Need cash when I land, best place in Bahamas? Airport or places in the city?
I got stung by using the Nassau airport exchange counter - they offered B$1 for about US $0.90, versus ATM rate of US $1=B$1. Save money by using bank ATMs in Bahamas instead of airport currency exchange. I only withdrew enough for a taxi, and then used CIBC in Freeport for the rest. Smart move and money saved.
I exchanged just B$50 at the airport kiosk after landing in Freeport - terrible rate. Then I walked to CIBC FirstCaribbean ATM in Bahama Village and got a far better rate with minimal fees. ATMs in Bahamas city centers give superior value compared to airport exchange counters. Do minimal on-site exchanging, then withdraw main cash in town.
On arrival in Exuma, the small airstrip conversion counters had a 6% worse USD to B$ rate. I withdrew B$200 from a Scotiabank ATM at the Nassau airport instead. Using ATM machines at Bahamas airports delivers better exchange rates than airport booths. I only exchange emergency USD cash for taxi and withdraw the rest via big-bank ATMs.
At Lynden Pindling International Airport, I skipped the currency exchange booths - they gave a terrible B$ rate. Instead I used the Scotiabank ATM just past customs for the best value. Airport ATM withdrawal beats exchange counters in Bahamas every time. Once in downtown Nassau, I head to a CIBC branch for larger withdrawals at better rate and lower fees.