihilo, we are accepting donations.