Moving to The Bahamas from the USA

*Updated December 2025
When it comes to moving from the USA to The Bahamas, it’s important to choose an overseas moving company that understands island logistics, port procedures, and the details that can slow a shipment down. At SDC International Shipping, we coordinate international relocations from the U.S. to destinations across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas—helping make your move more organized and far less stressful.

Our services can include shipping household goods, personal effects, and motor vehicles to locations such as New Providence (Nassau), Paradise Island, Freeport (Grand Bahama), and the Family Islands. Below is a practical overview of the services we offer and the key things to know before you ship.

To start planning your move to The Bahamas, call us or fill out a quote form. We’ll help you understand your options and map out next steps.

Packing Services for You

Take the stress out of preparing for your move with our packing services. At SDC International Shipping, our team of professional packers is trained to protect household goods for international transit. Whether you have a four-bedroom home or a studio apartment, we can help you pack, prepare, and ship with confidence.

If you prefer to pack yourself, we can still support the process by providing guidance and recommended packing supplies so your items are protected during handling and sea freight.

For additional peace of mind, we also offer the option to purchase marine insurance so your shipment has protection while in transit.

Contact us today to discuss your packing plan and choose the level of help that fits your move.

 

 

Motor Vehicle Moving to The Bahamas

Shipping a car overseas can be convenient—especially if you already own a vehicle you love and want to keep. If you’d like to ship a vehicle to New Providence (Nassau) or another island, we can help you choose a suitable method. That said, it’s smart to compare the full import cost (duty, VAT, and any applicable fees) versus buying a used vehicle after you arrive, because vehicle import charges in The Bahamas can be significant.

To import a vehicle into The Bahamas, you’ll typically need to plan for requirements such as:

• Your vehicle should be insured for transit and/or import as required.
• Provide a copy of the title and invoice/bill of sale (especially for recently purchased vehicles).
• Pay applicable duties/taxes/fees based on the vehicle’s value and classification.
• Complete local inspection/licensing steps after customs clearance (handled through the appropriate road traffic authority).
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• If importing a vehicle from a market with different headlight standards, headlights may need adjustment for safe local driving.

We can ship your car in a container (and if you’re also moving household goods, container shipping can be a practical option). Contact a logistics agent for an auto-shipping quote and we’ll tailor a plan to your origin, destination island, and overall shipment needs.

Piano and Artwork Movers

Our international movers are experienced with delicate and valuable items such as pianos and artwork. We understand the sentimental and financial value these possessions hold, and our team is trained to pack, crate, and ship them with care.

Whether you have a grand piano or a cherished art collection, we can coordinate the right materials and handling steps to help reduce risk during transit—so your items arrive in excellent condition.

If you’d like to explore specialty shipping, here are two helpful pages:

• International piano movers
• Shipping artwork overseas

A Storage Solution

There are many reasons you may need storage before an international move—staggered closing dates, renovations, downsizing, or simply wanting to ship in phases. At SDC International Shipping, we can help you choose a storage solution that fits your timeline and inventory.

Depending on your needs, storage may include options such as:

1. Long-term Storage: Store your belongings for months (or longer) when your move timeline requires flexibility.

2. Climate-Controlled Facilities: Helpful for sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, antiques, and certain wood furniture.

3. Inventory Management: Organized storage and documented tracking for smoother retrieval and shipment release.

4. Monthly-Based Payment: Flexible billing aligned to how long you actually need storage.

Contact us to discuss your storage timeline and we’ll help you line up the right plan for your move.

Shipping to The Bahamas by Sea and Air

When it comes to shipping your household goods to The Bahamas, we can coordinate both sea and air options, depending on your shipment size, timeline goals, and budget. Here’s what to expect:

1. Ocean Freight: A common, cost-effective method for larger household shipments. Personal belongings may be shipped in a 20ft or 40ft container (or as a shared-load option where available), depending on volume and routing.

2. Air Freight: A faster option often used for smaller shipments or priority items. Air freight typically costs more than sea freight, but can reduce transit time significantly (customs clearance timing can still vary).

   
   

If you’re unsure which method (or container size) fits your move, our shipping coordinator can walk you through the pros/cons based on your inventory and destination island.

How Long Does It Take to Ship to The Bahamas?

Transit timing to The Bahamas varies based on where you’re shipping from, the destination island, carrier schedules, and customs clearance. For many moves, the overall timeline is typically shorter when shipping from the U.S. East Coast than from the West Coast due to distance and routing.

Because port schedules and local processing can change, your logistics agent will provide the most current estimated timeline once your shipment routing is confirmed and the vessel departs.

 

Bahamas Popular Destinations

Many expats choose Nassau on New Providence Island, which is the capital and a major hub for jobs, schools, and services.

For families, Paradise Island is also a popular option. It’s connected to New Providence by bridges, which makes it easy to access Nassau’s amenities.

We also coordinate shipping to many other destinations across The Bahamas, including:

• Rose Island
• Abaco Islands
• Eleuthera
• Long Island
• San Salvador
• Cat Island
• Exuma
• And other islands

What to Know Before Moving

• The Bahamas is an archipelago of about 700 islands and thousands of cays.
• It’s located north of Cuba and southeast of Florida.
• The main language is English.
• The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is commonly pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar (USD) in everyday use.
• You can enjoy warm weather year-round, but it’s important to plan for hurricane season.
• Cost of living can be higher than many U.S. areas—especially for imported goods and on certain islands.
• The Bahamas drives on the left side of the road (many vehicles are still left-hand drive imports).
• The Bahamas is known for having no personal income tax, and certain other taxes differ from the U.S.
• Healthcare options vary by island; Nassau and Freeport generally have more services than smaller islands.
• Locals love music, festivals, and a strong outdoor lifestyle.

Start Your Move with SDC

If you’re ready to start your international relocation, contact us today. We’ll help you plan a move to The Bahamas by coordinating the shipping services you need. Fill out our online quote form or call us directly to get started.