About the Bahamas	Bahamian Culture
Age Requirements	Money-Currency
Appliances & Electronics	Pets
Arriving & Departing	Shopping
Bahamas Food & Dining	Special Services
Bahamas Weather	Transportation
Bahamas Weddings & Honeymoons

Arriving & Departing the Bahamas
Q: How do I get to Abaco Island, Bahamas?
Daily airline connections are available from Miami, Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne and Nassau on:

Private pilots click here.

Q: What are the Bahamas entry requirements?
Visitors to the Bahamas must bring ONE of the following, PLUS your return ticket:
1. Passport (current or expired up to 5 years maximum)
2. Birth Certificate
3. Certificate of Naturalization

Q: Do I need to take medical shots before entering the country?
No, vaccinations are not required for visitors to The Bahamas, unless arriving from an infected area.

Q: Is there a departure tax?
Yes, there is a departure tax of $15 per person from all islands in the Bahamas. Children under six years, with proof of age, are exempted from payment of departure tax.

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Bahamian Culture
Q: Is the Bahamas politically, socially and economically safe?
Bahamians have enjoyed political, economic and social stability for more than 250 years. Tourism has flourished in our islands because of our warm, friendly people, political freedoms and temperate climate.

Q: What are the holidays in The Bahamas?
We celebrate New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter), Whit Monday (8th Monday after Easter), Labour Day (1st Friday in June), Independence Day (July 10), Emancipation Day (1st Monday in August), Columbus Day (October 12), Christmas (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26).

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About The Bahamas
Q: Why is the ocean so beautiful in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas archipelago has some of the most beautiful waters on earth. The waters are virtually free of pollution, making them among the clearest and most colourful to be found anywhere. The sandy bottoms, depth of the water, coral heads and sunlight are ultimately responsible for its incandescent colours.

Q: Where is The Bahamas located?
The Bahamas comprises 700 low-lying islands and cays that stretch over 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean between the southeastern tip of Florida and northern Hispaniola. The northernmost island, Bimini, is just 25 minutes by plane from Florida. Nassau is the capital city, located on the island of New Providence. About 29 of the islands are well inhabited with the infrastructure to support tourism. Some of these islands are Andros, Abaco (Home of the Suncrest Treasure Villas Resort), Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Grand Bahama Island, New Providence (Nassau & Paradise) Island, Long Island, Cat Island and Bimini.

Q: Is crime a problem in The Bahamas?
As in any country, there is some crime. Fortunately, crime is kept to a minimum in Treasure Cay, where many residents still refuse to lock there doors. Bahamians are a warm and friendly people, but we do ask that you exercise the usual measure of caution.

Q: Is The Bahamas part of the United States?
No. The Bahamas is an independent country and a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

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Getting Around the Bahamas - Transportation
Q: How can I get to Treasure Cay, Abaco Island, Bahamas & The Suncrest Treasure Villas?
The Suncrest Treasure Villas is just 7 miles from the Treasure Cay Airport (Airport code: TCB) and some 21 miles from the Marsh Harbour Airport (Airport code: MHH). See "Arriving and Departing" FAQ for specific airline information. Private pilots, click here.

Q: What is the approximate taxi fare to or from Treasure Cay Airport or Marsh Harbour?
All taxis are government controlled. Accompanied children under three years ride free.
To / from The Suncrest Treasure Villas and Treasure Cay Airport: approximately $15.00 for two passengers, plus $3 per additional passenger.
To / from The Suncrest Treasure Villas and Marsh Harbour Airport: approximately $65.00 for two passengers, plus $3 per additional passenger

Q: What are my transportation options at Treasure Cay, around Abaco Island, or to neighboring islands?
Cars and bicycles can be rented by contacting The Suncrest Treasure Villas. Taxis are readily available at all times, and several local island restaurants provide complimentary taxi service for dinners. Golf carts and boats can be rented from JIC Rentals. You can travel by regularly scheduled ferry boats to New Plymouth on Green Turtle Key and to Hopetown on Elbow Cay. This service to the outislands is provided through the mailboats and they offer passage to travelers for a minimal fee.

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Bahamas Money-Currency
Can I spend US dollars in The Bahamas?
Yes. The United States dollar is on par with the Bahamian dollar.

Q: Are things expensive in The Bahamas?
Prices in The Bahamas are comparable to other destinations. Prices vary in relation to the product. Some luxury items, for example liquor, perfume, watches, or photography equipment, can be more reasonably priced than in the Unites States. "Breadbasket" items tend to be more expensive than in the United States.

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Bahamas Food & Dining
Q: What food can I bring to The Bahamas?
Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products. All meats must be canned or frozen. Note: To save on food costs, our guests are always encouraged to bring one suitcase full of canned items, meats, cheeses and other goodies with them on their Bahamas vacation.

Q: What foods are available in local markets?
Since The Suncrest Treasure Villas provides fully-equipped kitchens, you may want to shop at one our nearby food stores. They sell a range of familiar foods, beverages and drugstore items, along with local Bahamas food, fruits and vegetables in season.

Q: What is Bahamian food like?
Bahamian food is high in carbohydrates but very flavourful. Some of our staples include peas 'n' rice, macaroni, boiled or fried fish, steamed conch and johnny cake. A favourite among visitors is the conch, an aphrodisiac, which is served as chowder or a salad. Tropical drinks include Rum Punch, Bahama Mama, Goombay Smash and Yellow Bird.

Q: Is the drinking the water OK?
The water is drinkable, but we recommend bottled water for drinking. It is readily available at several local markets.

Q: How much food & liquor can I bring into The Bahamas?
A visitor can bring a quart of alcoholic beverage, a quart of wine, two hundred cigarettes or 50 cigars.

Q: What is the common tipping policy?
Most restaurants include a 15% gratuity in the bill.

Q:What kind of local dining is available near Suncrest Treasure Villas?
First, make sure to visit The Coco Beach Bar, the new beachfront Bar and Grill located adjacent to Suncrest Villas and open 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm. Across the street on the harbor, there is fine dining at the Spinnaker Restaurant. Treasure Cay features many fine restaurants, most of which provide free transportation.

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Bahamas Weddings & Bahamas Honeymoons
Q: Is The Suncrest Treasure Villas ideal for Bahamas honeymoons?
It's a perfect spot for a romantic Bahamas honeymoon and our Wedding Planning Services are available to help you plan a romantic, picture-perfect Bahamas wedding!

Q: What is necessary for foreign nationals to marry in The Bahamas?
Couples can be married after being a resident in The Bahamas for 24 hours. Both parties must bring along birth certificates and photo ID's. Persons who are divorced must bring along their final divorce decree (original or certified with raised seal). US residents only are required to make a sworn declaration either at the US Embassy in Nassau / Paradise Island (a $50 fee) or at the office of a Bahamian Notary Public (a $15 fee) if they have never been married. Other nationals (both parties) are required to bring sworn affidavits in English stating that the parties concerned were never married. No blood tests required. For more information, please call toll-free at 1(888) NUPTUAL, or contact the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's People-to-People / Weddings Department at tel: (242) 356-0435-8 or call the Registrar General's office at (242) 322-3316, or contact the Bahamas Tourist Office nearest you.

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Bahamas Weather - Current Report
Q: What clothing can I wear in The Bahamas?
Summer clothing can be worn year-round. However a sweater or light jacket may be desired for some early mornings and evenings in the winter. All Abaco Island restaurants allow casual dress.

Q: What is the average temperature in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas has a temperate climate ranging from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity in the summer months to 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Night-time temperatures are generally cooler by 5-10 degrees. Sea surface temperatures vary between 74 degrees in February and 84 degrees in August.

Q: When is the rainy season?
The Bahamas experiences some rain year round, however the months of May through October constitute the rainy season.

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Special Services
Q: Are there tax incentives for meetings or special groups in The Bahamas?
The "How do US Planners Deduct The Cost of A Meeting Held in The Bahamas" guide provides answers to questions regarding tax incentives for special groups visiting the Bahamas. Call toll-free 1(888) GROUPS1 for more information.

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Age Requirements
Q: What is the legal age for gambling?
The minimum legal gambling age in the Bahamas is eighteen.

Q: What is the legal age for drinking?
The age of legal majority in the Bahamas is eighteen.

Q: Can kids under ten years travel to The Bahamas?
Yes, children under the age of ten can travel to The Bahamas, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children from the United States can travel using a birth certificate or a passport. Children from Europe and other countries will need passports for entry into The Bahamas.

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Appliances & Electronics
Q: What appliances are supplied at Suncrest Treasure Villas?
Central air conditioning and fully-equipped all-electric kitchens are standard in all units at Suncrest Treasure Villas. Also supplied are steam irons and ironing boards. Washing machines and dryers are located in all Suncrest Treasure Villas for guest use.

Q: What is the electrical voltage?
The electrical voltage is generally the same as that of the United States (120 voltage 60 cycles). Suncrest Treasure Villas has standard US-style electrical outlets.

Q: Will my cellular phone operate in The Bahamas?
If you wish to use your cellular phone while in The Bahamas you should first register it with the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation. You can call them at tel: (242) 394-4000 or by fax at (242) 394-3573.

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Bahamas Shopping
Q: What are the duty free shopping policies?
US residents, including minors, can take home duty free purchases up to $600 providing they have been out of the country for 48 hours. Items, which must be purchased from duty free stores, include crystal, liquor, linen, leather, jewelry, porcelain and souvenirs. United Kingdom residents are allowed 2 litres (67 oz) of spirits, (one of which must be manufactured in the Bahamas or Caribbean) 200 cigarettes or a half pound of tobacco, and duty free exemption on other goods up to a total value of 145 pounds. There are three categories for Canadian residents: A 24-hour visitor - $50.00 duty free on return. A 48-hour visitor - $200.00 duty free. A Canadian visitor staying longer than 48 hours - $500 duty exemption. The latter being allowed only once per annum.

Q: What newspapers are available in Treasure Cay?
US and Local newspapers are available throughout Treasure Cay usually within one day of publication.

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