Discover essential information before moving to Bermuda. Learn about the country’s geography, population, language, currency, transportation, major cities, key tourist attractions, healthcare, climate, business hours, cultural tips, cuisine, festivals, safety, shopping tips, technology, accommodation, cost of living, visas, education, work permits, sports, local laws, banking, green spaces, and religious sites.
A complete guide to a smooth transition to life in Bermuda.
Geography
Country: Bermuda
Capital: Hamilton
Area: 53.3 km²
Regions: 9 parishes
Population
Total Population: Approximately 64,000 (as of 2023)
Population Density: About 1,200 people per km²
Major Ethnic Groups: Black, White, Mixed, Asian
Language
Official Language: English
Regional Languages: Portuguese
Currency
Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
Exchange Rate: 1 BMD = 1 US Dollar (USD)
Transportation
Major Airports:
- L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
Main Railway Operators: No railway system
Public Transport: Buses, Ferries, Taxis, Scooters/Bikes
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Major Neighbor Cities
- Hamilton (capital)
- St. George’s
Key Tourist Attractions
- Horseshoe Bay Beach
- The Royal Naval Dockyard
- St. Peter’s Church (St. George’s)
- Bermuda Aquarium,
- Museum and Zoo
- Crystal and Fantasy Caves
- Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
- Bermuda Maritime Museum
- Elbow Beach
- Bermuda Botanical Gardens
Emergency Contacts
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Fire Brigade: 911
Healthcare
Healthcare System: Mix of public and private healthcare services. Public healthcare is available, but private healthcare offers higher standards and faster service.
Emergency Services: Widely available in major areas, with well-equipped emergency rooms.
Pharmacies: Widely available in urban areas, with some 24-hour pharmacies.
Climate
Climate Type: Subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers.
Average Temperature (Summer): 23-30°C (73-86°F)
Average Temperature (Winter): 15-21°C (59-70°F)
Business Hours
Typical Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Banks: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Shops: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), with some open on Sundays
Cultural Tips
Greeting: Handshake or “Hello.” In informal settings, friends may greet with a hug or a cheek kiss.
Dining: Use utensils for most meals. It is polite to wait for the host to start eating.
Dress Code: Generally smart-casual; formal attire may be required for certain events.
Cuisine
Popular Dishes: Fish Chowder, Codfish and Potatoes, Bermuda Onion Soup, Spiny Lobster, Fish Sandwich
Famous Beverages: Dark ‘n Stormy, Rum Swizzle, Bermuda Black Seal Rum, Ginger Beer
Desserts: Bermuda Banana Cake, Cassava Pie, Gingerbread
Festivals and Events
Bermuda Day (May)
Cup Match (July/August)
Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts (January-February)
Gombey Festival (September)
Christmas Boat Parade (December)
Harbour Nights (April-September)
Safety and Security
Crime Rate: Generally low, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded places.
Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover medical expenses, theft, and cancellations.
Emergency Numbers: 911 for all emergency services.
Shopping Tips
Sales Periods: Major sales around holidays, end of summer sales, Christmas sales
Markets: Bermuda Craft Market (Dockyard), Bermuda Farmers’ Market
VAT Refund: Not applicable, as Bermuda does not have VAT.
Technology and Apps
Useful Apps:
- Hitch (ridesharing)
- Bermuda Bus Schedule (public transport)
- WhatsApp (communication)
E-Payments: Widely accepted in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payments are common.
Roaming: Check with your mobile provider for details; roaming agreements are available.
Accommodation
Types: Hotels, Guesthouses, Resorts, Airbnb
Booking Tips: Book in advance for better rates, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Average Prices:
- Budget: BMD 150-300 per night
- Mid-range: BMD 300-600 per night
- Luxury: BMD 600+ per night
Cost of Living
Average Monthly Rent:
- Hamilton: BMD 2,000-5,000
- St. George’s: BMD 1,500-3,500
Grocery Costs: Approximately BMD 300-800 per month
Dining Out:
High-end restaurant: BMD 60+ per person
Budget meal: BMD 15-30
Mid-range restaurant: BMD 30-60 per person
Visas and Entry Requirements
Visa Requirements: Required for most non-Bermudian citizens. Various types of visas are available depending on purpose and duration of stay.
Passport Validity: Must be valid for the duration of stay.
Entry Restrictions: Check for current COVID-19 restrictions and other entry requirements.
Education
School System: Mix of public and private schools. Education is mandatory from ages 5 to 18.
Higher Education: Notable institutions include Bermuda College.
Language of Instruction: Primarily English.
Working in Bermuda
Work Permits: Required for non-Bermudian citizens. Different types of permits are available based on job type and duration.
Job Market: Competitive, with opportunities in tourism, finance, and services.
Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week.
Sports and Recreation
Popular Sports: Cricket, Football (Soccer), Rugby, Sailing, Tennis, Golf
Outdoor Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Hiking, Kayaking, Sailing
Sports Events: Bermuda Marathon Weekend, Bermuda International Film Festival, Bermuda Gold Cup (sailing)
Local Laws and Customs
Smoking: Banned in public places including restaurants, bars, and public transport.
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is available in licensed venues.
Respect for Heritage: Preservation of cultural heritage sites is important. Unauthorized alterations or damage can lead to penalties.
Banking and Finance
Major Banks: Butterfield Bank, HSBC Bermuda, Clarien Bank
ATMs: Widely available in urban areas.
Credit Cards: Accepted almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used.
Green Spaces and Nature
National Parks: Bermuda Railway Trail National Park, Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
Urban Parks: Victoria Park (Hamilton), Par-la-Ville Park (Hamilton)
Beaches: Horseshoe Bay Beach, Elbow Beach, Warwick Long Bay, Tobacco Bay Beach
Religious Sites
Major Cathedrals:
- Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity (Anglican)
- St. Theresa’s Cathedral (Catholic)
Religious Festivals:
- Easter
- Christmas
- Good Friday (kite flying is a traditional activity)
- Bermuda Day Parade (includes elements of cultural and religious celebrations)
Pilgrimage Sites:
The Unfinished Church (St. George’s)
St. Peter’s Church (St. George’s)