Overcharged Taxi Rides
Meter Tampering or Flat Rate Demands
In the Bahamas, taxi drivers often refuse to use meters in tourist areas, demanding flat rates in BSD (e.g., BSD 30-50 for a short 5-10 minute ride from Nassau International Airport to downtown, compared to the metered rate of BSD 15-25). They may claim the meter is broken or insist on a higher fee due to 'traffic' or 'luggage', targeting newcomers at airports, ferry terminals, or beaches like Cable Beach.
- Agree on the exact fare in BSD before entering the taxi and use official Jitney or licensed cabs with visible badges.
- Check the Bahamas Taxi Association's recommended rates (e.g., BSD 3 per mile) and have the exact change ready to avoid disputes.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Uber in Nassau if available, as they provide fixed pricing and reduce reliance on street haggling.
Fake Tour Package Offers
Scammers posing as legitimate operators approach tourists in public spaces like markets or beaches, offering discounted packages for boat trips or island hops (e.g., BSD 50 for a full-day tour worth BSD 100), but the trips are subpar, canceled, or nonexistent, often leading to demands for extra payments on-site.
- Book through reputable companies like Bahamas Ministry of Tourism-approved operators and verify with official websites.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers in high-traffic areas; ask for a business license and check for reviews on TripAdvisor specific to Bahamas tours.
- Pay with credit cards that offer fraud protection rather than cash, and avoid upfront payments for unverified deals.
Beachfront Vendor Hustles
Counterfeit Souvenir Sales
Vendors on beaches like those in Nassau or Grand Bahama sell fake jewelry, conch shells, or handicrafts, claiming they are authentic and locally made, charging BSD 20-50 for items worth BSD 5-10. They use high-pressure tactics, such as surrounding tourists or claiming the items are 'one-of-a-kind Bahamian artifacts' to rush purchases.
- Inspect items closely and research authentic Bahamian crafts; genuine ones often have tags from local cooperatives.
- Shop at licensed markets like the Straw Market in Nassau where prices are fixed and vendors are regulated, avoiding isolated beach setups.
- Politely decline and walk away from aggressive sellers, and carry only small amounts of cash to limit losses.