If arriving in Nassau, consider using the connecting flights lane located on the far left side of the immigration arrival hall. Using this lane can help you avoid the longer queue of people staying in Nassau. Also, don’t forget to collect your luggage at customs before proceeding. Once done, and if flying on Bahamas Air, you will need to walk over to the Domestic Terminal (right next door to the International Terminal – 2 minute walk) and check in at Bahamas Air in the Domestic Terminal.

If you are flying with Stella Maris Air Service or Island Wings Charter, you will need to take a taxi from the International Terminal to the Jet Nassau FBO. The taxi fare is approximately $20 per couple for this 5-minute drive (a 35-minute walk is not recommended). Reception at Jet Nassau connects you with your flight to Long Island. Make sure you leave ample time (e.g., 2+ hours) between your arrival in Nassau and your departure to Long Island.

When returning from Nassau to the US, Canada, Europe, etc., you will clear customs in Nassau, so leave yourself some extra time if traveling at a busy time of year.

If you need to overnight in Nassau (before catching your flight to Long Island) the following hotels are recommended—not the nicest hotels in Nassau, but clean, safe, and budget friendly:

• Orange Hill Hotel (www.orangehill.com) – Also on Expedia, Booking.com, etc. This hotel is somewhat close to the airport and just a short walk to the ocean. You will need to take a taxi to and from the hotel (approx. $50 each way).

• Towne Hotel (www.townehotel.com) – Further from the airport but closer to more shops, restaurants, etc., if you are thus inclined.

• The B.E.L.L. at Airport (www.bellbahamas.com) – Close to the airport and has its own shuttle to and from the airport. (This is adult only.)

It is highly recommended that you use WhatsApp to contact people on Long Island. If you cannot reach someone on a cell, use WhatsApp, and they will usually answer.

You can also purchase a local BTC SIM card (Bahamas phone company) for use on the island. Purchasing a phone & data plan with BTC is usually less expensive than an International Plan from your home country:

• $15 / 7 days

• $20 / 10 days

• $40 / month

BTC has an office in Deadman’s Cay that can get your SIM card and activate it at the same time.

A great resource for exploring all the unnamed roads on Long Island is to download the map of the Bahamas on www.Maps.Me. This is an offline map that works with your phone’s GPS, allowing you to know where you are even when not connected.

Another option is to pick up a local tourist map.

There is only one ATM on the island and no bank. The ATM doesn’t always work and sometimes runs out of money before being refilled, so bring plenty of cash with you.

Most merchants take credit cards, but if the power or phones go down, the credit card machines won’t operate. (See section on Power Outages.)

Be patient with the island. They didn’t get electricity until 1992 (we had it in the US/Canada 100+ years earlier), so they’re still playing catch up.

Long Island is a casual island. You can dress up if you like, but shorts, tank tops, and flip flops are acceptable everywhere. High heels are a challenge with gravel parking lots, sand, and boardwalks.

Grocery stores are fairly well stocked during tourist season, but you may want to bring your favorite meats, fancy cheeses, or special treats—these items are often double the price from back home because it’s an island and everything is shipped in.

Many of the beaches on Long Island have beautiful sand but rocky approaches. Water shoes will make your beach adventures more enjoyable.

Sunscreen is expensive here—bring your own from home.

No See Ums (sand flies) and mosquitoes are a fact of life in the tropics and throughout the Caribbean. Sometimes you hardly notice them; other times (e.g. after a heavy period of rain) they can be very annoying. They are usually most active just before sunset and then disappear after dark. Sea breezes usually keep them at bay.

Lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts can make your evenings more enjoyable.

Seaclusion has a misting system (made from chrysanthemum flower extract—completely harmless) surrounding the pergola, pool, and back deck area, and it is quite effective in deterring these pests.

One of the most effective repellents we’ve found is Picardin Insect Repellant spray by Sawyer Products (SP5762 20%) @ Amazon.com. Bring several cans if you’re staying for a while.

Some people say Skin-so-Soft or baby oil will also help. Apply in the morning and evening—before they bite!