Moving To Bahamas

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Customs Regulations for the Bahamas

When importing goods into the Bahamas, there are several documents you must submit to Customs Entry Checking. Here are some of the important ones you’ll need:

Valid passport/driver’s license
Home Consumption Entry Form
Declaration of Value form
Invoices for new items
Shipping documents, including Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Valid business license (for businesses)

The Bahamas allows new residents to bring limited amounts of particular items into the commonwealth. These regulations include:

200 cigarettes
50 cigars
1lb of tobacco
1qt of spirits
No limit on cash or personal effects

It is wise to collect all receipts if you are in the Bahamas temporarily, to avoid problems exporting goods purchased during your trip. Also, you must declare all gifts received while you are abroad.

While there are items that are not subject to duties-personal effects, for example-the Bahamas enforces duties on specific types of items during importation. Here are some of the dutiable items that are restricted in some way:

Goods imported for business purposes (unless importer has current Business License)
Firecrackers, fireworks and impact flash facilities not deemed dangerous
Firearms (only permitted with special authorization from Commissioner of Police)
Trailers, unless specifically permitted by Minister
Mechanical games and devices

The following is a list of items that are by no means permitted for import into the Bahamas. Please avoid shipping any of these goods to your destination:

Counterfeit currency
Underwater guns and devices (“Hawaiian Slings” are not permitted under any circumstances-these are devices known to deploy underwater missiles)
Meats, fruits and vegetables unfit for human consumption
Pornographic prints, paintings, photographs, books or any other obscene article/material

To import your motor vehicle into the Bahamas, you must follow these regulations:

All automobiles must be insured before reaching customs.
If the vehicle comes from a right-hand drive country, you must adjust the headlights to dip left.
Vehicle must pass inspection after clearing customs.
You will require entry forms for the vehicle.
Other important documents include:
Valid driver’s license
Original vehicle documents such as the registration and invoice

If you plan on bringing your pet with you to the Bahamas, you’ll have to abide by certain rules. First, you must obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry for any animals coming into the commonwealth. The permit will be valid for one pet and must be used within a year of the issue date. For travelers importing a pet from the United States or Canada, here is some more important information:

Your animal must be at least 6 months old
You must have a recent rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian
You must also have a Veterinary Health Certificate and present it to a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of arriving in the Bahamas.

When importing items into the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the duty rate is applied on the CIF value of your goods. Some goods are subject to a 2-7% tax applied on the CIF, plus the duty. There is a standard 35% value-added tax (VAT), but many products have separate rates that will be enforced upon customs clearance.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Bahamas

First, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a personal consultation, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on specific criteria, such as:

Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Bahamas?
Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to Bahamas Cost?

For an accurate estimate of your shipment size, you should schedule a home survey as early as possible for your move to the Bahamas. Our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best potential estimate to expedite your relocation.

The cost of moving to the Bahamas will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time.

Don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About the Bahamas

Officially referred to as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the collection of islands is located in the Atlantic Ocean, just north of Cuba and Hispaniola. As part of the Lucayan Archipelago, the Bahamas is not too far from the southeast of Florida and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The country used to be a British Crown colony but became an independent commonwealth in 1973.

The Bahamas’ economy is highly dependent on tourism and finance, which combine to make it one of the richest countries in North and South America, right behind the U.S. and Canada. Tourism, of course, plays the largest part in the nation’s gross domestic product, as it features countless resorts and vacation destinations. In fact, it accounts for over 60% of the country’s GDP.

Part of the reason the Bahamas is such a popular vacation spot is its beautiful beaches and its tropical climate. With little difference in temperatures between the summer and winter months, the Bahamas experiences wonderful, warm weather for long periods of time.

Moving to the Bahamas from the U.S.

If you are moving to the Bahamas from the United States, there is plenty to consider before you head to the Lucayan Archipelago. With so much to prepare for, the last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of your complicated move.

International Sea & Air Shipping will make your transition to the Bahamas as seamless as possible by providing top-notch shipping services for all of your household goods and much more!