Communications
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Bahamas:  a Mariner's View
Images and information about  the Bahamas from a mariner's perspective


VHF

Protocals are very similar to the U.S., with 16 being the common hailing channel.   VHF use is much more prevalant on land and and commonly use to hail taxis, etc.  Some establishments do not
monitor 16, but choose to monitor their own working channel instead.  Some channels are commonly used for cursiers nets or other announcements, so take care to be sure you are not stepping on
someone when choosing a working channel.

WIFI Pay Service

Available in many towns, but expensive.


WIFI offered free as a customer:

There may be many places where private WIFI may not yet be passworld protected, such as near many of the resorts. However, the following offer it freely or freely if you are a customer at their
establishment.

Abacos:

Manjack/Crab Anchorage:  Offered free by a cruiser-friendly couple

Hope Town:  Free as a customer at the coffee shop.

Marsh Harbour:  Free as a patron at Culytails, Conch Inn Marina.

Central Bahamas:

Starbucks near the Harbour Club in Nassau


Cell cards, blackbery's, etc.

Cell phone signals are often available well beyond WIFI access and can greatly increase one's internet access.  I've found this handy for obtaining weather reports on several occassions.


Computer Cafes:

Abacos:

West End:  Old Bahama Bay had a couple computers for guests last time I was there.

Central Bahamas

Nassau:  Tikal Internet Cafe on Bay St. near East.    http://www.bahamasinternetcafe.com/  $0.20/min last I checked.


Phone:

The local phone company in the Bahamas is Batelco.  Pay phones can be found in many towns, but many report that with the increase in cell phone use, they are often not well maintained and the old
Batelco prepaid phone cards no longer work on most.    My experience is that it can even be difficult to get a U.S. phone card to work much of the time.  Credit card calls are usually possible, but
expensive.

The Truphone VoIP application reportedly allows one to make phone calls via WIFI on an Iphone or other blackberrys when available and can also decrease data roaming.
I don't yet have a great deal of information regarding communications hot spots.  If you know other cyber cafes, WIFI access spots or other useful communication informatin for the Bahamas, please let
me know:   artphtosforsale@yahoo.com
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