Blair Howard - The Abaco Islands of the Bahamas. Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Abaco

Banking is big business in the Bahamas. Long recognized as a tax haven, both Nassau and Freeport are home to more than their fair share of counting houses. And for visitors to the islands that's good. There's always a bank around the next corner.

In Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya, banks are open from 9:30 am until 3 pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 9:30 am until 5 pm on Friday. If you rely on credit cards for your cash, there are international ATMs located at strategic spots on both of the major islands, including the casinos. As one might expect, banking hours vary in the Out Islands. In fact, banks on some islands open only on certain days of the week, and then only for a few hours.

Bicycles are popular on the islands. Visitors love them. They are inexpensive to rent, convenient, easy to park, and nowhere is really too far away. The only concern is that you'll be riding on the "wrong" side of the road. You can rent mopeds and bicycles at most hotels and resorts, or at nearby cycle shops. The going rates for mopeds range from about $20 to $30 a day - a half-day might cost anywhere from $10 to $20 - and you'll be asked to leave a small deposit, usually about $30. Bicycles run about $18 a day.

Bus travel can be an adventure. And if you want to meet the people, there's no better way to do it than finding your way around Nassau by bus. For 75, it's a great way to travel. Bahamians are very friendly and will come to your aid quickly with directions. (The only problem is understanding the waving hands and the fast talk.) On Grand Bahama, the buses connect Freeport with Lucaya, the hotels, the beaches, Port Lucaya and, of course, the International Bazaar.

Visitors over the age of 18 may gamble at all four casinos in Nassau and Freeport. Children are allowed to enter the casinos only to attend shows in the casino theaters. In Nassau, there is a casino on Paradise Island at the Atlantis Resort and one at Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino on Cable Beach. In Freeport, one casino is at Our Lucaya . The other is at the Isle of Capri Casino on Royal Palm Way . There is more information on gaming and casinos in the regional chapters.

The trade winds blow almost continuously here, creating a warm, agreeable climate that varies little throughout the year. September through May, when the temperature averages 70-75F, is the most refreshing time to visit. The rest of the year is somewhat warmer, with temperatures between 80 and 85.

May is the rainy season.

Legal tender is the Bahamian dollar , which is always equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands, and visitors are likely to receive change in mixed American and Bahamian currency.

Traveler's checks are accepted throughout the islands and may be cashed at banks and hotels. They will, however, add a service charge. Credit cards are widely accepted in Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya, and to a lesser extent on the Out Islands, where cash is still king. Be prepared to pay a service charge if you use American Express.

British visitors should buy Bahamian dollars before traveling. The exchange rate often will be more favorable at home than in the Bahamas.

The dress code is casual and comfortable. Days are spent in shorts, swimsuits, slacks or jeans. Although the islands have been independent for more than 25 years, the influence of more than 250 years of British rule is still evident. You shouldn't wear swimsuits except at the pool or on the beach. Do not wear them in shops, restaurants, and on the streets of Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya.