Fast Facts

Banks -- In Freeport/Lucaya, banks are open from 9:30am to 3pm Monday to Thursday, and 9:30am to 4:30pm on Friday. Most banks here have ATMs that accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and any other bank or credit card on the Cirrus, Honor, Novus, and PLUS networks.

Currency Exchange -- Americans need not bother exchanging their money into Bahamian dollars because the currencies are on par. However, Canadians and Brits will need to convert their money, which can be done at local banks or at some hotels, though hotels tend to offer less favorable rates.

Doctors -- For the fastest and best service, head to Rand Memorial Hospital.

Drugstores -- For prescriptions and other pharmaceutical needs, go to Mini Mall, 1 West Mall, Explorer's Way, where you'll find L.M.R. Drugs (tel. 242/352-7327), next door to Burger King. Hours are Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 8am to 3pm.

Emergencies -- For all emergencies, call tel. 911, or dial 0 for the operator.

Eyeglass Repair -- The biggest specialist in eyeglasses and contact lenses is the Optique Shoppe, 7 Regent Centre, downtown Freeport (tel. 242/352-9073).

Hospitals If you have a medical emergency, contact the government-operated, 90-bed Rand Memorial Hospital, East Atlantic Drive (tel. 242/352-6735 or 352-2689 for ambulance).

Laundry & Dry Cleaning -- Try Jiffy Cleaners Number 3, West Mall at Pioneer's Way (tel. 242/352-7079), open Monday 8am to 1pm, Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 6pm.

Newspapers & Magazines -- The Freeport News is a morning paper published Monday through Saturday except holidays. Nassau's two dailies, the Tribune and the Nassau Guardian, are also available here, as are some New York and Miami papers, especially the Miami Herald, usually on the date of publication. American newsmagazines, such as Time and Newsweek, are flown in on the day of publication.

Police -- Dial tel. 911.

Post Office -- The main post office (tel. 242/352-9371) is on Explorer's Way in Freeport.

Safety -- Avoid walking or jogging along lonely roads. There are no particular danger zones, but stay alert: Grand Bahama is no stranger to drugs and crime.

Taxes -- All visitors leaving The Bahamas from Freeport must pay a departure tax, but because it's factored into the cost of your airline or cruise ticket, very few visitors even realize they're paying it. Hotel bills are saddled with a 12% tax regardless of room category. But other than that, to encourage shoppers, no other sales taxes are charged.

Weather -- Grand Bahama, in the north of The Bahamas, has winter temperatures varying from about 60° to 75°F (16°-24°C) daily. Summer variations range from 78°F to the high 80s (26°C to the low 30s Celsius). In Freeport/Lucaya, phone tel. 915 for weather information.