FYI

New Bahamian Value Added Tax (VAT) - Effective January 1, 2015

Recently, the Bahamian Government announced they would begin charging a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services purchased ashore in The Bahamas.

As a result, travelers will now notice the 7.5% VAT added to purchases made ashore in The Bahamas. This VAT also applies to purchases made on cruise lines' private islands, including spa services, merchandise, beverages and most rentals, including beach cabanas. Costs incurred on certain components of shore excursions are also subject to this VAT, so expect a slight increase in the total cost of some shore excursions. The VAT does not apply to shipboard purchases.