The Bahamas, though well known for its festive culture and friendly people, does have a high crime rate amongst its people that reflects severe social disparities. Areas that cater to tourists are heavily policed and kept exceptionally safe, but foreigners should not venture outside these areas alone. A desolate beach at night is incredibly romantic, but be sure to tell the security guard at your hotel where you are going, just to be safe.
Bahamian culture is intolerant of public displays of affection between same-sex couples. Such displays are typically seen as an affront to local values and may be met with hostility. Please exercise modesty in public areas.
While the idea of being swept off one's feet by a good-looking local may sound romantic to some, serious caution is advised. Local men in particular often frequent the beaches near hotels, wooing foreign women as a hobby. It is imperative that safe sex be practiced. The Bahamas as a nation holds the third-highest rate of HIV and AIDS infection in the world.
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Bahamas Dollars BSD are equal in value to the American Dollar. American currency is accepted sometimes even preferred everywhere.
Sales tax does not exist in the Bahamas. National revenue is collected mainly through local import tariffs.
Duty free items such as liquor, perfume, and jewelery often surprise tourists for being so inexpensive. It is not uncommon, for example, to find a bottle of your favorite perfume for less than half of what you could expect to pay back home. This is the advantage and convenience of duty free shopping.
Port Lucaya Marketplace
(http://www.portlucayamark...) Sea Horse Road on Bell Channel Bay, Phone: +1 242 373-8446. Duty free shopping in over 80 stores in 12 buildings overlooking the Bell Channel Bay marina. The marketplace is the hub of Port Lucaya.The International Bazaar
(http://www.grand-bahama.c...) is a shopping compound divided into separate areas that each reflect a different part of the world. In total it comprises 90 shops, 13 restaurants, and 6 snack/ice cream stores. There is also a straw market nearby. As of November 2007 most of the stores in the International Bazaar are closed due to the closure of the nearby Royal Oasis resort. However, it is expected that normal business will resume when the resort reopens still closed as of February 2012.