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Common
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If you plan to visit
The Islands Of The Bahamas and need information, this page has
answers to recent questions. If you are still searching for
answers, try
Bahamas
FAQ or check with our search
engine containing the largest database of Bahamian ONLY web
sites or ask your question on our Bulletin
Board.
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 What is
the legal drinking age in The Bahamas?
Is there a legal gambling age?
Eighteen
is the legal age in The Bahamas for drinking, gambling (non-residents
only allowed to gamble in The Bahamas), and voting.
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| Why
are there so many banks?
Offshore banking and finance is the second-largest industry here,
after tourism, accounting for about 15 per cent of the GDP. for more
detailed information, pick up a copy of the Bahamas Handbook.
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| When
are the Casinos Open?
The Crystal Palace Casino at Cable Beach and the
Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island, are open 24 hours. Gaming tables are
open 10am-4am. On Sat & Sun, gaming tables at Crystal Palace Casino
are open 24 hours.
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| Why
do you drive on the left?
It is a throwback to the British way of driving. The biggest danger
for pedestrian visitors is looking the wrong way when crossing the
street. Always remember to look right first on a two-way street.
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| How
big is New Providence?
New Providence is 21 miles long and seven miles wide. (Paradise
Island is 5 ½ miles long and 2/3 miles wide.)
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| How
many people live here?
The last official census result was in 1990. At that time, there were
171,542 people living in New Providence, and 254,685 in The Bahamas. The
1998 Bahamas’ population was about 293,700. Projected estimate for the
year 2000 is 302,836.
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| What
are the shopping hours?
Usual store hours in The Bahamas are 9am-5/6pm. Stores in shopping
malls stay open until 8/9pm and some are open on Sunday. Grocery stores
are open 7-10am on Sunday and holidays.
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| Do
you have a siesta like some southern countries?
No. the Bahamas observes the regular working hour tradition of most
of the English-speaking world, with one hour off for lunch.
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| Can
I make a left turn on a red light?
No. Although we drive on the left, it is illegal to make a left-hand
turn on a red light.
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| What
are the banking hours?
Commercial banks are open Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3pm and Fri until 5pm.
They are closed Sat and Sun. Banking is available through ATMs 24 hours
a day at numerous branches.
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| Is
nude sunbathing permitted anywhere?
Nudity is not allowed in public areas, although the occasional woman
goes topless on some beaches. The Bahamas’ only clothing optional
resort is on Cat Island.
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| What
is a "potcake"?
The Bahamian mixed breed dog is referred to as a ‘potcake’.
according to local lore, the name comes from a time when these dogs were
fed leftover peas ‘n rice stuck to the bottom of the pot, commonly
called the "pot cake".
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