As well as traditional foods, continental dishes are also available as are US/European snacks.

Things to know: With rare exceptions, dining takes place in hotels. Although some establishments have buffet-style serveries, table service is common. Alcohol is freely available, a wide selection of imported beer, wines and spirits can be found in most bars.

National specialities:
• Hominy; cooked with peas or dried conch.
• Whelk soup.
• Conch chowder.
• Lobster and special types of fresh fish.

National drinks:
• Rum-based punch and cocktails.

Tipping: In restaurants, tip 15%.

There are nightclubs and discos, and hotels arrange beach parties and other entertainments. Events are broadcast in advance on local radio.

Fairly expensive. The islands' small shops sell locally-made baskets, jewellery, ceramics, shells, sponges, hand-screened cloth and souvenir T-shirts.