When is the best weather in Bermuda?
Bermuda weather conditions remain clear and seasonable. The Island has
not been impacted by recent weather disturbances and visitors to Bermuda
in the month of October can expect an average air temperature of 79° F and
an average water temperature of 75° F. Bermuda has a remarkably mild climate
that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold. During the winter months
(December through March), temperatures average 70°F. The hottest part of the
year is between May and mid-October, when temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F.
The summer months are somewhat drier, although rainfall is spread fairly evenly
throughout the year.
Weather Call tel. 977 at any time for a forecast covering the next 24-hour period.
Do I need a passport to visit Bermuda?
Passport (or proof of U.S. citizenship with photo ID) and onward/return ticket
required for tourist stay of up to 3 months. Departure tax of $10 is paid at
airport. For further information, consult British Embassy (202/588-7800).
Is the water safe to drink?
It is generally unsafe to drink tapwater in the Caribbean.
Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?
Electricity is 110 volts AC (60 cycles). North American appliances are compatible
without converters or adapters. Visitors from the United Kingdom or other parts
of Europe need to bring a converter.
Should I exchange my money for local currency?
Bermuda Dollar (Bda$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Bda$100, 50, 20,
10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Bda$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Currency exchange:
US Dollars are generally accepted at parity. It is illegal to exchange money other
than at authorized banks or bureaux de change.
Currency restrictions:
There is no limit to the import of local or foreign currency, provided declared
on arrival. The export of local currency is limited to Bda$250. The export of
foreign currency is subject to the amount imported and declared.
Are there any airport fees?
For some very unfortunate reason, the major airlines, that service Bermuda,
charge very over-priced fares to our island. Contrary to opinion, the government
of Bermuda has no control over this, however, they are constantly working with
the airlines to provide more reasonable fares.
A tax of Bda$25 is included in air tickets. Children under two years and passengers
in immediate transit are exempt.
What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
A person must be 18 years of age and should be able to produce proper
identification.
Can I get married in Bermuda?
Couples who would like to get married in Bermuda must file a “Notice of Intended
Marriage” with the Registry General, accompanied by a fee of $205 (in the form of
a bank draft or money order, not a personal check). Make out the draft to “The
Accountant General,” and mail or deliver it in person to the Registry General,
Government Administration Building, 30 Parliament St., Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda
(tel. 441/297-7709) or (fax. 442-292-4568).
Bermuda Department of Tourism offices in Atlanta and New York distribute “Notice
of Intended Marriage” forms, or you can contact the Bermuda Department of Tourism
(tel. 800/BERMUDA) and a form will be mailed to you. If either of the prospective
marriage partners has been married before, that person must attach a photocopy of
the final divorce decree to the “Notice of Intended Marriage.”
Can I bring my pet to Bermuda?
There are strict requirements for importing an animal into Bermuda. In advance of
your arrival you must obtain an Import Permit by the Department of Environmental
Protection. Upon arrival you must present the Import Permit as well as a health
certificate issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian from the animal’s home
country and issued within 10 days of the animal’s arrival in Bermuda.
To obtain an Import Permit you must provide documentation that certifies you meet
all import requirements. For details visit www.animals.gov.bm or contact the Animal
Husbandry Clerk, Department of Environmental Protection, PO Box HM-834, Hamilton,
Bermuda HM-CX or Animal Husbandry Clerk, Department of Environmental Protection,
Botanical Gardens, 169 South Road, Paget, Bermuda DV-04; tel (441) 236-4201;
fax (441) 232-0046; e-mail animals@gov.bm.
What about fishing?
All day charters or half day charters, what ever you heart desires is available
for the fishing enthusiast. Many will agree that something is always biting.
Throw in your one line and haul up a catch that will make you heart leap. White
Marlins are around all year while the Blue Marlins come with the warm waters in
May. Charters vary in prices and can bearranged through the following agencies:
Bermuda Sports Fishing Association
Ph: 441-295-2370
Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?
There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.
Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?
There are no nude or semi nude beaches in Bermuda and indecent exposure is an indictable offense. Bare feet and hair curlers are not acceptable anywhere in public. If you jog, wear standard running shorts and shirts.
What is there to see or do in Bermuda?
Bermuda Lectures & Tours
Address: “Update”,6 Leacraft Hill Road Southampton SB 03
Phone: (1-441) 234-4082
Fax: (1-441) 238-2773
Bermuda Soological Society
Address: 16 North Shore Road Smith’s FL 03
Phone: (1-441) 293-2727
Bermuda Train Company
Address: 6 Valley Road Paget PG 02
Phone: (1-441) 295-3137
Fax: (1-441) 296-1949
Ocean Discovery Centre At Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
Address: 40 Crow Lane East Broadway Hamilton HM 20
Phone: (1-441) 297-7314
Fax: (1-441) 236-6141
E-Mail Address: info@buei.org
Coral Sea Cruises/Charters
Address:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box PG 267 Paget PG BX
Phone: (1-441) 297-4223
Fax: (1-441) 236-7712
Fantasea Cruises
Address: Albuoy’s Point, 5 Point Pleasant Road Hamilton HM 11
Phone: (1-441) 236-1300
Fax: (1-441) 236-8926
Native Adventures
Address:
Phone: (1-441) 295-2957
Fax: (1-441) 295-7854
E-Mail Address: tsimons@ibl.bm
Bermuda is a great place, can I move there?
Americans living or traveling in Bermuda are encouraged to register with the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and
security within Bermuda.
The U.S. Consulate General is located at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DV03,
telephone 1-441-295-1342. Office hours for American Citizens Services are 1:30-3:30
Monday-Wednesday and 8:30-10:30 on Thursdays, except Bermudian and U.S. holidays.
American citizens in need of after-hours emergency assistance may call the duty officer
at telephone 1-441-335-3828.
What about island hopping?
Most first-time visitors think of Bermuda as one island, but in fact it’s a small
archipelago. Many of the islands that make up the chain are uninhabited. If you’re
a bit of a skipper, you can explore them on your own. With a little guidance and
the proper maps, you can discover small islands, out-of-the-way coral reefs, and
hidden coves that seem straight out of the old Brooke Shields B-movie The Blue
Lagoon.
For this boating adventure, rent a Boston whaler with an outboard engine. The name
of these small but sturdy boats reveals their origins: New Englanders once used them
in their pursuit of Moby Dick. It’s important to exercise caution, remembering that
the English found Bermuda in 1612 only after the Sea Venture, en route to the
Jamestown Colony, was wrecked off the Bermuda coast.
In the East End, you can explore Castle Harbour, which is almost completely
surrounded by islands, forming a protected lake. If you stop to do some fishing,
snapper is your likely catch. (Visitors who rent condos or apartments often take
their quarry back to their kitchenette to prepare it for dinner.) To avoid the
often-powerful swells, drop anchor on the west side of Castle Harbour, near Castle
Harbour Golf Club and Tucker’s Town. Then head across Tucker’s Town Bay to Castle
Island and Castle Island Nature Reserve. In 1612, Governor Moore ordered the
construction of a fort on Castle Island, the ruins of which you can see today.
In the West End, begin your exploration by going under Somerset Bridge into well-
protected Ely’s Harbour. To the north, you can visit Cathedral Rocks before making
a half-circle to Somerset Village; from here, you can explore the uninhabited
islands off Mangrove Bay.
You can rent a 4m (13-ft.) Boston whaler and pick up some local guidance at
Blue Hole Water Sports, Grotto Bay Beach Hotel, Hamilton Parish (tel. 441/293-2915).
Prices begin at $75 for 2 hours, $120 for 4 hours, and $180 for 8 hours. Rates do not
include gas.
Do you need a driving License?
Nonresidents are not permitted to rent automobiles; all visitor transportation
is by taxi, bus, ferry, horse and carriage or rental motor scooter (no driver’s
license required) or bicycle.
Emergencies Contact Information?
To call the police, report a fire, or summon an ambulance, dial tel. 911. The non-
emergency police number is tel. 441/295-0011. For Air-Sea Rescue, Rescue Coordination
Center, dial tel. 441/297-1010, FAX: 441/297-1530, operations@rccbermuda.bm The
Government Emergency Broadcast Station is FM 100.1 MHz.
Doctors & Dentists:
Contact the hospital or the Government Health Clinic
(67 Victoria St., Hamilton, PHONE: 441/236-0224,
FAX: 441/292-7627) for referrals.
Hospitals:
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital
(7 Point Finger Rd., outside
Hamilton near the Botanical Gardens,
PHONE: 441/236-2345, FAX: 441/236-3691)
is open 24 hours.
Pharmacies:
Clarendon Pharmacy
(Clarendon Bldg., Bermudiana Rd.,
Hamilton, PHONE: 441/295-6144),
open Monday-Saturday 8-6.
Hot Lines Call tel. 441/236-3770 Monday to Friday and you’ll be connected to
either Bermuda Psychiatric Hospital’s outpatient clinic (9am-5pm) or St. Brendan’s
Hospital (in the evening). Both can help with life-threatening problems, personal
crises, or referral to a medical specialist.
What are the entry requirements in Bermuda?
For both adults and children a passport is preferred, however, Americans and Canadians
can also use official photo identification as well as an original or certified copy of
a birth certificate with raised seal (notarized is not acceptable), permanent resident
card, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. A driver’s license is
not acceptable as proof of citizenship. Married women who are traveling under their
married name but whose identification is under their maiden name should also carry
their marriage certificate or a certified copy. Nationals of the United Kingdom and
Western Europe require a valid passport from their country. All visitors must also
have an onward or return ticket.
In addition, children traveling with an adult other than a parent must also provide
a letter from a parent authorizing the adult to accompany the child for the trip.
Parents of adopted children, particularly those of a different nationality, should
carry the proper documents.
Nationals of other countries may require visas. Consult your nearest Bermuda consulate
or embassy.
What is the language in Bermuda?
English is the official language. There is a small community of Portuguese
speakers.
What are the store hours in Bermuda?
Most stores are open Monday-Saturday from around 9-5 or 5:30. Some Hamilton stores
keep evening hours when cruise ships are in port. In high season (March-November),
many Front Street retailers that participate in Harbour Nights are open late on
Wednesday, and many street vendors sell their wares that evening only. Shops at
the Royal Naval Dockyard are generally open Monday-Saturday 10-5,
and Sunday 11-5.
What about tipping?
At most restaurants, a 15% tip is added to the bill. There’s no need to tip
hotel staff individually as most resorts assess a fixed gratuity on the final
bill (feel free to tip individually if you wish, however, no one will be offended!!).
Airport porters are usually tipped a few dollars and taxi drivers generally receive
10%-15%.
Can you use credit cards?
MasterCard, VISA and American Express are accepted at virtually every store,
restaurant and hotel. VISA and MasterCards may be used for cash advances at all
local bank branches. In addition, the Bank of Bermuda and the Bank of Butterfield
provide ATM’s located island-wide for MasterCard, VISA, Cirrus and Plus cash
advances, most of which are available 24-hours a day. Visitors who need
assistance with American Express should call the Bermuda Financial Network
at (441) 292-1799.
Is there a best time to visit the island?
Semi-tropical, with no wet season. The Gulf Stream which flows between Bermuda
and the North American continent keeps the climate temperate. A change of seasons
comes during mid-November to mid-December and from late March through to April.
Either spring or summer weather may occur and visitors should be prepared for
both. Showers may be heavy at times but occur mainly at night. Summer temperatures
prevail from May to mid-November with the warmest weather in July, August and
September – this period is occasionally followed by high winds. Visitors should
note that such high winds between June and November can (albeit rarely) turn into
hurricanes and tropical storms.
Is there an airport?
Bermuda International (BDA) is 16km (10 miles) from Hamilton (travel time –
30 minutes). Bermuda Hosts (buses) meet all arrivals. Taxis are also available.
There are duty-free shops, cafes, bar and bureaux de change at the airport.
Duty free goods may also be purchased in town shops for collection at the
airport on departure.
Bermuda International Airport (BDA)
2 Kindley Field Rd., St. George’s,
PHONE: 441/293-2470 Ext. 4814
What about Taxes?
Hotels add a 7.25% government tax to the bill, and most add a 10% service charge or
a per diem dollar equivalent in lieu of tips. Other extra charges sometimes include
a 5% “energy surcharge” (at small guest houses) and a 15% service charge
(at most restaurants).
What about Banks?
Branches of the Bank of Bermuda and the Bank of Butterfield are open Monday-
Thursday 9:30-3, Friday 9:30-4:30. Bermuda Commercial Bank (opposite the Anglican
Cathedral on Church Street in Hamilton) operates Monday-Thursday 9-3, Friday 9-4:30.
Bermuda Commercial Bank
Tel: 441 (Area Code) 295 – 5678
Fax: 441 (Area Code) 295 – 8091
E-mail: enquiries@bcb.bm
Postal:
P.O.Box HM 1748
Hamilton HM GX
Bermuda
Visit Us/Courier Address:
Bermuda Commercial Bank Building
43 Victoria Street
Hamilton HM 12
Bermuda
What about Crime?
Although Bermuda has a low crime rate and incidents of violent crime are
infrequent, pickpocketing and thefts of unattended baggage and from rental
motorbikes can occur. Valuables left unattended on beaches or in hotel rooms,
occupied and unoccupied, are also subject to theft. Popular tourist attractions
such as museums, beaches, restaurants and hotels, and transportation systems
are often areas where criminals operate. There have been a number of serious
incidents of sexual assault and acquaintance rape. Use of Rohypnol and other
“date rape” drugs have been confirmed by local authorities and reported in
the local media.
Calling to and from Bermuda?
IDD is available. Country code: 1 441. Outgoing international code: 011. The
internal telephone system is operated by the Bermuda Telephone Company. Bermuda
numbers dialed from within Bermuda should be prefixed with the last two digits
of the country code (29 or 23) but there are no conventional area codes.
Can I use my cellular telephone in Bermuda?
GSM 1900. Operators are A&T Wireless (www.attwireless.bm) and Mobility LTD
(www.mobilityltd.bm). Coverage is excellent. TDMA and AMPS (800 MHz) networks
operated by Cellular One (website: www.cellularone.bm) and Mobility LTD.
What is the Dress code in Bermuda?
Bermuda dress is conservative. Bathing suits, cropped tops, and short shorts
are only acceptable at the beach or around a pool. It is an offence to appear
in public without a shirt or wearing only a bathing suit top, and bare feet
are not acceptable in public. Standard running shorts and shirts are acceptable
for runners. During the daytime casual sportswear is acceptable in restaurants.
In the evenings many restaurants and nightclubs require men to wear a jacket
and tie.
Can I access the Internet from Bermuda?
A few of the island’s hotels now have facilities for their guests to access
the Internet while vacationing. There are also a couple of places, in Hamilton,
which sell time to folks who need to check email, etc.
ISPs include Logic Communications (website: www.logic.bm) and NorthRock
Communications (website: www.northrock.bm). There are Internet cafes in
Hamilton and St George.
Internet Cafes:
Internet Lane
22 Reid Street
Hamilton HM12 Bermuda
Tel: 1(441)296-9972
Fax: 1(441)296-9406
Email: info@internetlane.net
Blogger