What do I need to know about the World Missions Centennial?
A: January 5-7, 2010 in Nassau, Bahamas
Q: Where will the services take place?
A: The official hotel where most of the Centennial events will take place is the Wyndham Nassau Resort. The Wyndham Nassau Resort is approximately five miles from Nassau International Airport. For more information on the Wyndham Nassau Resort click here or call 242-327-6200.
A: Guests must click here to begin the reservation process. On this page you will need to start the booking process by putting in the requested information. Right before you click on Check Availability there is a line that says, "Enter Corporate, Promo or Group Code." The group code is 0105136COG. You must then follow the prompts. To book a room you need to click on the rate.
Q: Will I have time to sightsee during the Centennial?
A: There are a few hours of free time during the Centennial, but the best time to enjoy the sights the Bahamas have to offer would be before or immediately following the celebration.
Q: Who should attend the Centennial Celebration?
A: Lay people, Local Missions Representatives, Pastors, Ministers and Church of God Administration.
Q: What language is spoken in the Bahamas?
A: The official language of the Bahamas is English, more British than American, and generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect.
Q: What should I pack to wear for the Bahamas in January?
A: Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year, but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February. Most hotels and restaurants require jackets for men in the evening.
Q: Will my meals be provided at the Centennial celebration?
A: Your meals will not be provided at the Centennial celebration, however, the hotel has several eating options as well as other places outside the hotel that should accommodate your tastes as well.
Q: What will the climate be like in the Bahamas?
A: The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout the Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate that varies little year-round. The most refreshing time is between September and May, when the temperature averages 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures averaging between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What do I need to know about tipping?
A: Tipping in the Bahamas is just like where you're from - tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers receive 15%. Many establishments include gratuity in the total, so make sure you check your bill to see if it's been added.
Q: How do I get around the island once I'm there?
A: There are several options to help you get around Nassau/Paradise Island. Rental cars, motor scooters, buses and taxis are the most common means of public transportation. Bicycles are not generally available for rental.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are available from rental car facilities located at the airport and some major hotels. You must be 21-years old and possess a valid driver's license for all rentals. Visitors may use their home driver's license for up to three months or an international driver's license. But remember, when you take to the road, please keep to the left. Pedestrians should remember to look right then left before crossing streets.
Taxi
Cabstands are conveniently located at the airports and most hotels. Taxi service is available by telephone, on the street or at taxi stands. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law. Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage.
Taxi rates in Nassau/Paradise Island are zoned, or can also be metered. You can request to be charged by the taximeter, if you prefer.
Bus
The buses (also called jitneys) are 32-seaters and travel to many parts of the island. They operate from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, except on Sundays when there is reduced service. The basic fare is $1 per person and $3 for out-of-town zones. Exact fare is required. Check with the hotel bell desk for bus routes.
Ferry
Fast Ferry service is a fun and convenient way to hop between islands. But be ready for a high-speed
(40 mph) experience as a fully air-conditioned ferry whisks you from Nassau to one of the other islands.
Q: How will communications work if I need to contact someone outside the Bahamas?
A: The U.S. and Canada are a direct-dial call away and most hotels provide direct-dialing service from your room. Both visitors and business travelers will find that telecommunication services in the Bahamas are comparable with the service found in most developed nations. A 100% digital switching system allows direct-distance dialing to more than 100 countries. The Bahamas Telephone Company provides a variety of services beyond telephony. Also provided are fax, telex, Internet, cellular, private line service, satellite and radio leasing and an improved VHF - FM radio telephone service that allows you to contact ships at sea. You can save money on long-distance calls by purchasing phone cards.
For those who refuse to be unleashed from their cell phones, it is very easy to stay connected while visiting the Bahamas. BTC has in place roaming agreements with 128 companies worldwide. Roaming rates for the United Sates and Canada are $2.24 per minute and is billed through your home service provider.
Q: What type of currency is used in the Bahamas?
A: The Bahamian dollar is held on par with the U.S. dollar and both are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted at most locations on Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island.
Q: What time zone are the Bahamas in?
A: The Bahamas is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.