Shipping to The Bahamas: Everything You Need to Know [2025] - Luxury Bahamas Real Estate

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Partner, Licensed Real Estate Agent at Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas

Timothy Smith was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas to a respected real estate family.At 25, Timothy had already achieved the goal of Top Rookie of the Year at MCR Bahamas. Just one year later, he achieved the highest honor in the firm as Overall Top Producer of the Year. He won this award again the year after in 2020. In 2021, Timothy Smith was appointed as Partner of the firm and has established himself as one of the most respected Real Estate agents in The Bahamas.

Does Amazon Deliver to The Bahamas?

Yes! Amazon delivers to The Bahamas and many items now come with free international delivery. Delivery times for standard Amazon shipping to The Bahamas are as fast as 20 business days, and priority shipping is as fast as 14 business days. Availability for specific items can also vary by region. This slightly longer wait time means if you’re ordering items or gifts for an event or wedding in The Bahamas, planning a few weeks ahead is essential!

How Shipping to The Bahamas Works

Ready for your big move to The Bahamas, but not sure about the logistics? At MCR Bahamas, we’ve helped countless clients make a move to The Bahamas, so we’re familiar with shipping, citizenship in The Bahamas, finding the perfect home for retiring in The Bahamas, and much more. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about shipping to The Bahamas to get your move underway.

Common Shipping Methods to The Bahamas

There are several ways to ship your belongings to The Bahamas, and the best method for your needs will depend on the size of your objects, your time frame, and your budget.

Courier services such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx are often the fastest and most convenient option. They provide door-to-door service and fast delivery for smaller belongings, and they often include tracking information to give you peace of mind that your items are safe and on the way. In many cases, courier services even handle customs clearance. It’s usually on the more expensive side to ship using courier services, and this method might not be suitable for bulkier items like big furniture.

For larger items, it’s best to choose between air freight or sea freight. Both can accommodate bigger belongings, but they each have unique benefits and drawbacks. If you need to complete time-sensitive shipping to The Bahamas or you’re transporting high-value items, air freight is likely the best option. While it’s more expensive than sea freight, air freight is faster. Many air freight providers deliver to Exuma Airport as well as Grand Bahama International Airport.

For very heavy items or loads that don’t have a tight shipping time frame, opt for sea freight. Sea freight is the most cost-effective option and can accommodate bulky shipments including cars, making it a popular choice for those moving to The Bahamas with furniture and vehicles.

Shipping Rates to The Bahamas

The amount you’ll pay for shipping to The Bahamas will depend on the dimensions and weight of your package and how quickly you need it delivered. Some shipping consolidation providers can offer lower rates or calculators to help you estimate the cost of shipping your belongings. USPS provides rate tables for reference, and you can use the shipping calculator on MyUS.com for a quick estimate.

As an example, MyUS lists prices between $425 and $2,290 for a 180-pound couch, depending on the shipping speed and provider. It’s also important to consider insurance and tracking for your valuable belongings.

Customs Duties and Regulations

Ease the stress of your move by preparing for customs duties and regulations before packing and shipping your items. To clear customs, you’ll need to provide:

Proof of authorization for processing
Proof of value of the goods
Proof of freight charges
Relevant declarations according to the purpose of the imports

It’s important to check the latest updates for current taxes and documentation requirements since they can change quickly.

Bahamas Shipping Restrictions & Prohibited Items

Before packing up your home for shipping to The Bahamas, check the list of restrictions and prohibited items to avoid any complications. Prohibited goods are not allowed in The Bahamas at all, while restricted items may be permitted with certain permits and conditions met.

The list of prohibited items includes:

Underwater guns
Anything with a design imitating currency
Obscene paintings and photographs

The list of restricted items includes:

Firecrackers
Firearms
Trailers

For a full and updated list of restricted and prohibited items, visit the official website for The Bahamas Customs Department.

Bahamas Shipping Documentation

When you ship an item to The Bahamas, you’ll need to complete paperwork depending on the purpose of the import. To determine the needed paperwork, first select the best fit from the following categories, then follow the specified documentation instructions for that particular item:

Home consumption
Warehousing in a bonded warehouse
Temporary admission
For transshipment

The additional documentation and clearance forms required for shipping to The Bahamas varies based on the type of item you’re shipping. The best way to prepare is to keep a list of items in each container so you can complete an accurate customs declaration.

Shipment Timeframes & Tracking

The desired time frame for shipping is a big factor in the decision to use a courier, air freight, or sea freight when shipping to The Bahamas.

Each provider will outline specific shipping timeframes and may offer priority options or more affordable ones. Tracking is also provider-specific, with many couriers offering detailed tracking and updates while some standard options do not include tracking. When you select a provider for shipping to The Bahamas, use your tracking preferences as one of the criteria for selection.

As a baseline, express shipping options might get your items delivered in around three days, courier shipping generally takes 4-10 days, air freight can take 5-10 days, and sea freight usually takes 20-45 days or longer.

Choosing the Right Shipping Partner

Selecting a shipping partner that aligns with your needs is the best way to ensure a stress-free transition to The Bahamas.

In choosing the right shipping partner, consider the following details:

Timeline
Service to your destination
Tracking details
Cost
Reviews and referrals

Once you’ve found a partner that checks all these boxes for your move, you’re a step closer to making a home in The Bahamas! The team at MCR Bahamas is happy to help you find the right partner for your location and circumstances.

Packaging Tips for Shipping to The Bahamas

Packaging your belongings, especially when you’re moving your entire home, can be a big undertaking. Take your time to package belongings in a protective manner so they’re not damaged during transport and handling. Better yet, hire a professional packing company to pack all of your items for you—these companies are generally equipped with the best materials for keeping your belongings safe in transit.

Different considerations come into play based on the shipping method you choose. For example, when packaging your belongings for a sea freight journey, it’s important to take measures to protect them from the salt exposure that can occur at sea. Opt for moisture resistant containers and sturdy packaging.

When shipping furniture, dissemble each item as much as possible. Use bubble wrap to secure the most fragile areas of each piece. Plastic stretch wrap can help keep your furniture safe from scuffs, and you can use large, sturdy boxes with padding.

Learn More About Shipping to The Bahamas

Get answers to all of your logistical questions about shipping to The Bahamas.

Who delivers to The Bahamas?

Many international and regional carriers deliver to The Bahamas. International couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS all deliver to The Bahamas, as do freight forwarding companies like Tropix Shipping, Mr. Ship It, and Centauri Transport. You can also opt to ship via the postal service, since UPS works in collaboration with The Bahamas Postal Service.

What is the shipping tax in The Bahamas?

Customs duty on imports ranges from 0% to 220% in The Bahamas, with an average rate falling between 5% and 35%. This wide range makes it difficult to predict expenses, but fortunately, you can use the Duties Calculator on The Bahamas Customs Department website to find out what you’ll pay. It even factors in the 10% VAT and 1% processing fee.

What is the cheapest way to ship to The Bahamas?

The cheapest way to ship to The Bahamas is to select standard shipping and choose the shipping method that best suits the size of your items. Providers like DHL are often the cheapest option for shipping to The Bahamas, but the tricky task is finding affordable shipping for large items like furniture and cars. For those large items, the cheapest option is to ship via sea freight.

Shipping to The Bahamas: The Bottom Line

With proper planning, shipping your belongings for a move or long stay in The Bahamas can be a smooth process. Start with a clear list of your priorities, budget, and timeframe, and your ideal shipping methods will become clear. Then you can move on to packing and sorting out logistics like banking in The Bahamas and finding the best schools in The Bahamas.

We understand the packing and shipping process can be a drag! From how to bring a dog to The Bahamas to the best method for shipping furniture, we’re here to help plan the best approach for your transition. The MCR Bahamas team has helped countless people make the move to The Bahamas, with over $2 billion in represented property sales. While the packing process is never enjoyable, the stunning beaches will reward you for your efforts soon enough!

Find real estate in The Bahamas that checks every box for your dream property. Browse MCR Bahamas listings today!

Shipping to The Bahamas: Everything You Need to Know [2025]