Money & Payments in Nassau

Local Card Fee

BSD 3.30

Additional Notes

No fee-free ATMs exist. Expect additional currency conversion fees from your home bank. When prompted at ATM, select 'Decline' or 'Charge in BSD' to avoid extra conversion markup.

Daily Limit

BSD 1,500

Availability

Multiple ATM networks across Nassau with banks and ATMs at banks, hotels, shopping centers, and casinos.

Cards Accepted

Visa, MasterCard, and cards on Plus or Cirrus networks

Minimum Withdrawal

$10 USD or equivalent

Maximum Withdrawal Per Transaction

BSD 400

USD Parity

1:1 fixed peg; USD and BSD accepted interchangeably throughout Nassau

Local Currency

Bahamian Dollar (BSD)

Recommended Cash

Carry B$50–100 in small bills (B$1, B$5, B$10) for markets, tips, and venues where cards aren't accepted

Bars

10–15% or $1–2 per drink

Restaurants

15% is often automatically included in the bill. Always check receipt. If not included, tip 15–20%. For exceptional service, add extra.

Tour Guides

5–10% (discretionary, not mandatory)

Taxi Drivers

15% of fare or round up to next dollar for short trips

Spa And Salons

10–15%

Tipping Currency

Cash preferred (USD or BSD accepted)

Hotel Housekeeping

BSD 2.00

Hotel Bellhops Porters

BSD 1.00

Discover

Minimal acceptance; not recommended as primary payment method.

Tap To Pay

Works at Atlantis, Baha Mar, and newer restaurant terminals in Nassau's downtown and Cable Beach areas. Unreliable at independent businesses; chip-and-PIN more dependable.

Visa Mastercard

Widely accepted at major restaurants, shops, resorts, and Bay Street establishments. Less reliable at smaller shops, local restaurants, and Over-the-Hill neighborhoods.

Apple Pay Google Pay

Works at NFC-equipped resort terminals but unreliable at independent businesses.

Mitigation

Pay for hotels and large purchases in cash to avoid fees.

Foreign Transaction

Many US banks charge 3% transaction fee on all out-of-country purchases, regardless of 1:1 parity. Some banks may not charge; verify with your bank before travel.

Cash Required For

• Straw Market vendors (entirely cash-only for crafts and souvenirs)
• Arawak Cay Fish Fry (predominantly cash for local conch shacks)
• Water taxis between beaches and to Rose Island
• Minibuses and jitneys (exact change required)
• Small local restaurants and snack bars
• Markets and street vendors

Technology

Lack of modern technology; queuing still required for many transactions

Banking Hours

Limited compared to North American standards

Account Restrictions

Some banks may limit bank cards per account or restrict family access

Hours

Generally Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:00pm; Friday 9:30am-5:00pm (may vary)

Currency

Bahamian Dollar (BSD) pegged 1:1 to USD

Tax Status

No income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax

Digital Banking

Growing but not yet advanced; some banks lack modern online platforms

Foreign Currency Accounts

Available; many banks offer EUR, GBP, and other major currencies