Digital Nomad Life in Bahamas

"There is a large expat community in New Providence so it is easy to find others with the same interests as you. We have met most of our friends through the school which our children attend but there are also women's clubs, a Foodie group, running clubs, rugby leagues, a ball hockey league, sailing groups a kiwi club, a humane society that you can volunteer at and all other kinds of clubs and organizations. In addition you can find groups on Facebook of people living here on the island. There are also club houses on the island that you can purchase memberships at and meet people through as well, these tend to be more expensive then the cost of a similar club in North America," remarked one foreigner who made the move to New Providence.

"Expats living in the Bahamas often join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sailing, diving, golfing, fishing, and tennis. There are also many popular expat hangouts, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Expats can also meet people by attending expat get-togethers and events, volunteering, attending sports leagues, or joining a church or other religious organization. Additionally, many neighborhoods in the Bahamas have their own ways of bringing locals and expats together, such as block parties, festivals, and other celebrations," explained one person living in Bahamas.

"Life in The Bahamas is a mix of stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a laidback, relaxed atmosphere. Expats and digital nomads find it easy to settle in and make friends in the welcoming, diverse communities. The beaches offer a host of recreational activities, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, while the cafes and restaurants make it easy to find a bite or drinks. Shopping and nightlife are available in many of the local towns, with the bonus of low prices. The main international airport makes it easy to take off to other islands or countries for short trips. What’s more, there’s the bonus of dependable sunshine and the warmth of the Caribbean," remarked one member in Bahamas.

"It is a vast range of differences. The range is from very hardworking individuals that are employed by the banks, hotels etc which get very little time off to enjoy the island to the ultra rich with family money that spend most of their time living up the easy life and everything in between. We are considered a medium class family back home in Canada and so we are somewhere in the middle and spend most of our free time with our three children visiting and attending youth sports and clubs. Their is a vibrant night life scene but it can become fairly expensive quickly. The beach is a big draw in the warm months but locals do not swim in the winter months and so they are normally fairly empty at that time of the season," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"The best way to find a place to live in the Bahamas is to use an online real estate listing site such as Propertyskipper or Bahamas Realty. You can peruse both of these websites to find places that match your budget, desired location and size. Additionally, it is possible to come to the Bahamas and look at locations in person. There are frequently notice boards in grocery stores and other places around the islands that advertise available properties. It is also advisable to seek out any information regarding rentals on social media platforms such as Facebook, where locals post details of their homes and apartments that they would like to rent out," explained one person living in Bahamas.

"We use a real estate agent. We choose the western side of the island, no traffic! But of course it depends where your office is located," said one expat in Nassau.

"Expats considering retiring in the Bahamas should consider the cost of living as well as the local culture. Before deciding to retire in the Bahamas, expats should familiarize themselves with the different visa requirements and ensure they comply with them. Additionally, expats should be aware that property ownership is restricted in certain areas and that different taxes may apply. Lastly, expats should research the local infrastructure, such as hospital and medical care availability, as well as transportation and accessibility options," said one person in Bahamas.

"Really take a close look at the cost of living before deciding. Everything is much more expensive here then it would be in most parts of the world. As an example a car here will cost about double the value in the USA. If you import it they add 75-80% duty on the value they determine (along with all the freight costs it quickly gets to 100% on top of the value) and if you purchase here the prices are already about double the price in the USA to begin with. Rent, Water and electricity are also very expensive here. This is not a location you would come to in order to lower your cost of living and "stretch" your salary but if you can afford the high cost of living the weather, beaches and people are quite inviting," said one expat who made the move to New Providence.

"Friendliness of the people in my office - I am the only expat. Ability to be happy despite not having much. Their religious faith is strong," explained one person living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"Work ethic is lacking. Ability to understand their responsibility for their own betterment. Tendency to take a laid-back approach to everything," said one expat who made the move to Nassau.

"Lack of professionalism, laid back attitude in industries that should move swiftly, prices, customs duties, lack of activities for children," explained one foreigner living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"If you intend to stay in the Bahamas for a while, you will need to obtain a valid passport and either a work permit or a long-term visa. The specific type of visa will depend on the reasons for your stay and the length of time you intend to remain. Additionally, depending on your country of origin and other factors, you may also need to obtain additional documents or permits from the Bahamas government," remarked one member in Bahamas.

"You can get a permit to reside that basically allows you to live in Bahamas without working. This is fairly easy to get and you can renew it each time it comes due. A little more difficult to get is permanent residence which allows you to stay here permanently but requires an investment into the country normally in the form of a purchase of a home of at least $500,000 (the amount has gone up and will probably again in the coming years)," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"I had to ask people to repeat themselves numerous times because I didn't understand what they were telling me with the local dialect. Sometimes I realized after it should have been obvious but I just was not getting it at the time," said one expat who made the move to Nassau.

"Regardless of coverage, ensure you have the ability to travel to US for any major care needs. There are many private practitioners but only two hospitals. One is for people without insurance (Princess Margaret) and the other is for people with insurance (Doctors Hospital). Ask around in your community for reliable local providers, especially for kids. We found some incredible providers this way for our children," explained one digital nomad living in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

"As compared to Canada the availability and quality of some health care services is lacking but still adequate. The speed of which they will see you at the clinics and private hospitals is much faster then it is in Canada and for what is missing a quick trip to Florida will provide you with all you need that can not be found in New Providence," said one member in Nassau.

"The people are amazing. There is a large influx of young locals who are transforming spaces, thinking, culture and experiences. Older locals are gracious and wonderful. Certain areas have seen better days but there is a move to bring them back to former glory. The place has real beauty, despite the need for urban regeneration. There are lots of nearby quiet places a boat ride away in neighbouring islands. Overarchingly I feel grateful to be able to call this home," explained one digital nomad living in Nassau, Bahamas.

"Expats and digital nomads living in the Bahamas enjoy the warm climate, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the fact that English is the official language. On the downside, expats and digital nomads may find the lack of infrastructure and public transportation inconvenient, and the limited job opportunities can be a challenge. Additionally, the high cost of imported goods can be a burden," said one member in Bahamas.