GENERAL INFORMATION
FOR ABACO IN THE BAHAMAS
Tid-Bits You might Find Useful

For information that is really up-to-date,
consult the Abaco Community Message Board

What to Do?
Internet for Visitors
Working in the Bahamas
What To Wear

Using the Internet as a Visitor to Abaco.

We receive numerous enquires about using the internet here.

Long distance calls to your internet provider in the States, Canada or elsewhere are expensive - rates to the US begin at $.90/minute. There are no free 800 numbers for AOL etc. here.  If you need to do more than just touch base, we offer unlimited dial-up service for $25/month and require first and last month's fee at startup. Even at $50 for a visit this can be a good value if you need to be in touch for more that a few sessions.

If you're an AOL/Compuserve subscriber and you're unfamiliar with using AOL over another ISP's connection you'll find that beginning with AOL 6, the process has been greatly simplified. Before you sign into AOL, you dial into our service and establish a connection to the Internet, then when AOL starts it recognizes that a connection is already established and bypasses the usual phone number routine and connects you directly to AOL through the existing network connection. Easier to do than to explain.

With a credit card you can sign up over the phone to either the Abacom office in Marsh Harbour 242 367 3475 during business hours or at 242 365 8800 at other civilised times in the evening or on weekends.

Travelers with wireless "WiFi" capabilities will find a growing network of Hot Spots and Hot Zones here. Keep an eye on www.abacoexpress.com for coverage announcements.
 

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What to do?

Someone requested information on what is there to do? on Elbow Cay here on Abaco. The message was posted on the old Abaco Bulletin Board  and we got this answer back. You'll see why we enjoyed it so.

Fun things to do on Elbow Cay??

you mean besides waiting for the fresh bread @ Vernon's??

climb the lighthouse, watch the sunrise, eat breakfast at Cap'n Jacks,dinner at Harbour's Edge, go down to White sound for lunch at either Boat House or Abaco Inn, drink rum drinks at any of the above.

Take a boat to Guana or the Ferry to Man o'War and visit the sail shop, Go to the Wyannie Malone museum.

Visit all the different beaches.

Sit at the range finder at entrance to Hopetown Harbour on a really low tide and see if anyone goes aground.

Try to open a coconut.

Have hermit crab races.

Best snorkeling is right behind the Harbour Lodge in Hopetown, if you are looking to see lots of different kind of fish. Also see other messages on this board on same topic. Wish I was going!!

Thanks to "Carol in Carolina"

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Working in the Bahamas

It is difficult for a person who is not a citizen of the Bahamas to have a job here. To do so requires a work permit. This permit may be granted for a job that no Bahamian is qualified for or that no Bahamian whishes to have. A basic test is that the job be advertised several times in one of the major newspapers with no qualified takers. Then the job can be offered to a non-citizen.

Another factor is that work permits are expensive, agricultural laborers' permits run between $250 and $500/year. The manager of an International Bank will require a permit costing thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars per year.

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What to Wear on Abaco

Almost everyone packs to much and that is a pain at the airport, a pain in the taxi, a pain on the ferry, and a pain hauling gear to the cottage, room, boat, ... . Abaco is informal everywhere, you don't need very much here.

All you need on Abaco is a bathing suit (maybe 2), 3 pairs of shorts, 3 t-shirts, 1 pair long cotton pants, underwear, one windbreaker or light rain jacket and a coverup for the sun. Wear Tennis/Boat shoes and bring sandals for the feet. In the winter bring a set of sweats or a light sweater. If you're staying at one of the clubs or resorts, the girls might bring one simple dress for a night out. If you're into tennis you might put in for that, or golf. Divers might bring their own mask and regulator, but its easier to rent everything else than haul it.

Do bring what you need for contacts, medicine, suntan (15+), and bug repellent, and make sure you have that kit with you.

You'll know you haven't packed too much when you can conveniently carry everything as hand luggage.

Then finally, bring patience and good will.

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If you have further questions or need more information, check the Abaco Message Board. There you will finds thousands of postings by our visitors and residents - trip reports, travel tips, fishing stories, boating information, restaurant reviews, reports on accommodations, and much more.