The Bahamian dollar (B$) is equal in value to the United States dollar and both are accepted anywhere for cash payment. Canadian and other foreign currencies may not be widely accepted, so you'd do best to convert your money when you arrive.

Bahamian paper money runs in half-dollar, one, three, five, ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred dollar bills. In addition to the corresponding U.S. coin denominations, there is also a Bahamian 15-cent piece. All major credit cards and travelers checks are accepted almost everywhere. Duty-free shopping on Paradise Island, as well as in Nassau, is some of the best anywhere!

Banks are open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am until 3 pm and on Friday until 5 pm. Should you run out of cash, Bahamian banks are interconnected with major U.S. systems that accept ATM cards and major credit cards that provide cash advances.

Many restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15 percent gratuity to all food and beverage charges. If you have been treated particularly well, your server will certainly appreciate something extra. As for cab drivers, 15 percent of the fare is reasonable; more if you see fit. Information courtesy of Paradise Islander magazine.