Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Nassau and Paradise Island have excellent card infrastructure at tourist businesses. On the Out Islands (Exumas, Eleuthera, Abacos), cash is often the only option — even for accommodation and meals.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Nassau. RBC Royal Bank and Scotiabank machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around $5 USD per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Very limited ATM availability on Out Islands
- Withdraw sufficient cash in Nassau before island hopping
Card acceptance
Good at Nassau resorts and larger businesses. Out Islands and Family Islands require cash for most transactions.
Tips for travelers
- Out Island travel requires significant cash reserves — plan carefully
- USD is accepted everywhere at 1:1 with the Bahamian dollar
- Swimming pigs of Exuma are cash-only for tours and boat trips
- Tipping 15% is expected in tourist restaurants