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Bermuda Tourist Information
Plus Travel Tips
Here are all the Bermuda tourist information and the travel tips you need while travelling to the island.
Visitors Information Centers
This probably should be the starting point of your travel plan to Bermuda. Because these centers that are located in the island in various places along with their offices in countries like US, UK and Canada, can provide a wealth of information.
Pick up the Handy Reference Map from one of the centers that can guide you to easily navigate through the island.
Also do not forget to ask for the Bus and Ferry schedules if you are planning to avail the local transports. The centers also offer free brochures and self guided tours that you may like to have. Check out Visitors Information Centers to know about the location of the centers, their contacts and offices in the other countries. You can also request them to mail the maps and literatures to your address.
How is Bermuda weather?
Bermuda weather conditions remain clear and temperate. Bermuda has a remarkably mild climate that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold.
During winter months (December through March), temperatures average 65-70°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. 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. Check out Bermuda weather for details and month by month weather information.
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 about 66,000. However, over 600,000 tourists visit the island every year and therefore inflate the population by almost 10 times. And the island looks far more crowded during the high season than what it should be.
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 as its maximum width.
So if you imagine that the Dockyard is at the west end, Hamilton City at the center and St. George at the east end, a bus ride from Dockyard to Hamilton takes about an hour, and from Hamilton to St. George takes another hour.
So you can go end to end of the island in about 2 hours by bus plus whatever time it takes for the transfer at Hamilton, because there is no direct bus from Dockyard to St. George.
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.
How is theft and crime 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 out Bermuda Theft for information on theft, robbery and other criminal activities in Bermuda and safety guidelines.
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
Canadian Consulate
The Canadian Consulate is located at 73 Front Street in Hamilton City.
Phone: 441/292-2917, Fax: 441/292-9307.
Update 2012: Canadian Consulate in Bermuda is temporarily closed.
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 and establishments, rain water is stored in tanks and used as drinking water.
Where are the best stores for 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-September), 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 or debit cards?
Master, VISA and American Express are accepted at virtually every store, restaurant and hotel. But note that in the recent time there is a transition taking place from the usual swipe cards to the Chip & Pin cards that ask for a 4-digit PIN. While both forms of cards are accepted today, over time only the Chip & Pin cards will be accepted in the island.
What local Bermudian Food can I try?
Here are some of our favorite local items:
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 out 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).
What are the Custom Duties on goods brought to Bermuda?
Bermuda unfortunately is not too lenient when you bring in stuff from your own home country particularly if they are food items, electronics, wine/liquor etc. That's obvious. This small island survives to a large extent on its tourism industry and clearly wants you to buy such items here in the island rather that importing them. So what can you bring and to what extent? And how much duty do you need to pay on such items? Check out Bermuda Custom Duties for the answer.
How should I dress in Bermuda?
Dress code in Bermuda in general 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 to tip?
In general tip about 10-15%. Many hotels and restaurants in Bermuda automatically add a 10-15% gratuity in lieu of a tip. So check first, as it is not necessary to tip more unless you feel the service was really superlative.
Using Cell Phones & Calling Cards in Bermuda
You can use your own cell phone or rent one in Bermuda for making international and local calls. Optionally you can also use a calling card from a public phone or a hotel phone for making calls. Check out Using Cell Phones & Calling Cards in Bermuda to know how exactly to do so and what are the implications.
Can I access the Internet from Bermuda?
There are Internet cafes in Hamilton and St George. Most of the luxury and mid class hotels also provide wi-fi access. Check out Bermuda Internet Cafes for detailed information.
Do I need a passport or other travel documents to visit Bermuda?
Passport is now required for all nationals to enter Bermuda. However there are relaxation for visas for nationals of some countries. There is no visa-on-arrival mechanism in Bermuda. So in all cases where visas are required, one would need to get that in advance in his or her own country before arriving at Bermuda.
What is Bermuda's currency and the best way to carry & use money?
The Bermuda dollar equals the US dollar, and the two currencies are accepted interchangeably. Check out Bermuda currency for complete details on how Bermuda's currency trades, ATMs, good ways to carry & use money and more.
What is the language in Bermuda?
English is the official language. There is a small community of Portuguese speakers.
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.
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 pets to Bermuda?
There are strict requirements for importing an animal to 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. Visit Taking Pets to Bermuda for detailed information
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.
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Visitors' Comments & Messages
Paul Tetley (December 2012)
As an update, the Canadian Consulate is now "temporarily" closed. The sign is still on the address on Front Street, but the Canadian Government website refers Canadian Citizens to call the Consulate General of Canada in New York, 1-212-596-1759.
Though it's listed as temporary, in a time of government cost cutting I would not expect it to re-open again.
Karen Friedman-Hanna
Hello, My daughter was on a cruise from Boston to Bermuda this week, and she lost her wallet at the Clocktower Mall. Someone on the ship told her they had found it and turned it in at the mall, but she doesn't know how to contact security there. It was lost in a mens/womens clothing store, but we don't know the name. Any suggestions on how to track this down? It had some sentimental things in it that we would really love to retrieve. Thanks very much.
Raj/ www.bermuda-attractions.com
Hi, The Dockyard complex where the Clocktower Mall is located is under the administration of WEDCO (West End Development Corporation). If I were you, I would first try to contact them. Here are their contact info:
Phone: 441/ 234 1709
Fax: 441/ 234 3411
Email: marketing@wedco.bm
P. O. Box 415, Mangrove Bay MA BX, Bermuda
Let me know how it goes. Regards,
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