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Q: How can I find out more about the hotel?
A: Click on the Venue button to find out more about the Sheraton.
Q: Where can I find all the LGgrams?
A: Click on the News button to see every LGgram that has been posted.
Tell me more about The Bahamas!
If it's your first time to The Islands Of The Bahamas, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. There are a variety of things to do, the amazing beaches to sunbathe and the crystal clear turquoise waters to swim in. And, for the first time ever, a Legendary Gathering convention to attend!
Bank Hours
Banks are usually open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. There is an ATM machine in the casino which dispenses US dollars.
Climate
The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout The Bahamas give the islands a warm agreeable climate which varies little year round. The most refreshing time is between September and May when the temperature averages 70-75F degrees. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures between 80-90F degrees and a lot more humid. Hurricane season is officially from 1st June to 30th November but the most active month tends to be September. Be advised that because there is usually a breeze, especially by the sea, the sun can be deceptive. Minimum of SPF 30 protection is highly recommended.
Clothing
Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year; some restaurants may require jackets for men in the evening. Beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets of downtown Nassau, in churches, restaurants and casinos.
Credit Cards
Mastercard and Visa are accepted just about everywhere. American Express is not as common. Other cards like Discover are not accepted.
Currency
The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably but be aware that you cannot change Bahamian dollars back in the US or Europe. Make sure you spend them or save them for your next trip! Visitors from Europe or farther afield should change currency into US dollars. Some places will take travellers' cheques but changing them at the bank can incur hefty charges.
Customs Regulations & Taxes
Upon entering The Bahamas, everyone must fill out and sign an Immigration form, keeping a portion of the card to hand until departing (keep it in your passport, it's easiest). Be very careful not to lose this! An oral baggage declaration might be required. Customs and Duties for tourist are pretty lenient. Visitors can bring almost anything into the Bahamas for personal use. The exception is fresh fruits and vegetables as well as anything that is illegal in the US. (marijuana, illegal drugs, etc). Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits, and a variety of items for personal use such as personal radio, CD player, camera etc. There is a dedicated line at Customs for visitors and, if you don't mind paying an extra couple of dollars, use a porter as they usually zip through the line.
Departure - There is NO departure TAX at least for the last 5 years that Louise has been traveling out of the Bahamas.
Customs Departure rules vary by country. US visitors may take home $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. The next $l,000 is taxed at 10%. Gifts valued up to $50 may be mailed home duty-free. One litre of wine, liqueur or liquor and five cartons of cigarettes may be taken duty-free. No Cuban Cigars, tortoise shell or any item that is illegal in the US. Customs will usually overlook an extra bottle or two of local rums. No fruits or vegetables or fresh coconuts. It's advisable to keep your receipts until you pass through customs. You'll need to fill out a declaration form with details of your purchases.
You'll check in with your airline at the first check point where your ID will be checked and the part of your departure card you retained will be taken. Your bags will be tagged, but you will take them with you through the next few check points. You'll be asked to fill out a U.S. Customs Card stating what you purchased and the value. Have your receipts available if you've been shopping. You'll put all of your luggage on a scanner and walk through the archway. Hand wands are also used at this point. Shoes off, computers open, the usual. Allow plenty of time for this process; flights are not usually held and close one hour before departure.
NB At the time of writing a new terminal for departures to the US is being built so this procedure may change a little but the principle remains the same.
Driving
British rules apply, so please drive on the left and watch those roundabouts! Those who are used to driving in the U.K. be aware that not all roundabouts automatically give way to traffic from the right. Some smaller roundabouts allow for the main flow of traffic. These are usually clearly signposted but be aware. 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 both ways and then right again' before crossing streets.
Electricity
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible. UK and European visitors will need an adaptor.
Entry Requirements
Everyone requires a return ticket (round trip) and a valid passport. In 2007, rules were changed to require a valid passport. Valid birth certificate will not be accepted. Visas are not required for US, Canadian, UK, Australian and for most European countries but, if you are uncertain, please check at www.mfabahamas.org for more info on visas and required forms, if needed, to complete. The complete list of visa requirements by country name can be found at this URL: http://www.mfabahamas.org/New%20visa%20to%20the%20bahamas.htm. Countries requiring a visa tend to be the old Eastern bloc, most African and Middle Eastern states.
Fast Food Restaurants
Visitors will recognise many establishments throughout Nassau - McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks etc. Be aware, however, that these franchises DO NOT charge the same prices as in the States. For example, the $5 dollar Subway foot long costs $7 in Nassau. This is because almost all foodstuffs are imported and the cost of freight is astronomical. Most of your favourites will be available but be prepared to pay a little more.
Language
The official language of The Bahamas is English, more British than American, and generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect. I still find some of this incomprehensible after 20 years living here!
Medical
On New Providence Island you can find two main hospitals, both about 15 minutes away from Cable Beach. The Princess Margaret Hospital is state-run and Doctors' Hospital is private. There is also a Walk-In Clinic on Collins Avenue, not far from the private hospital and another at Sandyport, which is about 5 minutes from Cable Beach. We will have our usual con medic on hand for minor problems but everyone should carry Travel Insurance including medical coverage.
Safety
Tourist areas and the resort are safe and there is an obvious police presence on Bay Street as they direct traffic at busy intersections. Taking photos of them is a tourist pastime as they wear really cool uniforms. Also look out for the 'tourist police' on their bicycles! Places like the Straw Market are very crowded so be aware of your personal belongings to avoid pickpockets etc. Like any big, busy city, there are areas that are best avoided but they are off the beaten path and you shouldn't stray there inadvertently. Use your common sense! The hotel has safety deposit boxes for valuables if you choose to pay for them.
Shopping
Effective January 1, 1992, the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas abolished all import duties on 11 categories of items. Perfumes and Fragrances, Crystal, Leather Goods, Jewelry, Fine Linens and Tablecloths, Watches and Clocks, Photographic Equipment, China, Binoculars, and Telescopes are all duty free. Savings on these items are between 25% - 50% below US prices. It's easy to see why people often return from The Bahamas with more than nice tans.
The best shopping is concentrated in Nassau downtown Bay Street, Cable Beach and Paradise Island; boutiques and gift shops are also found in most major resorts. Everything from duty-free products to local arts and crafts, wood, straw, shell and clothing creations are readily available. If you venture into Nassau, make sure to visit the world-famous Straw Market.
Smoking/Drinking
The legal drinking age is 18. Rules regarding smoking are much more lax than other countries although most good restaurants restrict smoking to the outside patio if they have one or have a designated smoking area. Some do not allow smoking. The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is a non-smoking hotel.
Telephone Calls
The Bahamas uses the Area Code 242. Long distance calls from hotel rooms are usually very expensive; local calls for reservations etc. are free at the Sheraton.
For long distance, you'll pay a hefty fee from your hotel phone. US calling cards such as Sam's Club and AT&T do not work in the Bahamas. You should purchase a local credit card from BATELCO or Indigo to make calls from a pay phone, although many take US or Bahamian quarters. Some cards are swipe cards which can be used throughout the downtown area. Please read the instructions ON THE PHONE, some phones require you to hit the * or # sign to connect. Some do not.
Cell Phone service in Nassau is now GSM enabled. Cingular GSM phones with 850/1900 mhz settings should work in and around the major tourist areas. You must sign up for international service from your provider. The rate is $2.99 per minute at this time .
Time
Eastern Standard Time is used on all islands. April to November is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with US summer hours.
Tipping
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Most food establishments include the gratuity in their bills.
Transportation
There are two main forms of transportation available:
- Taxi Cabs are readily available throughout the downtown area, wharf, cruise port and at the hotel entrance.
- Local bus service or jitney which stops outside the hotel on Cable Beach. These will take you to Bay Street and down town Nassau. The current fare is $1.25.
- You can hire a car from the airport or via the hotel but driving can be quite hazardous as we drive on the left and follow British traffic rules but use mainly American cars with the steering wheel on the 'wrong' side!
Any other queries
If all else fails -find Louise and ask her. Queries or messages left at Registration should reach her and she will do her best to answer them - or find her in the bar!
