Electronic commerce is becoming increasingly important in The Bahamas. Consumers regularly access shopping portals such as eBay and Amazon and can use locally issued credit cards to make purchases. Goods are usually delivered to Florida-based freight forwarders and shipped to The Bahamas. Many established e-stores are now offering customs brokerage services and provide consumers with prices inclusive of local taxes and delivery.
The Bahamas’ good telecommunications infrastructure and high mobile phone penetration support expanded e-commerce initiatives. Consumers can conduct banking transactions, pay utility bills, and purchase goods and services online. All major banks issue debit and credit cards and the mobile money infrastructure is growing in the archipelago. The Central Bank-backed digital currency The Sand Dollar is the first of its kind in the world and is growing in acceptance. Many government services can be paid through e-commerce platforms.