Bahamas, an archipelago of sun-drenched islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant island culture, is a dream destination for beach lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you’re diving in the Blue Hole, exploring Nassau, or relaxing on the shores of Exuma, understanding how to manage your money is important. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is still useful for tipping, taxis, and small local vendors. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in the Bahamas, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit.
Where to find ATMs in Bahamas?
Nassau and Freeport have the largest concentration of ATMs, especially in business districts, shopping plazas, and near major hotels. Downtown Nassau and the Cable Beach area are particularly well-covered. ATMs are operated by banks like Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Scotiabank, Commonwealth Bank, and FirstCaribbean International Bank. Machines dispense Bahamian dollars (BSD) and often support USD withdrawals, although currency selection varies.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs can be found in high-traffic tourist areas such as Paradise Island (near Atlantis Resort), Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, and Marina Village. Many resorts also have on-site ATMs, though they may charge higher fees. Be aware that smaller islands like Exuma, Harbour Island, or Eleuthera may only have one or two ATMs, usually near airports or main settlements.
Rural Areas:
The Out Islands (Family Islands) have limited ATM access. In places like Andros or Long Island, machines are sparse and may run out of cash during holidays or weekends. Travelers should plan ahead and carry cash before venturing to less-developed or remote islands, especially if staying at small guesthouses or eating at local joints.
Best ATMs to use in Bahamas for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Bahamas are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Scotiabank,
- CIBC First Carribean, or
- Bank of The Bahamas.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Bahamas, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in BSD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in BSD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Bahamas?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Bahamas. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercards, Plus and Cirrus cards. Some of them accept only Visa, while others accept all the 4 mentioned here. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in the Bahamas are open 24/7, especially those at airports, resorts, and shopping centers. Machines inside banks or enclosed buildings may follow regular business hours (typically Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm).
What are ATMs called in Bahamas?
They are simply known as “ATMs” in the Bahamas, and signage is straightforward. Machines are usually branded by the operating bank (e.g., RBC, Scotiabank) and clearly marked.
Language options at ATMs
English is the only language offered at ATMs in the Bahamas.
Don’t know the language? Use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Bahamas?
ATMs in the Bahamas mainly dispense Bahamian dollars (BSD) with some ATMs also offering the option to withdraw USD. USD is legal tender here and and widely accepted by merchants and it is pegged at 1:1 against the US Dollar. Note – Any change or receipts may mix BSD and USD, depending on the location.
ATM withdrawal limits in Bahamas?
ATMs in Bahamas have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of BHD 400 to 500. Some ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit of BHD 1,500 (Bahamian Dollar).
ATM Fees in Bahamas
There are no fee-free ATMs in Bahamas. Majority of the bank ATMs in Bahamas charge BHD 3.3 to BHD 5.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Bahamas. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Bahamas
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Bahamas?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Bahamas. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Bahamas. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
The Bahamas has seen an increase in petty crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport, where tourists are often targeted. While violent crime is less common, travelers should exercise caution when withdrawing cash. Use ATMs located in secure areas such as inside banks, hotels, or shopping centers, and avoid using standalone machines in secluded or poorly lit spots. Be discreet when handling cash, shield your PIN while entering it, and remain aware of your surroundings. Keeping track of your bank transactions throughout your trip is recommended for added security.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Bahamas takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Bahamas?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Bahamas. Majority of the bank ATMs in Bahamas charge BHD 3.3 to BHD 5.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Bahamas?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Bahamas and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Currently, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs available in the Bahamas, according to CoinATMRadar listings. However, platforms like Coinhub or peer-to-peer exchanges may offer alternative ways to transact in crypto.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Bahamas
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in the Bahamas.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not provide retail ATMs on the islands.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in the Bahamas.
