Digital Nomad Life in New Providence, 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," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"One way to meet people in New Providence is to join local clubs and organizations like community sports teams, religious organizations, or book clubs. You can also attend local events, such as festivals, concerts, art shows, or meet-ups that are hosted in the area. Networking and attending professional conferences or seminars related to your field of work can also grant the opportunity to meet people in New Providence. Additionally, taking classes at the local community college, libraries, or through hobby groups can increase your chances of meeting new people in the area. Finally, get involved in volunteer activities or community service projects which are great ways to make new connections," said one person in New Providence.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in New Providence is generally quite pleasant. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and laid-back atmosphere. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors and take part in a variety of activities. The cost of living is relatively low, and the local people are friendly and welcoming. There is a good selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as plenty of shopping and entertainment options. The island is well-connected, with good internet access and a reliable public transportation system. All in all, New Providence is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle," said one person in New Providence.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to New Providence.

"The best way to find a place to live in New Providence is to research online for real estate agents and property listings in the area. You can also contact local real estate agencies to learn about available housing options, such as apartment complexes, homes for rent, and other residential properties. Additionally, you can look for classified ads in your local newspaper or online for potential rental properties. Lastly, you can join local social media groups or forums to hear about housing opportunities and ask questions of your peers who currently live in New Providence," explained one person living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"Before retiring in New Providence, it is important to become familiar with the cost of living in the area, consider health care options, review the country's taxation policies, understand the visa requirements, research the availability of activities and amenities, and familiarize yourself with the local culture, transportation options, and climate. It is also important to take into account any special needs you or your family might have and to research the availability of any public or private services or benefits. Additionally, if you plan to open a business or purchase property in New Providence, it is essential to research the applicable laws and regulations," said one person in New Providence.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to New Providence.

"Expats in New Providence appreciate the vibrant culture full of heritage and art, the friendly people and their Caribbean hospitality, the fantastic culinary experiences and the abundance of fresh local produce and seafood, the amazing beaches and outdoor activities, the beauty and natural diversity of the island, and the convenient access to the United States and other countries in the Caribbean," said one person in New Providence.

"Expats find numerous challenges when relocating to a different country, such as language barriers, cultural differences, making new friends, learning the customs of their new home, adapting to a different lifestyle, getting used to unfamiliar cuisine, adapting to a different working environment, finding reliable and affordable housing, dealing with lack of support structures, navigating the legal and financial systems, and the lack of relevance of qualifications in their new country," said one expat who made the move to New Providence.

"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)," remarked one member in New Providence.

"If you are planning to stay in New Providence for a while, you will need to apply for a valid residency permit or visa. Depending on your country of origin and your reasons for being in New Providence, the type of residency permit or visa may vary. Common residency permits and visas can include: tourist visas, student visas, immigrant visas, work permits, family visas, non-immigrant visas, or permanent residence visas. You should contact the Bahamian authorities directly to obtain the necessary information and requirements for obtaining any type of residency permit or visa," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"In New Providence, it is important to be aware of the local cultural norms. It is important to dress conservatively and be aware of local religious customs and festivals. Showing respect to the elderly is also considered important. It is also considered rude to publicly discuss one’s financial situation and to make jokes that are critical of another’s religion. In addition, try to avoid speaking too loudly or using offensive language in public, as this is viewed negatively. Finally, avoid discussing potentially controversial topics like politics and race, as this can be seen as disrespectful," explained one expat living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"Healthcare services in New Providence, are centered around the capital city of Nassau, where the majority of the population resides. The island is home to several public and private healthcare facilities, including the Princess Margaret Hospital, which is the primary public hospital, and the Doctors Hospital, a well-regarded private institution. These facilities offer a range of services, such as emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, and specialized care in areas like cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. In addition to hospitals, New Providence also has numerous clinics and medical centers that provide primary care, dental services, and other specialized treatments. Pharmacies are readily available throughout the island, and many medications can be obtained without a prescription. However, it is essential to note that some specialized treatments or medications may not be available on the island, and patients may need to travel abroad for specific care. The healthcare system in New Providence is supported by a mix of Bahamian and international medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. While the quality of care is generally considered to be good, it may not be on par with the standards found in more developed countries. Additionally, public healthcare facilities may experience overcrowding and long wait times, leading some residents and visitors to opt for private healthcare services. Overall, healthcare services in New Providence, Bahamas, are accessible and provide a range of medical treatments and services. However, patients with complex medical needs or seeking specialized care may need to consider traveling to other countries for treatment," said one foreigner in New Providence.

"Expats and digital nomads living in New Providence, often like the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and pleasant tropical climate that the island offers. They appreciate the friendly and welcoming locals, as well as the vibrant culture and rich history of the Bahamas. The laid-back lifestyle and relaxed pace of life are also attractive to many expats and digital nomads. New Providence offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating, which are popular among expats and digital nomads. The island also has a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place to live and work. However, there are also some aspects of living in New Providence that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The cost of living can be quite high, particularly for housing, groceries, and imported goods. The island's infrastructure, such as roads and public transportation, can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to get around without a car. Additionally, while the island has a stable internet connection, it may not be as fast or reliable as some digital nomads are used to, which can be frustrating for those who rely on the internet for work. The job market can also be competitive, with limited opportunities for expats and digital nomads, especially if they do not have a specialized skill set. Lastly, some expats and digital nomads may find the island's small size and relative isolation to be a drawback, as it can lead to a feeling of being "stuck" or limited in terms of travel and exploration opportunities," explained one digital nomad living in New Providence, Bahamas.