Freeport, Bahamas 🇧🇸
#1072
26.535681, -78.695362
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Freeport is a city located on Grand Bahama Island known for its beaches, resorts, and economic activity. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 26,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 30-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD, widely used currency. Major banks include Royal Bank of Canada and ScotiaBank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advised to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include BTC, Aliv. Prepaid SIM cards available at stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International debit and credit cards widely accepted; local banks can help with opening accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels like Grand Lucayan, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer various short-term options in Freeport. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Cottages at the Bahamas Beach Club or local hostels like The Freeport Inn. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Working remotely is common, but dedicated coworking spaces are limited. The perfect space could be Café Gelato. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Gelato offers Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking often happens in local bars and restaurants; check local Facebook groups for events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup events frequently happen in local bars and cafes for expats and locals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services available, ride-hailing apps like Uber are not widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; scooters and mopeds are also available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Taino Beach, just a short drive from the city center, known for its clear waters and soft sand. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Western Air offers regional flights to nearby islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide regular flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Queen's Highway that runs through Grand Bahama. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | N/A; public transport is limited, most opt for car rentals or taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport consists mainly of jitneys, with no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services connect to nearby islands like Nassau and Bimini. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rand Memorial Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Island Yoga Studio offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center at the Grand Lucayan Resort and local private gyms like The Gym at Bahamas. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are scattered throughout Freeport offering wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use local catering services for delivery options, as apps like UberEats are not widely available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Conch fritters and Bahama Mama cocktails are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bamboo Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly dishes alongside local cuisine. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Spot Bakery is famous for local pastries and conch cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marketplace at the Mall is a good local shopping spot for budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online stores like BahamasLocal.com offer various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super Value Grocery offers delivery services upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Port Lucaya Marketplace is buzzing with bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bahama Brew is the local brewery producing various beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bars are limited; local restaurants often serve a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food trucks and stands are abundant in Port Lucaya, offering authentic Bahamian eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Golden Corral serves a wide variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Lucayan National Park with its stunning cave systems and beaches. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bahamas National Trust offers educational exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Rand Memorial Nature Center presents local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church offers a glimpse into local spirituality. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Junkanoo Festival takes place every December, showcasing vibrant music and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Port Lucaya Marketplace is a hub for local culture and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances are held at the Grand Bahama Cultural Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Port Lucaya Marketplace offers crafts, artwork, and local food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music, particularly reggae and R&B. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Freeport features colorful murals in the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on traditional Bahamian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Emerald Bay Art Gallery showcases local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Bahama Bay Hotel offers insights into the island's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Bahamian culture is strongly represented through art in various public spaces. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lucayan National Park offers trails and serene nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lucayan National Park is the main national park, featuring stunning beaches. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The trail systems in the Lucayan National Park are popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Gold Rock Beach provides breathtaking views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mary Star of the Sea offers good spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas at Taino Beach allow bonfires; permissions might be required. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate in Freeport for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Baidens and The Cell Shop offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Social clubs sometimes host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers offer English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Grand Bahama Public Library provides study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Freeport Community Center hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming is common in local bars, but dedicated lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino at the Grand Lucayan offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $150,000 ($2,500 per m²) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $100,000 ($2,000 per m²) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $200,000 ($3,300 per m²) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150,000 ($2,500 per m²) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300,000 ($3,700 per m²) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250,000 ($3,200 per m²) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax for certain sectors; Bahamas is known for tax incentives. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax system applicable; indirect taxes apply. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A; the Bahamas has no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 12% applicable. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules; foreign companies are typically not taxed. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value, rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% stamp duty on property transactions. |