Bahamas | Culture, Etiquette and Customs

The Basics

The most common greeting is the handshake, accompanied by direct eye contact and a welcoming smile.
For the most part Bahamians are warm and hospitable, although they initially may appear a bit more standoffish than people from other Caribbean islands.
They are a little slower to move to a first name basis, and sometimes even close friends may refer to one another by their surname.
It is good manners to wait for a woman to offer her hand first.

Bahamians tend to be direct communicators but are skilled in modifying their language to make it come across as friendly and sensitive.
Humor is very much part of the communication style. Laughing and smiling is common.

Bahamians tend to be most comfortable at arms lengths from one another. This space is considerably closer between friends and family.
There is a fair amount of touching between men and men, and women and women and men and women while conversing.

Bahamians tend to favor direct eye contact over indirect. Avoiding eye contact can be viewed as suspicious behavior.
During conversations direct eye contact is commonplace rather than sporadic.

Bahamians tend to place more emphasis on people and relationships than to the strict adherence of set schedules in social situations, thus the view of time is more fluid.

Bahamians tend to be somewhat formal in the workplace.
For men: Conservative shirts and ties are usually expected and most upper management types where suits. Depending on the situation, business casual clothing may be appropriate.
For women: nice dresses, blouses, and jacket will suffice. Most women usually wear heels.
Jeans, shorts and sandals are usually not appropriate, but may be okay in certain industries.

Professional or academic titles with the surname are used in business. Professional or academic titles may also be used with the honorific title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss), with or without the surname.
If someone does not have a title, it's best to use their honorific title and their surname.
It's a good idea to wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis, which may occur more slowly than on other Caribbean islands.
Treat business cards with respect. When you receive a card, place it in a business card case. The manner you treat business cards is taken as a sign of how you will treat the relationship.
Writing on someone’s business card in front of them is usually considered rude.

Bahamian business culture is strongly influenced by the United Kingdom and the United States, so meetings will reflect a combination of these cultures. However, Bahamians are more hierarchical and as a result meetings are more about communicating information and decisions that have already been made rather than having discussions.
Meeting schedules are not rigid, and while there may be an agenda, it serves as a guideline and acts as a springboard to other related business ideas.

Bahamian tend to be direct and say what they mean. They value relationship building and harmony so it is important to avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation.

Good friends and family give gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and other significant events in a person’s life.
Gifts need not be expensive.
If invited to a Bahamian’s home, bring fruit, flowers, or wine for the hosts.
Gift giving is a relaxed affair and has little protocol.
There are no restrictions on what kind of wrapping paper to use/not use.
Gifts are generally opened when received.

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