💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Nassau: card acceptance by area, how to pay for jitneys and water taxis, and what to budget for Atlantis, the Fish Fry, and island excursions. For Bahamas-wide money advice:
Read the Bahamas Money Guide →Do You Need Cash in Nassau?
For some situations. The good news: the Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and USD is accepted everywhere. No currency exchange needed. Cards work at resorts, Bay Street shops, and tourist restaurants. Cash is useful for jitney buses ($1.25 exact change), the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, straw market vendors, and water taxis. Carry $20–50 in small bills when heading out.
Where You Will Need Cash
Jitney buses ($1.25 exact change). Fish Fry at Arawak Cay (some vendors cash-only). Straw Market vendors (haggling, cash preferred). Water taxis to Paradise Island ($4–6 per person). Tips for hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides. Beach vendors selling hair braids and souvenirs. Small local restaurants.
Where Cards Work Fine
Atlantis and all Paradise Island resorts. Bay Street shops and jewelry stores. Tourist restaurants on Bay Street and Cable Beach. Supermarkets (Super Value, Solomon's). Hotels and resorts. Organized tour operators. Airport shops. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Amex works at major hotels and shops.
Paying by Card in Nassau
Since the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, there are no exchange rate concerns for American visitors. Your US bank cards work without foreign transaction fees at most places (check your card terms). International visitors will see charges in BSD, which equals USD. Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted. Contactless payments work at newer terminals.
Bay Street & Downtown
Nassau's main shopping street near the cruise port. Jewelry stores (Diamonds International, Colombian Emeralds) accept cards. Restaurants and bars accept cards. The Pirates of Nassau Museum ($13.50 entry, card) and National Art Gallery ($10, card) are here. Straw Market nearby is cash-preferred for haggling. Busy on cruise ship days.
Paradise Island & Atlantis
Atlantis Aquaventure day pass: $185–220 per adult (card, book online). Marine Habitat: $35–45 (card). Restaurants inside Atlantis all accept cards. Marina Village shops are card-friendly. Connected to Nassau by two bridges (free for pedestrians) or water taxi ($4–6, cash). Everything on Paradise Island is premium-priced and fully card-friendly.
Fish Fry (Arawak Cay)
A cluster of colorful shacks serving Bahamian food right on the waterfront. Conch salad: $12–15. Fried fish plate: $15–20. Sky Juice (gin and coconut water): $5–8. Some vendors now accept cards, but cash is safer (several stalls are cash-only). The best place in Nassau for authentic Bahamian food at reasonable prices. Budget $15–25 per person.
Cable Beach
Nassau's main resort beach strip west of downtown. Baha Mar mega-resort (Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood) is fully card-friendly. Beach restaurants and bars accept cards. Casino at Baha Mar accepts cards for buy-ins. Public beach access is free. An alternative to Paradise Island with its own resort bubble.
ATMs in Nassau
For Bahamas-wide ATM advice, see the Bahamas guide. Bay Street: ATMs from RBC and Scotiabank near the cruise port. Paradise Island: ATMs at Atlantis. Nassau Airport (NAS): ATMs in arrivals. ATMs dispense a mix of Bahamian and US dollars (both are equivalent). US bank cards work at all ATMs. International cards may incur withdrawal fees.
Jitneys, Taxis & Getting Around
Jitney Buses
Privately operated minibuses running fixed routes. $1.25 per ride (exact change in cash, bills accepted). Routes run along Bay Street, to Cable Beach, and to the eastern end of the island. Flag them down at bus stops. Schedules are informal. Cheap and used by locals. Not the fastest option but a great way to see local Nassau.
Taxis
Metered taxis are available throughout Nassau. Airport to downtown: $30–40. Downtown to Atlantis: $10–15. Downtown to Cable Beach: $15–20. Taxis charge by the car, not per person, so sharing saves money. Cash or card (most accept cards, but confirm first). A surcharge applies after midnight.
Water Taxis
Small boats running between downtown Nassau and Paradise Island. $4–6 per person each way (cash). Depart from the ferry terminal near the British Colonial Hilton. A fun, quick crossing that avoids the bridge traffic. Run during daylight hours.
Walking & Bridges
Downtown Nassau is walkable. Bay Street, the Straw Market, and the Fish Fry are all within a 15-minute walk. The two bridges to Paradise Island are free for pedestrians (15-minute walk, no shade). Rent a scooter or golf cart for wider island exploration ($50–80/day, cash or card).
Tipping in Nassau
The Bahamas guide covers general norms. In Nassau: Restaurants: 15–20% (check if gratuity is included, many add 15% automatically). Hotel housekeeping: $3–5 per day. Taxi drivers: 15% of the fare. Tour guides and boat crews: $5–10 per person. Bartenders: $1–2 per drink. Always tip in cash (USD is fine).
Prices in Nassau
The Bahamas is one of the most expensive Caribbean destinations. Everything is imported, which drives up food and drink prices. Resorts and tourist restaurants charge premium rates. The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay is the best local food value. Atlantis activities are the biggest single expenses.
| Item | Price (USD/BSD) |
|---|---|
| Conch salad (Fish Fry) | $12–15 |
| Fried fish plate (Fish Fry) | $15–20 |
| Beer at a bar | $6–10 |
| Atlantis day pass (adult) | $185–220 |
| Jitney bus ride | $1.25 |
| Taxi to airport | $30–40 |
| Water taxi to Paradise Island | $4–6 |
| Tourist restaurant meal | $25–50 |
| Snorkeling excursion | $50–80 |
| Exumas day trip (swimming pigs) | $250–400 |
| Straw Market souvenir | $10–40 |
| Budget hotel (per night) | $100–200 |
BSD and USD are interchangeable at 1:1. All prices in US/Bahamian dollars.
Day Trips from Nassau
Exuma Cays (Swimming Pigs)
The famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Day trip by boat or plane: $250–400 per person. Tours typically include the pigs, Thunderball Grotto, nurse shark feeding, and lunch. Book online (card) through operators like Exuma Water Sports or Powerboat Adventures. A full-day commitment. The most popular excursion from Nassau by far.
Blue Lagoon Island
A private island a short boat ride from Nassau. Beach day pass: $69–89 per adult including boat transfer, lunch, and beach access. Dolphin encounters: $199–299 extra. Card accepted for bookings. The boat departs from the ferry terminal downtown. A popular, family-friendly day trip. Everything is included in the package price.
Rose Island
A small island with pristine beaches 30 minutes from Nassau by boat. Tour packages: $80–130 per person including boat, beach, and lunch. Private boat charters: $300–600 for a group. Some operators accept cards, others prefer cash. Bring snorkeling gear or rent it ($10–15). A quieter alternative to the busier tourist islands.
Nassau Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Street shops | ✅ Cards accepted | No | Jewelry, souvenirs |
| Atlantis / Paradise Island | ✅ Cards accepted | Tips: $3–5 | Day pass $185–220 |
| Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) | ✅ Some vendors | $15–25 safer | Best local food value |
| Straw Market | ❌ Cash preferred | $10–40 | Haggling expected |
| Jitney bus | ❌ Cash only | $1.25 exact | Local transport |
| Water taxi | ❌ Cash | $4–6 | To Paradise Island |
| Exumas day trip | ✅ Book online | Tips for crew | $250–400 per person |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to exchange currency?
No. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. USD is accepted everywhere. No exchange needed. You may receive Bahamian bills as change (not accepted outside the Bahamas).
Do I need cash in Nassau?
For jitneys ($1.25 exact change), the Fish Fry, Straw Market, and water taxis. Resorts and Bay Street shops accept cards. Carry $20–50 in small bills.
How much does Atlantis cost?
Aquaventure day pass: $185–220/adult. Marine Habitat: $35–45. Book online (card). Everything at Atlantis is card-friendly.
How do jitneys work?
Minibuses on fixed routes for $1.25 (exact change). Flag them down at stops. Run along Bay Street and to Cable Beach. Informal schedules.
Is Nassau expensive?
Yes. One of the priciest Caribbean destinations. Restaurant meals $15–50. Beer $6–10. Fish Fry offers the best value at $12–20 per plate.
How do I get to Paradise Island?
Two bridges (free for pedestrians, $1 car toll). Water taxis $4–6 per person (cash). Taxi from downtown: $10–15.
International Visitors: No FX Fees
If visiting from outside the US, the Wise card converts to USD at the real mid-market rate. Tap to pay everywhere in Nassau. The Bahamas uses USD-equivalent pricing.
Get the Wise Card →