Exuma Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information
ESSENTIALS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏙️ City |
George Town, Great Exuma, The Bahamas |
| 👥 Population |
Approximately 7,500 |
| 💻 Internet Speed |
Average 25-50 Mbps via Aliv or BTC; Starlink is now widely used by nomads for 150+ Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking |
Bahamian Dollar (BSD) pegged 1:1 with USD. USD is accepted everywhere. 1 USD = 1 BSD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water |
Not recommended for drinking; most locals and visitors use bottled water or RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems. |
| 🔌 Power |
120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A and B sockets (same as USA/Canada). |
| 📶 SIM Card |
Aliv (BeAliv) or BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company); Aliv is generally preferred for data consistency. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats |
Fidelity Bank, Scotiabank, and CIBC FirstCaribbean in George Town; Revolut/Wise work for card payments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation |
Airbnb, VRBO, and local boutique resorts like Kahari Resort or Peace & Plenty. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly |
Mostly; larger hotels and restaurants accept cards, but small vendors and boat taxis require cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals |
Airbnb and VRBO; prices range from $200 - $600 per night for decent villas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation |
Hideaways at Palm Bay (approx. $180-$250/night) or basic local guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists |
George Town (central access) or Little Exuma (quieter, near Tropic of Cancer Beach). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads |
Hoopers Bay (good internet options and central) or Tar Bay (reliable power/utilities). |
WORKING AND NETWORKING
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space |
No dedicated coworking hubs; The Peace & Plenty Hotel lobby or presidential suite rentals are the best alternatives. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work |
Shirley's at the Fish Fry or Island Boy Cafe in George Town (consistent Wi-Fi). |
| 💼 Networking Events |
Informal meetups at Chat 'N' Chill on Stocking Island; no formal 'tech' networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats |
The 'Sunday Pig Roast' at Chat 'N' Chill is the primary social gathering for the expat and sailing community. |
TRANSPORTATION
| Topic |
Details |
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App |
No apps; use local taxi dispatch. Call Luther Taxi or Exuma Taxi Service (approx. $40 from Airport to George Town). |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental |
Exuma Scooter Rentals in George Town; approx. $50-$70 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby |
Tropic of Cancer Beach (Little Exuma) or Hoopers Bay (to see turtles). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline |
Bahamasair or Western Air for inter-island travel to Nassau. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline |
American Airlines (via Miami/Charlotte), Delta (via Atlanta), or Silver Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access |
Queen's Highway is the single main road running the length of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub |
Exuma International Airport (GGT) is the primary entry point. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes |
No formal public transit system; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel |
Water taxis to Stocking Island ($15 round trip) or local small-plane charters to nearby Cays. |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏥 Best Hospital |
Exuma Community Health Centre in George Town (Basic care; emergencies often require medevac to Nassau). |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers |
Wellness sessions at Kahari Resort or seasonal classes at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers |
Exuma Fitness Centre in George Town; modest facilities but functional. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services |
The Laundry Shop in George Town (Wash/Dry/Fold services). |
FOOD AND DRINK
| Topic |
Details |
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App |
None; some local restaurants offer private delivery via WhatsApp, but most is pickup. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try |
Conch Salad (freshly made at the Fish Fry stalls). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options |
Chubby Fish Exuma; most places can accommodate with peas 'n rice and salads but options are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots |
Mom’s Bakery in Williams Town (Famous for Rum Cake). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots |
Exuma Markets in George Town (Imported goods are expensive; expect 2x USA prices). |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store |
No local Amazon; most residents use freight forwarders like Mr. Ship It in Nassau/George Town. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery |
Shop2Ship services or informal arrangements with Exuma Markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area |
The Fish Fry (a collection of shacks) just north of George Town; active on weekend nights. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery |
No brewery on the island; local beers are Kalik and Sands (produced in Nassau). |
| 🍷 Wine Bars |
The Rusty Anchor at July’s Harbour; decent wine selection and upscale atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls |
George Town Fish Fry ($12-$20 per plate). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine |
Santana’s (Little Exuma) for BBQ/Seafood; Splash Beach Bar for American-style grill. |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks |
The Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay (require boat tour from George Town or Staniel Cay). |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues |
Whelks Side Gallery for local Bahamian art and straw work. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites |
The Rolle Town Tombs (Loyalist history). |
| 🕍 Religious Sites |
St. Andrews Anglican Church in George Town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events |
National Family Island Regatta (April) - the biggest event on the island. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts |
George Town Settlement. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues |
None; cultural performances are usually outdoor festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets |
George Town Straw Market for handmade baskets and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene |
Rake 'n' Scrape music at local bars like Eddie's Edgewater. |
| 🎨 Street Art |
Minimal; some local murals in the Fish Fry area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes |
Informal conch-cracking demonstrations at the Fish Fry. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries |
Sandpiper Arts & Crafts in George Town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings |
Government Administration Building in George Town (pink colonial style). |
| 🏴 Local Heritage |
Loyalist heritage and Gullah-Geechee influences in the southern settlements. |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes |
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park (incredible kayaking and turquoise sandbars). |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby |
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (accessible via boat, world-class snorkeling). |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths |
No dedicated paths; cyclists use the shoulder of Queen's Highway. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints |
The Beacon on Stocking Island (short hike to the highest point for 360 views). |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations |
Moriah Harbour Cay for sightings of Tropicbirds and Herons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots |
Public beaches allow fires; Chat 'N' Chill area often has evening gatherings. |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service |
DHL (located at George Town Airport) or FedEx via local agents. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services |
Very limited; most people fly devices to Nassau or Florida for repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots |
Occasionally found in resort recreation rooms like Peace & Plenty. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes |
None (English is the official language). |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots |
George Town Public Library (small, quiet colonial building). |
| 🏘️ Community Centers |
George Town Community Centre. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges |
None. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls |
None (Casinos are primarily in Nassau or Freeport). |
BUSINESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. $8,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $340,000 for luxury waterfront condos). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. $5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $200,000 for inland lots/small builds). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. $7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $450,000 in George Town/Palm Bay). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. $4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $240,000 in settlements like Steventon). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. $9,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $720,000 for prime harbor views). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. $4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $360,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax |
0% (The Bahamas has no corporate income tax). |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax |
0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System |
No income, capital gains, or inheritance tax; revenue is raised via VAT and Import Duties. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket |
0%. |
| 🧾 VAT |
10% on most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules |
None. |
| 🏠 Property Tax |
Yes; between 0.75% and 2% depending on property value and residency status (Owner-occupied first $250k is exempt). |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax |
VAT on property transfers ranges from 2.5% to 10% based on value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads |
Highly attractive; the 'Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay' (BEATS) visa allows remote workers to live tax-free for up to a year. |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING EXUMA