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Bermuda Tourist Information
Plus Travel Tips
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Here is all the Bermuda tourist information and the Bermuda travel tips you need.
Bermuda weather conditions remain clear and temperate. Bermuda has a remarkably mild climate that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold.
During the winter months (December through March), temperatures average 65-70°F.
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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.
Most tourists come during the summer months although you can enjoy Bermuda anytime you come to the island. During the winter time the hotel rates are cheaper and there is far less rush for anything that you want to do.
What is Bermuda's time zone?
Bermuda is located in the Atlantic time zone, which is four hours behind GMT and one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Unlike islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda does observe daylight savings time. This means that the eastern coast of the U.S. is always one hour behind Bermuda local time. So to give you some examples, the clocks in Bermuda read:
One hour ahead of New York
Two hours ahead of Chicago
Four hours ahead of Los Angeles
Four hours behind London
Five hours behind Rome
Five hours behind Munich
What is the population of Bermuda?
The population of Bermuda is over 60,000. However, over 600,000 tourists visit the island every year and therefore inflate the population by almost 10 times.
How big is the island?
Bermuda is a string of tiny islands. Many of them are not even inhabited. All the major islands are connected by bridges or causeways to the main island. The total area is about 21 square miles with about two miles at its maximum width.
What are the health and safety concerns in Bermuda?
Bermuda is generally quite safe. But there can be some surprise risks like Portuguese Man of War or Rip Currents at the beaches, or pick-pocketing and thefts of unattended baggage, like from rental scooters. Valuables left unattended on beaches or in hotel rooms are also subject to theft. Popular tourist attractions such as museums, beaches, restaurants and hotels, and transportation systems are often areas where such incidents take place.
Check Bermuda Health and Safety to know all about risks and dangers in Bermuda, and what are the right ways to mitigate them.
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How about serious crimes in Bermuda?
Incidents of violent crime in Bermuda is low but rising in the recent times. However, they are generally not targeted towards visitors or tourists.
Check Bermuda Crime for full information on criminal activities in Bermuda and safety guidelines particularly for women travelers. |
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Where can I find my country's Consulate or Embassy?
While there are no embassies maintained in Bermuda by any country, there are consulates of some countries. Here are some of them:
US American Consulate
General Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road
Devonshire Parish DV 03. Tel: +1 441 295 1342
E-mail: hmlamcongen@state.gov
Portugal Consulate
Melbourne House, 11 Parliament Street
Hamilton. Tel: +1 441 292 1039
E-mail: mail@cnham.dgaccp.pt
Honorary Consuls
Canada: Tel: +1 441 294 3611
France: Tel: +1 441 236 0853
Germany: Tel: +1 441 295 2244
Spain: Tel: +1 441 295 3062
Can I drink tap water?
I shall not recommend drinking tap water in Bermuda. Remember, there is no fresh water lake or rivers in Bermuda. In most of the private houses, rain water is stored in tanks and used as drinking water.
What about shopping in Bermuda?
There is no sales tax in Bermuda. Good buys include French perfumes, English bone china and doeskin, Swiss watches and chocolates, Danish silver and jewelry, Irish linen, Scottish tweeds, Italian silks and shoes, European fashions, leather goods, cashmere sweaters, bathing suits, sports clothes, cameras and Cuban cigars.
Duty-free shopping is only available at the airport. Duty-free items include watches, perfume, liquor and cigarettes.
Local souvenirs include pottery, cedar carvings, Bermuda honey, banana-leaf dolls, blown glass, fashions, jewelry, linens, candles, rum cake and paintings by local artists.
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 at Hamilton city that participate in Harbor 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.
Which are the Bermuda Public Holidays?
Can I use credit cards?
Master, VISA and American Express are accepted at virtually every store, restaurant and hotel.
What local Bermudian dishes can I try?
Here are some of our favorite local dishes:
Savory cassava pie (eggs, cassava, chicken, pork, sugar, nutmeg and mace), spicy fish chowder (made from the stock of fresh local de-boned fish, including heads and tails, papaw, black rum, sherry peppers, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes and spices)
Savory Hoppin' John and papaw Montespan (black-eyed peas, top round ground beef, tomatoes and papaw) served with rice,
Local mussels (steamed, as a thick curried stew in pastry, in a pie, or deep fried fritters),
Locally caught wahoo and baked red snapper and local onions made into onion casserole, onion biscuit bread, onion soup, onion pie and onion soufflé.
For a traditional breakfast try dried mullet roe (mullet roe and guts) or salted codfish served with bananas.
What is special in Bermuda spirits and drinks?
The legal drinking age is 18. Check Bermuda Drinks for details on special liquor, spirits and wine in Bermuda.
What about Taxes?
Hotels add a 7.25% government tax to the bill, and most add a 10% service charge 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).
How should I dress to go out?
Bermuda dress is conservative. Bathing suits, cropped tops, short shorts and bare feet 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.
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. Check Bermuda Clothing for more information.
Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?
There are no nude or semi nude beaches in Bermuda and indecent exposure is an indictable offense.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver?
Bermuda's electrical voltage is 110V, 60Hz AC. So if you are coming in from the US or Canada, no problems. Others would mostly require an adapter to adjust the voltage.
How much should I tip?
In general tip about 10-15%. Many hotels and restaurants add a 10-15% gratuity in lieu of a tip, so check first, as it is not necessary to leave more unless you feel the service was above average.
Can I use my calling card from Bermuda?
AT&T: You can use AT&T Calling Cards, AT&T Corporate Cards, American Express, Diners Club, Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard and Visa. Dial 1-800-872-2881 + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts.
BT: Dial 1-800-744-1144, input your account number and PIN, then dial the number you require.
Canada Direct: Service is available on public pay phones with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus. Dial 1-800-744-2580 to reach a Canadian operator directly.
Sprint: Dial 1-800-623-0877. Calls can only be made to Canada and the US (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Saipan/Mariana Islands).
Can I use my cellular phone in Bermuda?
Yes. GSM operators are A&T Wireless and Mobility LTD. Coverage is excellent. TDMA and AMPS networks operated by Cellular One and Mobility LTD.
Can I access the Internet from Bermuda?
A few of the island’s hotels now have facilities for their guests to access the Internet. There are Internet cafes in Hamilton and St George.
Do I need a passport or other travel documents to visit Bermuda?
Passport is preferred, however, Americans and Canadians can also use official photo identification as well as original or certified copy of 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.
What about local Bermuda currency?
The Bermuda dollar equals the US dollar, and the two currencies are accepted interchangeably.
What is the language in Bermuda?
English is the official language. There is a small community of Portuguese speakers.
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How do you drive in Bermuda?
There is no car rental available in Bermuda. However, you can rent a scooter or a moped. Driving is on the left hand side of the road. So if you are coming from US or Canada, and planning to ride a Scooter in Bermuda, be careful.
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Where is the Bermuda airport?
Bermuda International Airport (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 money exchanger at the airport. Duty free goods may also be purchased in town shops for collection at the airport on departure. Location of the Airport: 2 Kindley Field Rd., St. George. Phone: 441/293-2470 Ext. 4814.
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 from 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 no earlier than 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.
What are Bermuda Moon Gates?
A number of narrow limestone arches locally called "moon gates" can be found all across Bermuda. They have been borrowed from the Chinese gates set to bring luck to those who walk through them. Moon Gates are particularly lucky for lovers who should make a wish as they walk through in unison. They are, therefore a particularly popular venue for weddings where bride and groom finish their ceremony by passing through the gate and making a wish for their new life together.
Have any Bermuda travel tips?
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