Tipping in Bahamas: 2026 Guide for Travelers

Restaurants: Watch for the 15% Gratuity

A 15% gratuity is commonly added to restaurant bills in the Bahamas, especially in Nassau, Paradise Island, and resort restaurants. It may be printed as “gratuity,” “service charge,” or “service.” Bills also include VAT. When the gratuity is already there, you don’t need to add more, though a few dollars extra for exceptional service is a nice touch.

If no gratuity appears on the bill, tip 15–20%, as you would at home. Card terminals often still offer a tip line even when gratuity has been added, so look at the itemized bill before you sign. Our guide to automatic gratuity explains how to spot it.

The double-tip trap is the most common tipping mistake in the Bahamas. Always read the itemized receipt before writing anything on the tip line.

Hotels and Resorts

Many Bahamas resorts add a mandatory resort fee or a daily service charge to the room bill, and some say it covers housekeeping and bell staff gratuities. Check your folio. If gratuities aren’t covered, the usual amounts apply: $1–2 per bag for porters and $2–5 per night for housekeeping. See our hotel tipping guide for more.

At all-inclusive resorts, gratuities are often included in the rate; some resorts discourage additional tipping while others welcome it. Our all-inclusive resort tipping guide covers how to tell.

Taxis and Transport

Taxis in the Bahamas typically charge set rates between common destinations (for example, from the airport to Cable Beach or Paradise Island) rather than running a meter. Confirm the fare before you get in, then tip about 15%. Drivers may add a charge for extra passengers or luggage. Water-taxi and ferry operators don’t expect a tip on scheduled routes.

Cruise Port Days and Excursions

Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, and many cruise lines also stop at private islands in the Bahamas. On shore excursions, tip the guide or boat crew 10–20% of the excursion price, or $5–10 per person on a half-day trip. Onboard gratuities are separate — see our cruise tipping guide.

• Snorkel and dive crews: 10–20% of the trip price, given to the captain to share.
• Swimming-pig tours in the Exumas: tip the boat captain and guide at the end.
• Horse-drawn carriage and jitney drivers: no tip is required on fixed-fare rides, but rounding up is kind.
• Straw Market vendors: no tip — but do haggle politely on price.

Cash, Card, and Currency

Bahamian and US dollars are used interchangeably at par, and you will often get change in a mix of both. Bahamian dollars can be hard to exchange back home, so spend them before you leave or ask for change in US dollars. Cards are widely accepted, but carry small US bills for porters, housekeeping, and drivers.

Other services follow US habits. Spa therapists get 15–20% unless a service charge is already added, which is common at resort spas. Bonefishing and sportfishing guides in the Out Islands are usually tipped 15–20% of the day rate. Golf caddies and casino dealers on Paradise Island and at Baha Mar are tipped as they would be in the States.