Nassau Tourist Traps

This trap is one my sister and I experienced. We were at the Straw Market and decided buy "2" Beach towels. The towels were hanging up. After He took the 2 towels down she wanted , She PAID for them. With the towels still in his hands, He said ,“Oh let me find you a bag.” They seemed to be looking for a bag. THEN the next thing you know He was 5 rows over and thought they had dumped She and I. He didn’t know my husband followed him (looked like the womens son who ran the booth) and he told the guy “Forget the bag and give me the towels. He seemed pretty surprised. He handed over the towels with a “OK you got me look”.

Unique Suggestions: Don't hand over your money unless you have what you want in your hand.

Fun Alternatives: If you have been taken Let EVERYONE around there know. The other people who work there don't want to have a bad name..There are some good people there too.

My luggage got lost for 1-1/2 days and I had to buy clothes, the first shopping area we came to was like Park avenue only Gucci and Armani and the like. When I explained my problem to the sales girl and inquired about just buying some beach clothes she told me that this was all I would find in the resort so $125. for a pair of trunks and $75. for a shirt and I was on my way. Of course 10 minutes later we came across a souveneir shop and bought 2 shirts 2shorts and assorted souveneirs for $120. I now attempted to return the other clothes to be pointed by the same sales girl to a tiny sign saying no returns only exchanges or store credit !!

Unique Suggestions: Shop in the Atlantis logo stores if you must.

Fun Alternatives: For a $10. (negotiable) cab ride you can go into Nassau where you can buy most anything you need for a fair price.

It may be a fantastic location, and if you are into all inclusive holidays with laid-on entertainment from morning to night (from water sports through to cabarets and casinos), Paradise Island is the place. But 1000 roomed hotels are, as far as I am concerned, a blot on the landscape - and Atlantis Resort is just that - rampant commercialism gone awry.

At the market square as you get off the ship, there are many locals there wanting to braid your hair. Be warned..they don't clean the combs so you run the risk of lice..Also, they charge per braid so it can get very costly..
be careful!!!

Women watch out: be prepared to be approached A LOT about getting your hair braided. Women from everywhere will swarm around you and touch your hair. Just say "no" politely and keep walking. I never had someone who was rude to me when I said no, just don't expect not to get hassled.

Unique Suggestions: Wearing a hat might help. Just be polite, these people are very friendly.

On one side of the bus and taxi area near Fort Charlotte you'll find half-a-dozen or so stalls selling the normal tourist paraphernalia. If you're into this kind of thing then stop and take a look, otherwise keep walking by.

There are a group of merchants at the bottom of the hill next to the parking area for Fort Charlotte. Their wares are very expensive, and they DO NOT take no for an answer. They are like telemarketers! Also, they act so disappointed when you don't want what they are selling, that you may feel inclined to buy what they sell just to make them happy. At least I did, they just seemed so hungry...

Unique Suggestions: If you do have to go through the group of merchants, just bone up on your haggling skills. Now THAT might actually make it worth your while. Just tell them you have hardly any cash on you, cause they only take cash.

Fun Alternatives: You may want to go to the stores in downtown instead, they don't act so desperate there.

So one day at my hotel I almost got trapped into going to one of these "vacation/time share' seminar. Of course, before they tell you it's a seminar, they will get you with trying to give you $50 in casino money, free lunch, etc. I declined the one offered at my hotel, but coming back from our day trip to Paradise Island, this gentleman lured us in. He sold us on the idea (or rather my husband lol). He told us we would get $50 US to spend however we wanted, plus free breakfast and a 3 day 2 night stay at one of their hotels anywhere in the US. So, my husband and I figured, what the heck, free food, free money, free stay somewhere in the U.S. We decided to go on a day that was rainy. First, they called to confirm that they would pick us up at our hotel at around 9:30 a.m. We waited for 45 mins. and no car. So we called them and some how the van driver forgot to pick us up. They told us to take a taxi and that they would pay for it once we arrived (which they did). Once inside this hotel/time share place, we had to fill out some paperwork. This lovely youngman then called us in and first we had breakfast. He proceeded to start telling us about this "vacation share" in lots of detail. All sounded very good. We proceeded to see one of the apartments on the premises and he continues to sell us on this vacation share. Well the time came for him to reallllllllllly try to seal the deal. When all was said and done, I wasn't enthused with the fact that I have to give a yes or no answer to something that I have yet to do my research. I mean, more power to those that like to fly by the seat of their pants and just go with the flow. My husband and I are of the mindset if it's too good to be true then don't do it lol. So the moral of this longgggg story is, if you're walking around Nassau, Bahamas and someone is trying to get you to a "vacation/time share" seminar, don't do it! Spend your time on the beach, pool, casino, etc.

Unique Suggestions: Ask around first before committing to anything.