Frequently asked questions about Exuma (FAQs)
The Bahamian Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1 = $ 1 Bahamian Dollar.
The cost of living is somewhat more than in the UK or USA.
The official language is English.
Can I use a foreign driving license in Great Exuma?
Any person holding a full foreign driving license is legally able to drive a car on Great Exuma.
Yes.
No. The island is more than equipped to provide clean fresh water all year round.
The Bahamas is an independent country and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Political and legal traditions closely follow that of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II is the ceremonial Head of State.
Political and legal traditions closely follow that of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II is the ceremonial Head of State.
The Prime Minister is the head of government and is the leader of the party with the most seats in the elected House of Assembly.
There is no political or social upheaval and there are no strikes on Great Exuma or the Bahamas as a whole. The Bahamas has enjoyed a stable Parliamentary Democracy for 276 years, the second oldest in the western hemisphere.
Yes it is. The entire island chain of the Exumas is 130 miles long and 27 square miles in area. Great Exuma is the largest island in the group. The main roads are good throughout the island, and you can travel by rental car, taxi, boat or rental scooter. Taxis are available at the airport as well as in most hotels and towns. The Taxi Association sets fixed rates for most routes around the island. Car rental companies are also situated at the airport.
Great Exuma is much safer and more drug-free than most major cities in the US and Europe. The police are very vigilant and the government, as part of its drive to promote tourism, is clamping down on such crime as does occur. Crime targeted at tourists is very rare.
There are far fewer beggars on Great Exuma than in urban areas of the US and UK. Since it is still common for everyone to look after one another, usually no one goes hungry.
In Great Exuma, there is a government-operated clinic in George Town for emergency and overnight treatment, staffed by a resident doctor and nurse, as well as a private clinic. Where more comprehensive medical treatment is required, patients are flown to hospitals in Nassau, just 45 minutes away.
There are multiple full-service pharmacies in Great Exuma.
The police force at Great Exuma is headquartered in George Town, the largest town on the Island, and there are local constables in other communities on the island.
There is a post office in Georgetown.
Royal Bank of Canada maintains a branch in George Town, and there is a Scotia Bank ATM machine as well.