George Town, Great Exuma, The Bahamas

Internet Speed in Exuma

Average 25-50 Mbps via Aliv or BTC; Starlink is now widely used by nomads for 150+ Mbps.

Currency & Banking in Exuma

Bahamian Dollar (BSD) pegged 1:1 with USD. USD is accepted everywhere. 1 USD = 1 BSD.

Not recommended for drinking; most locals and visitors use bottled water or RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems.

120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A and B sockets (same as USA/Canada).

Aliv (BeAliv) or BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company); Aliv is generally preferred for data consistency.

Banking for Expats in Exuma

Fidelity Bank, Scotiabank, and CIBC FirstCaribbean in George Town; Revolut/Wise work for card payments.

Accommodation in Exuma

Airbnb, VRBO, and local boutique resorts like Kahari Resort or Peace & Plenty.

Cashless Friendly in Exuma

Mostly; larger hotels and restaurants accept cards, but small vendors and boat taxis require cash.

Short Term Rentals in Exuma

Airbnb and VRBO; prices range from $200 - $600 per night for decent villas.

Budget Accommodation in Exuma

Hideaways at Palm Bay (approx. $180-$250/night) or basic local guesthouses.

Best Area to Stay for Tourists in Exuma

George Town (central access) or Little Exuma (quieter, near Tropic of Cancer Beach).

Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads in Exuma

Hoopers Bay (good internet options and central) or Tar Bay (reliable power/utilities).

Best Coworking Space in Exuma

No dedicated coworking hubs; The Peace & Plenty Hotel lobby or presidential suite rentals are the best alternatives.

Best Cafe for Work in Exuma

Shirley's at the Fish Fry or Island Boy Cafe in George Town (consistent Wi-Fi).

Networking Events in Exuma

Informal meetups at Chat 'N' Chill on Stocking Island; no formal 'tech' networking.

Social Events for Expats in Exuma

The 'Sunday Pig Roast' at Chat 'N' Chill is the primary social gathering for the expat and sailing community.

Best Taxi/Ride App in Exuma

No apps; use local taxi dispatch. Call Luther Taxi or Exuma Taxi Service (approx. $40 from Airport to George Town).

Bike/Scooter Rental in Exuma

Exuma Scooter Rentals in George Town; approx. $50-$70 per day.

Best Beach Nearby in Exuma

Tropic of Cancer Beach (Little Exuma) or Hoopers Bay (to see turtles).

Top Regional Airline in Exuma

Bahamasair or Western Air for inter-island travel to Nassau.

Top International Airline in Exuma

American Airlines (via Miami/Charlotte), Delta (via Atlanta), or Silver Airways.

Highway Access in Exuma

Queen's Highway is the single main road running the length of the island.

Main Train/Transit Hub in Exuma

Exuma International Airport (GGT) is the primary entry point.

Public Transport Passes in Exuma

No formal public transit system; no passes available.

Regional Travel in Exuma

Water taxis to Stocking Island ($15 round trip) or local small-plane charters to nearby Cays.

Best Hospital in Exuma

Exuma Community Health Centre in George Town (Basic care; emergencies often require medevac to Nassau).

Yoga & Wellness Centers in Exuma

Wellness sessions at Kahari Resort or seasonal classes at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Gyms & Fitness Centers in Exuma

Exuma Fitness Centre in George Town; modest facilities but functional.

Laundry Services in Exuma

The Laundry Shop in George Town (Wash/Dry/Fold services).

Best Food Delivery App in Exuma

None; some local restaurants offer private delivery via WhatsApp, but most is pickup.

Best Local Dish to Try in Exuma

Conch Salad (freshly made at the Fish Fry stalls).

Vegan/Vegetarian Options in Exuma

Chubby Fish Exuma; most places can accommodate with peas 'n rice and salads but options are limited.

Best Dessert Spots in Exuma

Mom’s Bakery in Williams Town (Famous for Rum Cake).

Affordable Shopping Spots in Exuma

Exuma Markets in George Town (Imported goods are expensive; expect 2x USA prices).

E-commerce/Online Store in Exuma

No local Amazon; most residents use freight forwarders like Mr. Ship It in Nassau/George Town.

Grocery Delivery in Exuma

Shop2Ship services or informal arrangements with Exuma Markets.

Bar/Nightlife Area in Exuma

The Fish Fry (a collection of shacks) just north of George Town; active on weekend nights.

Local Brewery in Exuma

No brewery on the island; local beers are Kalik and Sands (produced in Nassau).

The Rusty Anchor at July’s Harbour; decent wine selection and upscale atmosphere.

Street Food Stalls in Exuma

George Town Fish Fry ($12-$20 per plate).

Popular International Cuisine in Exuma

Santana’s (Little Exuma) for BBQ/Seafood; Splash Beach Bar for American-style grill.

Must-See Landmarks in Exuma

The Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay (require boat tour from George Town or Staniel Cay).

Museums & Art Venues in Exuma

Whelks Side Gallery for local Bahamian art and straw work.

Historical Sites in Exuma

The Rolle Town Tombs (Loyalist history).

Religious Sites in Exuma

St. Andrews Anglican Church in George Town.

Annual Events in Exuma

National Family Island Regatta (April) - the biggest event on the island.

Theater Venues in Exuma

None; cultural performances are usually outdoor festivals.

Local Markets in Exuma

George Town Straw Market for handmade baskets and souvenirs.

Exuma Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Exuma digital nomad guide