Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Roslin Dwivedi
When you hear Nassau, Bahamas, you probably picture clear turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and that dreamy island lifestyle. And yes, all of that is true — but living here is more than just waking up in paradise. It’s about adjusting, learning, and finding your rhythm in a completely new place.
When we first planned our move, my mind was racing with questions:
Where are we going to live? Which school should my child go to? How do we even buy a car? Where do people shop for groceries here?
So, I decided to write everything I wish I had known before moving. If you’re relocating to Nassau — whether for work, retirement, or just a long-term adventure, this guide will walk you through the essentials, based entirely on our own experience.
House Hunting in Nassau: What You Should Know
The first thing you’ll need to sort out after getting a job offer (or deciding to move) is housing. Nassau has a wide range of rental options — gated communities, beachfront apartments, and family‑friendly residential areas.
I’ve already shared a detailed video on how to find a house in Nassau, including what documents you need and how the process works. Always go with a reliable real estate agent for the house hunt.
Always try to choose a location based on your child’s school or your workplace. Daily commute matters more than you think on an island.
Schools in Nassau: Our Honest Experience as Parents
Finding the right school was one of our biggest priorities, especially because our son was just 3 years old at the time.
St. Andrew’s School
This was the first school we visited, based on recommendations from my husband’s colleagues. St. Andrew’s regularly conducts open house sessions, which are extremely helpful.
What stood out for us:
- Well‑structured curriculum
- Clear documentation and portfolios for each child
- Separate areas for younger and older kids
If we had chosen to live closer to this school, I would have confidently enrolled my child here.
Tambearly International School (Sandyport)
Since we decided to live in Sandyport, we chose Tambearly International School.
At first glance, it looks like a small school — but don’t let that fool you. The discipline, teacher‑student bond, and calm learning environment impressed us immediately. Classrooms are open and connected like corridors, yet incredibly peaceful.
During COVID, the school handled online classes beautifully, even for such young children. Weekly calls, structured material, and constant communication made learning smooth. They used to call parents every week to handover the study materials including the learning or number blocks, colour sheets and worksheets to use during the online class.
To this day, my son still remembers his teacher — and that says everything.
Windsor School (Old Fort Bay)
We also visited Windsor School because we were considering a gated community nearby. Like the other schools, they maintain individual student portfolios and focus on long‑term academic development.
We didn’t visit more schools simply because we already knew which areas we wanted to live in.
Buying a Car in Nassau: Learn From Our Mistake
Public transport in Nassau is limited, so having a car is almost essential.
Before arriving, we constantly checked Facebook Marketplace, where many residents sell their cars. We also visited:
- Kia Motors
- Auto Mall
- NMC (Nassau Motor Company Limited)
Eventually, we bought a car from Facebook Marketplace — and unfortunately, we got scammed. The car had multiple hidden issues, missing parts, and document problems that were never disclosed at the time of purchase by the owner. We were so new that we had no one telling us if this guy is making a fool out of us. We are Indian and the person was also Indian and Doctor in occupation. Still he didn’t feel like being truthful to us. So yeah be careful while making the deal. No matter the nationality.
Documents You MUST Check Before Buying a pre-owned Car
Make sure the seller provides:
- Title (in the seller’s name)
- Transfer of title to your name
- Car registration
- Insurance documents
- Bill of sale
Also, your car must have a visible insurance validity sticker. Without it, you can be fined. And this is very very important.
💡 Lesson learned: If you’re new to Nassau, consider buying from a dealership or taking a trusted mechanic with you.
Food & Restaurants in Nassau (Including Indian Food!)
As an Indian, food was a big concern for me.
Indian Food
There is only one Indian restaurant on the island — Taj Mahal — and trust me, they do an excellent job. The taste, portion size, and quality reminded us of good restaurants back home in India.
Other Restaurants We Loved
- Social House – Great sushi, recommended by our Sandyport neighbors
- Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) – Lively evenings, relaxed afternoons
- Atlantis Restaurants – Especially Chopsticks for Asian food
- Twisted Lime Sports Bar & Grill (Sandyport)
- Bon Vivants – A must‑visit
- Blue Sail Bar & Grill – Perfect for a relaxed lunch
- Poop Deck (Sandyport) – Great food with a view
If you love scenic dining, Nassau won’t disappoint.
👉 You might also enjoy reading about our luxury stay at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort — one of the most iconic experiences in the Bahamas:
Bahamas Luxury – The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Hotel Review
Shopping in Nassau: From School Uniforms to Groceries
School Uniforms & Shoes
- Sandy’s – Best place for uniforms and school shoes
- Palmdale Area – Multiple shoe stores and Palmdale Mall
Palmdale Shopping Complex also has:
- Pharmacies
- Bookstores
- Gift shops
- Pet and plant stores (I was obsessed with finding plants!)
Household & Groceries
- Kelly’s (Marathon Mall) – Kitchenware, crockery, household items
- Solomon Fresh Market – Fresh produce and international ingredients
- Super Value – One of the best supermarkets for fresh meat, groceries, and household essentials
Living in Sandyport made everything very convenient — supermarkets, pharmacies, and even pizza places like Marco’s Pizza were close by.
Currency in the Bahamas
The Bahamas uses the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is equal in value to the US Dollar.
US dollars are widely accepted, and sometimes you’ll even receive mixed currency as change. This makes daily transactions very easy for expats.
Cost of Living in Nassau: Be Prepared
Let me be very honest — Nassau is expensive.
Our weekly grocery bill was around $300, just for basics like vegetables and essentials. Everything is imported, which drives prices up.
💡 Important advice: If you’re moving for work, negotiate your salary properly. Don’t hesitate to ask for allowances or a higher package. The lifestyle here is not going to easy without a good paycheck.
Safety in Nassau: Reality Check
Nassau is beautiful, but it’s not crime‑free.
One of our friends experienced an armed robbery at a store, which was extremely traumatic. Incidents like this do happen.
Safety tips:
- Avoid being alone at night
- Don’t walk on empty or poorly lit roads
- Always stay alert
Paradise still requires caution.
Weather in Nassau: Don’t Just Pack Summer Clothes!
Yes, Nassau is tropical but don’t pack only sundresses. It came as a surprise to us that how chilling the wind was from mid‑November to February (sometimes April), evenings can get surprisingly chilly due to strong sea breezes. Light jackets, sweaters, and full‑sleeve clothing with hoodies are essential.
Work Culture & Politics (Especially for Expats)
This is something not many people talk about.
Workplace politics can be intense, and as an expat, you need to be extra careful especially during your initial months. Be mindful of what you say and do at work. Locals support locals only.
We heard multiple stories during our stay, and it’s always better to stay professional and cautious.
Final Thoughts: Is Nassau Worth It?
Living in Nassau was beautiful, eye‑opening, exciting, and scary all at once.
It’s not just beaches and luxury resorts; it’s real life with real challenges. But it’s also an experience that taught us a lot, and honestly, a part of me still wants to go back.
If you’re planning to move, go prepared. Be alert, but also enjoy the magic of the island.
For travel inspiration and things to do once you settle in, don’t miss this guide: 21 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas
Thank you for reading and reliving our Nassau journey with me.
See you in the next story.
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