Nassau Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Nassau.
Healthcare System
The Bahamas has a dual healthcare system with public facilities and private hospitals. Princess Margaret Hospital is the main public hospital, while Doctors Hospital is the primary private facility preferred by international visitors and those with insurance coverage.
Hospitals
Doctors Hospital on Shirley Street is the preferred facility for tourists, offering 24-hour emergency services, modern equipment, and English-speaking staff. Princess Margaret Hospital is the public option. Several clinics serve minor ailments. Most resorts have on-site medical staff or doctors on call.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are readily available throughout Nassau, including chains like Lowe's Pharmacy and independent pharmacies. Most common medications are available, though some may require local prescriptions even if you have one from home. Pharmacies typically open Monday-Saturday; limited Sunday hours. Bring sufficient prescription medications as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Most healthcare facilities require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover services outside the US. Medical evacuation insurance is particularly important as air ambulance to Florida can cost $20,000-$50,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ
- Private facilities may require deposits of $1,000-$3,000 before treatment
- Keep all receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims
- Many resorts have relationships with specific doctors who make house calls
- For diving-related injuries, there is a hyperbaric chamber at Lyford Cay Hospital
- Tap water is generally safe in Nassau but bottled water is widely available if preferred
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Theft of unattended belongings, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Beach theft, particularly of items left unattended while swimming, is frequent.
While violent crime against tourists is relatively uncommon, armed robberies do occur, particularly in isolated areas or at night. Most incidents involve local-on-local crime, but tourists can be targets of opportunity.
Rental cars and scooters are targets for break-ins, especially when parked at beaches or remote locations. Thieves look for visible valuables and tourist rental vehicles are easily identified.
Drowning and water-related injuries occur, particularly among tourists unfamiliar with ocean conditions. Strong currents, undertows, and marine life (jellyfish, sea urchins) pose risks. Alcohol-related swimming accidents are common.
Nassau drives on the left side of the road (British system), which confuses many North American visitors. Roads can be narrow, poorly marked, and aggressive driving is common. Scooter accidents involving tourists are frequent.
While food safety standards are generally good in tourist establishments, occasional cases of food poisoning occur. Street food and smaller local establishments may have varying hygiene standards.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Operators claim you damaged the jet ski and demand payment for pre-existing damage. Some demand hundreds or thousands of dollars in cash immediately, sometimes becoming aggressive or threatening to call police.
Unlicensed taxis or drivers quote one price then demand much more at the destination. Some take unnecessarily long routes to inflate metered fares. Airport and cruise port taxis may charge excessive rates to first-time visitors.
Vendors at the Straw Market and similar tourist areas quote inflated initial prices, expecting heavy bargaining. Some claim items are handmade locally when they're mass-produced imports. Aggressive sales tactics pressure tourists into purchases.
Individuals approach tourists offering to sell marijuana or other drugs. This can be a setup for robbery, police shakedown, or selling fake substances. Some may be informants leading to arrest.
Unlicensed individuals at the cruise port or beaches offer 'tours' or excursions at discount prices. These may be unsafe, not include promised features, or be setups for robbery or abandonment.
At public beaches, vendors may set up chairs and umbrellas, then claim you used them and demand payment even if you didn't explicitly rent them. Prices may be inflated.
Promoters offer 'free' boat rides, tours, or attraction visits that turn out to require purchases, have hidden fees, or are primarily timeshare presentations.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Stay in well-populated tourist areas, especially Paradise Island, Cable Beach, and downtown Nassau during daylight
- Avoid displaying wealth - leave expensive jewelry at home and keep cameras/phones secure
- Make copies of important documents (passport, credit cards, insurance) and store separately from originals
- Register with your embassy's travel program (STEP for US citizens) before arrival
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Avoid political discussions or demonstrations
- Learn basic local customs and show respect to Bahamian culture
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside the room
- Verify identity of hotel staff before opening doors
- Choose accommodations with 24-hour security, especially in Nassau proper
- Read reviews about safety at specific properties before booking
- Keep your room number private and don't announce it in public areas
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
Transportation Safety
- Use only licensed taxis (yellow license plates) and agree on fares before departure
- Avoid unmarked or gypsy cabs, especially at night
- If renting a vehicle, remember to drive on the LEFT side of the road
- Don't pick up hitchhikers or accept rides from strangers
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving
- Avoid driving at night when roads are poorly lit and drunk driving increases
- Use reputable rental companies and inspect vehicles thoroughly before accepting
- Consider hiring a driver rather than self-driving if unfamiliar with left-side driving
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave belongings unattended on beaches - theft is common
- Swim only in designated areas and never alone
- Avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
- Check water conditions and respect warning flags
- Book water activities only through licensed, insured operators
- Wear life jackets during boat trips and water sports
- Be cautious of strong currents, especially on western beaches
Money and Valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; leave excess in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels during business hours
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep credit cards and cash in different locations
- The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to USD; US dollars are widely accepted
- Be cautious when exchanging money; use banks or official exchange bureaus
- Keep small bills for taxis and small purchases
- Consider using credit cards for larger purchases for fraud protection
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially outside resort areas
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas if out at night
- Use taxis for nighttime transportation rather than walking
- Drink responsibly and never leave drinks unattended
- Stay with your group and use the buddy system
- Be extra cautious in downtown Nassau after dark
- Avoid Over-the-Hill neighborhoods at all times, especially at night
- Return to your accommodation before it gets too late
Health Precautions
- Bring sufficient prescription medications in original containers
- Pack a basic first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication
- Stay hydrated in the tropical heat - drink more water than usual
- Use high-SPF sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Ensure food is properly cooked, especially seafood
- Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Know your blood type and any allergies in case of emergency
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Nassau safe, particularly when staying in resort areas and tourist zones. Solo female travelers are common and harassment is not as prevalent as in some destinations, though catcalling and unwanted attention can occur. The Bahamian culture is relatively conservative, and women are advised to exercise normal precautions. Most negative incidents involving women travelers involve petty theft rather than personal safety threats, though caution should be exercised, particularly at night.
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially outside resort and tourist areas
- Use licensed taxis rather than walking at night, even for short distances
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; don't feel obligated to be overly friendly
- Dress modestly when outside beach and resort areas - while beachwear is fine at the beach, cover up when in town or visiting local establishments
- Keep your accommodation location private and don't share room numbers
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring alone in unfamiliar areas
- Wear your wedding ring or claim to be married if you feel uncomfortable with attention
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid appearing distracted by phones
- Book accommodations with good security, 24-hour reception, and positive reviews from solo female travelers
- Be cautious about revealing you're traveling alone to strangers
- Avoid isolated beaches and stick to populated hotel beaches or beaches with lifeguards
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in The Bahamas (decriminalized in 1991). However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The legal environment is neutral rather than protective.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection outside of resort properties
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations before booking; many international resort chains are welcoming
- Be aware that local attitudes may be conservative; avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics with strangers
- Nassau does not have openly gay venues; LGBTQ+ social life is discreet
- Some resorts host LGBTQ+ events or are known to be particularly welcoming - research in advance
- Consider booking all-inclusive resorts where you can remain largely on property if concerned about local attitudes
- Be cautious about sharing information about your relationship with taxi drivers or service providers
- International hotel chains tend to be more LGBTQ+-friendly than local establishments
- Avoid public confrontation if faced with discrimination; report to hotel management or tourist police
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel groups or forums for current information and recommendations
- Paradise Island resorts tend to be more cosmopolitan and accepting than some areas of Nassau proper
- Legal protections are limited, so discretion may help avoid uncomfortable situations
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Nassau and The Bahamas. Medical care, especially at private facilities preferred by tourists, is expensive and requires upfront payment. Medical evacuation to the United States for serious conditions can cost $20,000-$50,000. Hurricane season (June-November) poses risks of trip cancellation or interruption. Adventure activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and water sports carry injury risks. Additionally, theft and lost belongings are common enough that insurance coverage provides important protection.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Nassau Safety Guide before you go.