Bermuda travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. US flat, two-pin plugs are used. Power outages and surges are common, as a result visitors should bring surge protectors for the safety of their devices.
Language
English is the official language.
Money
The Bermudan Dollar (BMD) is divided into 100 cents, and is tied to the US Dollar (US$1=BD$1). US currency is accepted almost everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours vary, though most are open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are easily available. Visitors are advised to exchange all their Bermudan Dollars before leaving, as it is impossible to exchange once outside the country.
Tipping
If not included in the bill, a 15 percent tip is generally expected at restaurants and hotels. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10 percent, and all Bermuda hotels add a hotel tax of 10 percent to the bill at check-out.
Health
There are no specific health risks for visitors to Bermuda and medical care is of a high standard. Health insurance is recommended, as medical treatment is expensive. Food and water are considered safe for consumption.
Safety
Bermuda is relatively crime-free but visitors should exercise the necessary precautions to safeguard personal possessions. Care should be taken after dark, avoiding quieter, poorly lit streets in particular. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Local customs
As a general rule, dress conservatively. Bathing suits are acceptable only on the beach, and it is considered an offence to appear in public without a shirt. Casual sportswear can be worn in restaurants during the day, but in the evening men should dress more formally with slacks and a shirt. Good manners are expected, and asking a question without first offering a proper greeting is considered extremely rude. Nude or semi-nude bathing is not permitted in Bermuda.
Doing business
Bermuda's economy is dominated by tourism and international financial services. Business etiquette is conservative, and businessmen and women should stick to formal dress or lightweight suits. For meetings, punctuality is important, people are greeted with handshakes, and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers to Bermuda over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 500g tobacco; and 1 litre liquor and 1 litre wine. However, duties may have to be paid on perfume and certain gifts. Spearguns are prohibited.
Communications
The international access code for Bermuda is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 441. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); no outgoing code is needed to call the US. Mobile phones operate on a GSM 1900 network. Free wifi is widely available in restaurants, pubs and other tourist areas.
Passport & Visa
All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket and any documents required for further travel, as well as a valid passport. We recommend that passports be valid for six months after arrival at destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Visa requirements vary according to country.
Entry requirements
United States passport holders must have a valid passport. No visa is required.
UK nationals require a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Canadian nationals require a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
A valid passport is required for Australian nationals, but a visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
South African nationals require both a visa and a valid passport for entry to Bermuda. Passports should be valid for at least 45 days beyond intended period of stay.
Irish nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
New Zealanders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Useful contacts
Bermuda Department of Tourism, Hamilton: +1 441 292 0023 or www.gotobermuda.com.
Emergencies: 911 (ambulance, fire, police, and marine).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 202 588 6500.
British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 613 237 1530.
British High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Bermuda): +61 2 6270 6666.
British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Bermuda): +27 12 421 7500.
British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Bermuda): +353 1 205 3700.
British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Bermuda): +64 4 924 2888.
Embassies / consulates in Bermuda
United States Consulate, Hamilton: +1 441 295 1342.
Canadian Consulate General, New York City, United States (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 212 596 1628.
Australian High Commission Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 613 236 0841.
Honorary Consul for Ireland, Hamilton: +1 441 295 6574.