Freeport, Bahamas 🇧🇸
#1072
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Freeport is the second largest city in the Bahamas, located on Grand Bahama Island. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 26,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of approximately 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD; USD is the official currency. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Aliv. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include RBC Royal Bank and Scotiabank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available include Airbnb, local hotels, and short-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, although cash is still common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms for short-term accommodation. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like the Flamingo Bay Hotel offer budget-friendly rooms. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Lucaya area is most popular for tourists due to its proximity to beaches and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Port Lucaya offers great options for longer-term stays with coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Fusion Cafe & Co-Work is the best option for remote professionals. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bar offers a cozy atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at the Freeport association provide networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Freeport Facebook Group is a vibrant community for updates and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services are available; ride-sharing apps are not commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rental services available; most people rely on taxis or walking. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Taino Beach is one of the closest and most beautiful beaches in Freeport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bahamasair offers flights to other islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta operate flights from Freeport to the U.S. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main highway is the Queen's Highway, connecting major areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; public transportation is mainly via bus or taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public bus passes are available, but services are limited. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate to nearby islands like Grand Cay and the Abacos. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Grand Bahama Health Services is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms include the Gym at the Lucayan Shopping Center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like Fresh and Clean offer self-service options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Island Gourmet provides food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Conch fritters and cracked conch are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Greenhouse offers a variety of healthy plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | DD's Ice Cream is popular for sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer affordable fresh produce and seafood. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Freeport, sometimes with extra fees. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery service, though options may be limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Port Lucaya is the primary area for nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bahamian Brewery produces local beers like Sands and Kalik. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Lucayan Wine Bar offers an excellent selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks around the Port Lucaya marketplace. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Poop Deck serve a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Garden of the Groves is a beautiful botanical garden and local attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Grand Bahama Museum showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the old Freeport are notable for their historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Catholic Church is a well-known landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Junkanoo Festival held during Christmas and New Year is a must-see event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Lucaya offers a blend of cultures with festivals and music events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Regency Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Lucaya Marketplace offers local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars offers a glimpse into the Bahamian music culture. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around Freeport reflect local art and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in traditional Bahamian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artists' studios and galleries are found near the Lucaya area. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Rand Memorial Nature Center is notable for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's native history and culture are celebrated in various local events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lucayan National Park features stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Lucayan National Park is also considered a national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths are available throughout the parks and beaches. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The cliffs at Gold Rock Beach provide picturesque views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the national park are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires, with Taino Beach being popular. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides reliable parcel delivery in Freeport. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tech Hub offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host ping pong tables for recreational play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes in English and other languages are offered at local community colleges. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Freeport Library is a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Freeport Community Centre offers cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local lounges may host gaming events and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Treasure Bay Casino is a well-known venue for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $140,000 for a 40 m² studio in the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $112,000 for a 40 m² studio outside the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $192,000 for a 60 m² one-bedroom in central locations. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150,000 for a 60 m² one-bedroom outside the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $240,000 for an 80 m² two-bedroom in central areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $184,000 for an 80 m² two-bedroom outside the city. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 0%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No taxation on global income for non-residents; beneficial for digital nomads. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 0% for non-residents. |
| 🧾 VAT | There is no VAT in the Bahamas. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on property value; generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is 10%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There is no income tax for foreign residents, making it attractive for digital nomads. |