Country
Bermuda
First trip: one base for 4–6 nights (Hamilton for access or the south shore for beaches), moving by bus and ferry; visitors cannot rent standard cars, so pick a base near a bus route or ferry stop.
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Key facts
- Best months
- Apr–Jul, Nov by month →
- Currency
- Bermudian dollar
- Language
- English
- Plugs
- A · B · 120 V
- Time zone
- UTC−4, UTC−3 with daylight saving March–November
Rules in force · 3Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
Understand in one strip
- Capital
- Hamilton; St George's is the old capital
- Language
- English
- Currency
- Bermudian dollar (BMD), pegged 1:1 to the US dollar; USD accepted everywhere
- Plugs
- Types A and B; 120 V 60 Hz
- Driving
- Left-hand side; visitors cannot rent cars — only scooters and small electric two-seaters
- Tipping
- Restaurants usually add 17% service; tip taxis 10–15%
- Emergency
- 911
- Time zone
- UTC−4 (Atlantic), UTC−3 with daylight saving March–November
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, not the Caribbean, with its own entry rules. It is small, expensive and orderly, and visitors cannot rent normal cars, so transport is by bus, ferry, taxi, scooter or small electric two-seaters. Beach weather runs from about May to October; winter is cool and windy, and hurricanes (peak August–October) can still reach the island.
About Bermuda
Britain's oldest overseas territory, an internally self-governing archipelago of about 64,000 people in the North Atlantic, about 1,000 km east of North Carolina. International business and reinsurance drive a high-cost economy; tourism is the second pillar.
Where's good this month
Mild and quiet; hurricane season ends 30 Nov.
- Whole islandHamilton, south shore, St George's, DockyardFairFairok: workable
Subtropical: winter days 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) with wind and showers, summer 28–30 °C (82–86 °F) and humid. Hurricanes and tropical storms mainly August–October; sea warm enough for most swimmers May–October.Subtropical: winter days 64–68 °F (18–20 °C) with wind and showers, summer 82–86 °F (28–30 °C) and humid. Hurricanes and tropical storms mainly August–October; sea warm enough for most swimmers May–October.
Holidays and festivals in November
- Remembrance Day · 11 Nov — Ceremonies; closures.
Pick a route
Top destinations in Bermuda, ranked
The whole island is reachable from one base.
Hamilton
Arrival + day plansCapital and transport hub.
2–3 nights in Hamilton · Best Apr–Nov
South shore beaches
No guide yetHorseshoe Bay and coves.
3–4 nights in South shore beaches · Best May–Oct
St George's
No guide yetUNESCO old town.
day trip–1 nights in St George's · Best All year
Royal Naval Dockyard
No guide yetMuseum and ferries.
day trip nights in Royal Naval Dockyard · Best Non-cruise days
Decide the trip
What the country is like, who it suits and how long to give it
Open Decide the tripClose Decide the trip7 partsUnderstand in one strip · At a glance · Understand · First vs second trip · Good for · Time math · Fit my nights
Understand in one stripCapital · Language · Currency · Plugs · Driving · Tipping · Emergency · Time zone
- Capital
- Hamilton; St George's is the old capital
- Language
- English
- Currency
- Bermudian dollar (BMD), pegged 1:1 to the US dollar; USD accepted everywhere
- Plugs
- Types A and B; 120 V 60 Hz
- Driving
- Left-hand side; visitors cannot rent cars — only scooters and small electric two-seaters
- Tipping
- Restaurants usually add 17% service; tip taxis 10–15%
- Emergency
- 911
- Time zone
- UTC−4 (Atlantic), UTC−3 with daylight saving March–November
Bermuda: open now, and what is next
3 regions planned
On this page
- 1 of 4 regions open, with where to sleep and for how long
- 1 trip line with arrival paths and day plans
- How to split 3, 5, 7 days
- Money: cash, cards and ATMs
- Safety notes and the rules that apply on every page below
Coming as the guide grows
- South shore (Southampton, Warwick) — Pink-sand beaches such as Horseshoe Bay · 3–5 nights
- St George's and the east — UNESCO old town and forts · day trip–2 nights
- Royal Naval Dockyard and the west end — Cruise port, museum and ferries to Hamilton · day trip–2 nights
Meanwhile
At a glance
Each bar is 1 to 5. Green means the score makes the trip easier, amber is middling, red is harder; the words next to each score say what that end of the scale means, so colour is never the only signal.
One of the most expensive places in the Atlantic to stay and eat.
Cards everywhere; US cash accepted.
English is the language.
Good 4G/5G across the island.
Good buses and ferries; no rental cars.
Low tourist crime; scooters and storms are the risks.
Warm, humid summers; mild winters.
Understand
Britain's oldest overseas territory, an internally self-governing archipelago of about 64,000 people in the North Atlantic, about 1,000 km (621 mi) east of North Carolina. International business and reinsurance drive a high-cost economy; tourism is the second pillar.Britain's oldest overseas territory, an internally self-governing archipelago of about 64,000 people in the North Atlantic, about 621 mi (1,000 km) east of North Carolina. International business and reinsurance drive a high-cost economy; tourism is the second pillar.
- People
- About 64,000; majority Black Bermudians, plus white Bermudians of British and Portuguese descent.
- Government
- British Overseas Territory with its own premier and parliament; the UK handles defence and foreign affairs.
- Land
- About 54 km² (21 sq mi) across more than 100 islands linked by bridges.About 21 sq mi (54 km²) across more than 100 islands linked by bridges.
- Economy
- Reinsurance and international business, tourism; no income tax, high customs duties.
History that still shows on the ground · 6 dates
| When | What happened | Where you meet it today |
|---|---|---|
| 1609 | Sea Venture wrecked; settlers survive | Start of English settlement; linked to Shakespeare's The Tempest. |
| 1612 | St George's founded | UNESCO old town. |
| 1834 | Emancipation | Cup Match celebrates it. |
| 1809–1951 | Royal Naval Dockyard | Today's cruise port and museum. |
| 1968 | Constitution and self-government | Modern politics. |
| 1995 | Independence referendum rejected | Remains a British territory. |
Read or watch before you go
- Mary Prince — The History of Mary Prince (1831).
First trip vs second trip
| Trip | Go to | Why | Leave for later |
|---|---|---|---|
| First trip (4–6 nights) | South shore base + ferry days to Hamilton, Dockyard, St George's | Beaches plus the three towns by pass. | Renting a scooter if you have never ridden one. |
| Long weekend | Hamilton 3 nights | Short flight from the US East Coast; ferries to everything. | Winter beach expectations. |
| Second trip | St George's and the east end | Forts, the old town and quieter coves. | Cruise days at Dockyard. |
Good for…
Verdict is how well Bermuda works for that traveller.
Small, safe and English-speaking.
- 1Hamilton — hub for everything.
- 1Hamilton — most restaurants.
Very expensive; self-catering helps little.
- 1Bus and ferry pass — cheapest way around.
- 1Horseshoe Bay — sheltered coves.
- 1South shore — cottage resorts and beaches.
- 1Hamilton — bars and ferries.
- 1Hamilton — ferries and taxis.
- 1South shore resorts — top-end hotels.
Hills and narrow roads; plan with hotels.
- 1Hamilton — flat Front Street.
Time math
- 3 days in total
- Hamilton 3 with one beach day and one St George's day
- 5 days in total
- South shore 5 with ferry days to Hamilton, Dockyard and St George's
- 7 days in total
- South shore 4 + Hamilton 3
Which regions fit my nights?
Tick the regions you are weighing up. The nights are the ranges this guide gives for each region.
Tick the regions you are considering.
Cities
Regions, cities and the places between them
Open CitiesClose Cities5 partsRegions · Cities · Other destinations · See · Do
Regions
Pink-sand beaches such as Horseshoe Bay
3–5 nights in this region
UNESCO old town and forts
day trip–2 nights in this region
Cruise port, museum and ferries to Hamilton
day trip–2 nights in this region
Cities
Capital, ferries and bus hub, Front Street shops and restaurants.
UNESCO old town and forts at the east end.
Cruise port, National Museum of Bermuda, ferries to Hamilton.
South-shore pink-sand beaches.
Other destinations
| Place | What | Getting there | Why go / verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Bay | Beach | Bus 7 from Hamilton | Pink sand and coves. |
| Crystal and Fantasy Caves | Caves | Bus to Hamilton Parish | Underground lakes and formations. |
| St George's | UNESCO town | Bus or ferry (seasonal) | 17th-century streets and St Peter's Church. |
| National Museum of Bermuda | Fort and museum | Ferry to Dockyard | Maritime history in the Keep. |
| Bermuda Railway Trail | Walking and cycling trail | Access points island-wide | Car-free path on the old railway bed. |
| Gibbs Hill Lighthouse | Lighthouse | Southampton | Island views from the top. |
See
Hamilton
- Front Street waterfront · Hamilton
- City Hall and Arts Centre · Hamilton
- Victoria Park · Hamilton
- Barr's Bay Park · Hamilton
Harbour Nights street festival on summer Wednesdays (check).
History
- St Peter's Church · St George's
- Fort St Catherine · St George's
- Commissioner's House · Dockyard
Combine Dockyard and St George's on separate days by ferry and bus.
Do
| Activity | Where | Best months | Cost (2026 estimate) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling and wreck diving | Reefs and 300+ wrecks | May–Oct | US$80–200 | Clear water; go with licensed operators. |
| Kayaking and paddleboarding | Harbours and bays | May–Oct | US$30–60 an hour | Calm water inside the reef. |
| Golf | Port Royal, Mid Ocean and others | All year | US$150–400 | Winter is the golf season. |
| Whale watching | Offshore | Mar–Apr | US$80–150 | Humpbacks on migration. |
Connect the cities
Ready-made routes, the route builder and the legs between cities
Open Connect the citiesClose Connect the cities3 partsItineraries · Route builder · Between cities
Itineraries by length
One base, buses and ferries; no rental car needed.
7 days
Beaches and towns
South shore base → ferry and bus days to Hamilton, Dockyard, St George's
- South shore (Southampton / Warwick)4n
- Hamilton3n
Buy a 7-day transport pass.
10 days
Slow island week
Hamilton → St George's → south shore
- Hamilton3n
- St George's2n
- South shore5n
Add diving or golf days.
14 days
Bermuda and New York
Bermuda → fly New York
- Hamilton3n
- South shore5n
- New York5n
US preclearance at Bermuda airport; ESTA or visa needed.
Build a route
Based on: Slow island week (10 days, itineraries by length)
- Hamilton3 nightsBus / van · Public bus (pink and blue) · about 45 min · Transport pass 1–7 days about US$19–70 — check; tokens or exact fare
- St George's2 nightsTransfer not on file yet: check the A-to-B tool.
- South shore5 nights
Add diving or golf days.
What this route costs
- Hamilton3 nights · city pricesBMD 2,000
- St George's2 nightsBMD 1,700
- South shore5 nightsBMD 4,500
Total, 2 travelers
BMD 8,000
Per person per day: BMD 400
2026 estimate (check): rooms for two, food, local transport and sights; international flights, visas and insurance excluded. Tweak it in the budget calculator.
Getting between cities
| Between | Fastest | Other ways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton to St George's | Bus / van · about 45 minTransport pass 1–7 days about US$19–70 — check; tokens or exact farePublic bus (pink and blue) | — |
How each mode works hereAny two places: A-to-BIs a rail pass worth it?
This month
Weather and crowds by month
Open This monthClose This month2 partsYear at a glance · Climate
Year at a glance
Every month in one list: how it rates, how busy and pricey it is, and which holidays land in it.
- Good value and quiet
- Nov
- Busiest or big holidays
- May–Aug, Dec
Jan
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: low- New Year's Day (medium impact)
Feb
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: lowMar
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: low- Good Friday (medium impact)
Apr
GoodCrowds: mediumPrices: medium- Good Friday (medium impact)
May
GoodCrowds: mediumPrices: medium- Bermuda Day (high impact)
Jun
GoodCrowds: highPrices: high- National Heroes Day (medium impact)
Jul
GoodCrowds: highPrices: high- Cup Match (Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day) (high impact)
Aug
CautionCrowds: highPrices: high- Cup Match (Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day) (high impact)
Sep
CautionCrowds: mediumPrices: medium- Labour Day (medium impact)
Oct
CautionCrowds: mediumPrices: mediumNov
GoodCrowds: lowPrices: low- Remembrance Day (low impact)
Dec
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: low- Christmas and Boxing Day (high impact)
Climate by region and month
| Zone | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole islandHamilton, south shore, St George's, Dockyard | cool | cool | cool | ok | best | best | best | storm | storm | storm | ok | cool |
- Whole island
- Subtropical: winter days 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) with wind and showers, summer 28–30 °C (82–86 °F) and humid. Hurricanes and tropical storms mainly August–October; sea warm enough for most swimmers May–October.Subtropical: winter days 64–68 °F (18–20 °C) with wind and showers, summer 82–86 °F (28–30 °C) and humid. Hurricanes and tropical storms mainly August–October; sea warm enough for most swimmers May–October.
May–July for beaches with lower storm risk; the shoulder months April and November are quiet and mild; winter is for golf, walking and low prices, not swimming.
Cost
What a day costs, and how to pay
Open CostClose Cost4 partsMoney at a glance · Daily budget · Costs · Money & passes
Money at a glance
Currency and cash
Bermudian dollar (BMD), pegged 1:1 to the US dollar; USD accepted everywhere
Cards and phones almost everywhere
Cash or card
A day, per person
- BudgetBMD 185–320
- Mid-rangeBMD 390–760
- ComfortBMD 930–1,800
Per person per day, bed included
What that covers ↓Tipping
- Restaurants: Usually 17% added; check the bill.
- Taxis: 10–15%.
- Hotel: Service charge often included; extra for porters.
Also
Money & passesCard, cash or ATM: the cheapest way to payTipping calculator
Budget per day, per person
Per person per day, sharing a room at mid and comfort. Flights not included. 2026 estimate, BMD = USD.
| Tier | Bed | Food | Transport | Sights | Extras | Total, bed included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BudgetGuesthouse, takeaway food, bus pass | BMD 100–160 | BMD 50–80 | BMD 15–20 | BMD 10–30 | BMD 10–30 | BMD 185–320 |
| Mid-rangeHotel, restaurants, a boat trip | BMD 200–350 | BMD 100–170 | BMD 20–80 | BMD 40–100 | BMD 30–60 | BMD 390–760 |
| ComfortResort, fine dining, private boat | BMD 500–900 | BMD 200–350 | BMD 80–150 | BMD 100–250 | BMD 50–150 | BMD 930–1,800 |
Costs per day
Budget
US$200–300
Guesthouse or shared rental, supermarket and takeaway fish sandwiches, bus pass.
Per person per day · Includes a bed
Mid-range
US$400–650
Mid-range hotel (shared), restaurant meals, a boat trip, scooter.
Per person per day · Includes a bed
Comfort
US$900+
Resort, fine dining, private boats and taxis.
Per person per day · Includes a bed
| Typical price | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fish sandwich | US$15–22 |
| Dinner main in a restaurant | US$35–60 plus 17% service |
| Rum swizzle / Dark 'n' Stormy | US$12–18 |
| Supermarket basics | Double US mainland prices |
| Transport pass, 3 days | About US$45 — check |
| Crystal Caves entry | About US$35 — check |
2026 estimate, per person. Bermuda imports almost everything; hotels add occupancy tax and service charges.
Budget calculator
- Beds1 room × 10 nightsBMD 3,000
- Food and drink2 × 10 daysBMD 3,000
- Local transport2 × 10 daysBMD 1,200
- Sights and tours2 × 10 daysBMD 1,200
Trip total, 2 travellers
BMD 8,500
Per person per day: BMD 450
2026 estimate. Beds priced per room for two; international flights, insurance and visas excluded. Add scooter or minicar rental if not using the bus and ferry pass.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 1/5 (5 means cash for most things)
- Currency is the Bermudian dollar (BMD), held at par with the US dollar; US dollars are accepted everywhere.
- Cards work almost everywhere; buses may need exact change or a pass, so buy a pass.
- Prices are high: check whether a service charge is added to restaurant bills.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Getting in
Before you go, entry rules and the first day
Open Getting inClose Getting in5 partsBefore you go · Arrive · Entry · Documents · First 24 hours
Before you go
What to sort, and by when, before a trip to Bermuda. Pick your passport and flight date; everything else follows.
Add your flight date to turn “weeks before” into dates.
US plugs fit
Sockets here: type A, B.
No visa needed: Set on arrival, commonly up to 90 days; longer on request — check
No visa or ESTA for Bermuda itself. Return or onward ticket and accommodation details required; airlines check.
Passport valid long enough
90 days beforeValid at least 45 days beyond your departure from Bermuda.
Travel insurance
30 days beforeBuy cover that includes medical evacuation and your activities; save the policy number and the 24-hour line offline.
Vaccines and medicines
30 days beforeSome vaccines need weeks or two doses; carry prescriptions in their boxes.
eSIM or roaming
2 weeks beforeOne Communications and Digicel sell prepaid SIMs; US plans often roam at extra cost — check.
Cards and cash
2 weeks beforeCards and phones almost everywhere (cash need 1/5). Tell your bank you are travelling, check foreign-fee-free cards and ATM limits, and carry a backup card kept apart.
Arrival card or e-arrival form
3 days beforeBermuda Arrival Card online before travel (check fee and timing on gotobermuda.com).
Lead times are Voykit's safe margins, not official deadlines (check the official portal). The full countdown with calendar reminders: Before-you-go countdown · Passport check.
Arrive
Entry: visas and borders
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory with its own immigration rules; no ESTA is needed for Bermuda itself. US, UK and Canadian citizens enter visa-free. Most other nationalities also need no Bermuda visa, but nationals on Bermuda's visa-controlled list must hold a multiple-entry visa for the UK, US or Canada valid 45 days beyond their stay. Since all flights come from those three countries, you need their entry or transit permission anyway. Passports must be valid 45 days beyond departure, and every traveller completes the Bermuda Arrival Card before arrival.
No visa or ESTA for Bermuda itself.
- Cost
- Free
- Form to fill
- Passport (US passport card not accepted by air) and Arrival Card.
- Arrival card
- Bermuda Arrival Card online before travel (check fee and timing on gotobermuda.com).
- Passport
- Valid at least 45 days beyond your departure from Bermuda.
- Onward ticket
- Return or onward ticket and accommodation details required; airlines check.
| Who | Rule | Stay | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| US, UK and Canadian citizens | Visa-free | Set on arrival (up to about 180 days a year — check) | US passport card not valid for air travel. |
| Most other nationalities | Visa-free for Bermuda | Set on arrival | Need permission for the country you connect through. |
| Visa-controlled nationals | UK, US or Canadian multiple-entry visa | Set on arrival | Visa must be valid 45 days beyond your stay. |
By land and river
| Crossing | To / from | Mode | Visa there | Trap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No land borders; cruise port at Royal Naval Dockyard (and Hamilton/St George's for smaller ships) | Cruises from New York, Boston, Baltimore, Florida | Cruise ship | Ship handles formalities; US re-entry rules apply for the return | Closed-loop US cruise passengers still need valid documents. |
- Flights to the US clear US preclearance in Bermuda: you land in the US as a domestic passenger.
- Cannabis is illegal to possess even with a prescription from elsewhere — check.
Documents checklist
0/5 ready
First 24 hours
Do these on arrival.
Transport pass: Buy a bus and ferry pass at the airport or visitor centre (check).
Buses need exact fare or a pass.
Getting in: Taxi from the airport; buses run but luggage is awkward.
No rental cars.
Data: eSIM or local SIM; check roaming costs.
Maps and taxi app.
Beaches: Check lifeguard hours and flags.
South-shore currents.
Getting around
Modes, times and the clock
Open Getting aroundClose Getting around2 partsGet around · Local time
Get around
| Mode | Dockyard → St George's | Cost | Use it when | What breaks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus (pink and blue) | Dockyard – Hamilton about 1 h; Hamilton – St George's about 45 min | Transport pass 1–7 days about US$19–70 — check; tokens or exact fare | Reaches every parish and the south-shore beaches. | Drivers do not give change; buy passes at the Hamilton bus terminal, visitor centres or some hotels. |
| Ferry (SeaExpress) | Hamilton – Dockyard about 20–35 min | Included in transport passes | Fastest and most scenic way along the island. | Some routes are seasonal; check the timetable. |
| Taxi | Anywhere | Metered, about US$8 start plus per mile; airport – Hamilton about US$40–50 | Easy with luggage and at night. | Surcharges after midnight and for bags; book via the Hitch app or dispatch. |
| Scooter rental | Island-wide | US$60–100 a day — check | Freedom to explore coves. | Driving on the left on narrow, winding roads; scooter crashes are the top visitor injury. Helmet law. |
| Electric minicar (two-seater) | Island-wide | US$150–200 a day — check | The closest thing to a rental car for visitors. | Limited supply; book ahead; driver's licence required. |
| Bicycle / e-bike | Railway Trail | US$30–60 a day | The Bermuda Railway Trail is car-free and flat. | Main roads are narrow with no shoulders. |
Local time
What time it is there now, compared with the clock on your device.
Hamilton
…
Checking your clock…Atlantic/Bermuda
Practical
Money rules, safety, holidays, health, phones and phrases
Open PracticalClose Practical14 partsNext 90 days · Holidays · Safety & health · Safety · Safety by region · Health · Scams · Emergency card · Practical · Connect · Talk · Survival phrases · Cope · Who travels
Holidays in the next 90 days
Nov 11
in 10 days
Remembrance DayMinor
Nov 11
Ceremonies; closures.
Dec 25
in 54 days
Christmas and Boxing DayBig impact
Dec 25–Dec 26
Most businesses closed; Gombey dancers on Boxing Day.
Jan 1
in 61 days
New Year's DaySome impact
Jan 1
Closures.
The full holiday listHolidays on your datesFestivals by month
Holidays and festivals
| When | What | Impact | What it does to a trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year's Day | medium | Closures. |
| Mar–Apr (varies) | Good Friday | medium | Kite-flying and fish cakes on hot cross buns; shops closed. |
| Last Friday of May | Bermuda Day | high | Parade in Hamilton and road races; buses disrupted. |
| 3rd Monday of June | National Heroes Day | medium | Public holiday. |
| Thursday–Friday before the 1st Monday of August | Cup Match (Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day) | high | Two-day cricket festival; most businesses close; boats full. |
| 1st Monday of September | Labour Day | medium | Public holiday. |
| 11 Nov | Remembrance Day | low | Ceremonies; closures. |
| 25–26 Dec | Christmas and Boxing Day | high | Most businesses closed; Gombey dancers on Boxing Day. |
Safety and health at a glance
Emergency numbers
Where to take care
4/5 for a careful visitor · Low tourist crime; scooters and storms are the risks.
Tap water
Health
Main risks: Scooter crashes, Portuguese man-of-war, Rip currents, Sunburn.
Top scams
- 1. Lookalike arrival-card sites · Use the official link from gotobermuda.com or gov.bm.
- 2. Unmetered taxi fares · Taxis must use the meter; ask before you ride.
- 3. Scooter damage claims · Photograph the scooter before riding off.
Safety
- Traffic drives on the left; roads are narrow and winding, and scooter accidents are the main visitor injury.
- Swim on beaches with lifeguards in summer; rip currents occur on the south shore.
- Portuguese man-of-war can wash up in spring: do not touch blue, bubble-like creatures on the sand.
- Hurricane season (Jun–Nov): follow local warnings and your airline; if a storm is forecast, leave early or shelter where your accommodation tells you.
Bermuda is about two hours by air from the US east coast and sits far from the Caribbean islands; there are no ferry links to them.
What four governments say
Comparison not available yet for this country
Strikes and disruptions
Official notices for the next 90 days. Open the full calendar.
No official-source strike or disruption notices for the next 90 days
Safety by region
Tourist crime is low; roads and storms are the risks.
| Region | Risk | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton and central parishes | low | Some gang-related violence in specific neighbourhoods rarely involves visitors; take taxis late at night. |
| South shore | low | Rip currents; scooter crashes on winding roads. |
| St George's and Dockyard | low | Cruise-day crowds. |
Stay healthy
| Risk | Where / when | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter crashes | Island roads | Ride only if experienced; helmet on, keep left. |
| Portuguese man-of-war | South-shore beaches, spring | Do not touch; vinegar and medical help for stings. |
| Rip currents | South shore | Swim at lifeguarded beaches in summer. |
| Sunburn | Everywhere, Apr–Oct | Reef-safe sunscreen and shade. |
| Medical costs | King Edward VII Memorial Hospital | Insurance with evacuation cover; serious cases fly to the US. |
Scams and overcharges
| Trap | Where | Defence |
|---|---|---|
| Lookalike arrival-card sites | Search ads | Use the official link from gotobermuda.com or gov.bm. |
| Unmetered taxi fares | Cruise port and airport | Taxis must use the meter; ask before you ride. |
| Scooter damage claims | Rental outlets | Photograph the scooter before riding off. |
Emergency card
Bermuda emergency numbers — screenshot this card
Natural and on-the-ground hazards
| Hazard | When / where | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct | Follow the Bermuda Weather Service and hotel instructions; the airport closes during storms. |
| Rip currents | South shore, windy days | Swim at lifeguarded beaches. |
Alerts and apps
- Bermuda Weather Service (weather.bm).
- Hitch (taxis).
Police, embassies, paperwork
- Serious medical cases are flown to the US; insurance must cover evacuation.
- Lost passport: police report, then the Governor's office or your embassy (via the US or UK) — check.
Emergency card · Bermuda
- 911Police, fire, ambulance
- Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre, VHF 16 or +1 441 297 1010Marine rescue
- My passport
- — · find my embassy
- Insurance
- —
- Staying at
- —
Hospitals with emergency care
- King Edward VII Memorial Hospital · Paget, about 10 minutes from Hamilton, Hamilton
- Private clinics and GPs in Hamilton · Central Hamilton, Hamilton
Practical
120 V · 60 Hz
Same as the US.
- Tap water
- Tap water comes from rooftop rainwater tanks or desalination; generally safe but many buy bottled — ask your hotel.
- Toilets
- In hotels, restaurants, ferry terminals and some beaches.
- Weekly closing days
- Many shops close on Sundays; some restaurants close in winter.
Tipping by situation
| Situation | What locals do |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Usually 17% added; check the bill. |
| Taxis | 10–15%. |
| Hotel | Service charge often included; extra for porters. |
Opening hours
| What | Typical hours | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Shops | Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00Mon–Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sunday closures common. |
| Restaurants | Dinner 18:00–22:00Dinner 6:00 PM–10:00 PM | Book on cruise days. |
Connect
- One Communications and Digicel sell prepaid SIMs; US plans often roam at extra cost — check.
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels and some public spaces.
- Numbers
- Country code +1 441.
- Payments
- Cards everywhere; USD at par.
Talk
English with a local accent and vocabulary; greetings matter more than in most places.
| Where | Lingua franca | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole island | English | Native | Portuguese is spoken in the Azorean community. |
- 'Good morning' before any question; 'Bye' as you leave a shop.
Survival phrases
Cope
- Consulates
- US Consulate General in Hamilton; the Governor's office handles UK matters.
- Pharmacies
- Several in Hamilton and the parishes.
Travellers with specific needs
| Traveller | On the ground | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Solo women | Safe; normal precautions at night. | Taxis after dark in quiet parishes. |
| LGBTQ+ | Legal, but same-sex marriage was ended by a 2018 law and courts have gone back and forth — check the current status. | Society is fairly conservative; discreet affection is common. |
| Families | Easy: calm coves (Horseshoe Bay's Port Royal Cove), aquarium. | Book ferries for strollers off-peak. |
| Wheelchair users | Mixed: hills, narrow pavements; some buses and ferries accessible — check. | Choose Hamilton hotels with lifts. |
| Older travellers | Popular and comfortable. | Avoid scooters; use ferry and taxi. |
Culture and food
Rules, manners, what to eat, where to sleep and what to buy
Open Culture and foodClose Culture and food6 partsRules · Respect & laws · Eat · Drink · Sleep · Buy
Country rules
- Bermuda sets its own entry rules as a British Overseas Territory; check official Bermuda government sources for your passport.
- Visitors cannot rent standard cars: plan around buses, ferries, taxis, scooters or small electric vehicles.
- Cannabis is illegal to possess in Bermuda, whatever the rules at home.
Etiquette
- Beachwear is for the beach: cover up in Hamilton, shops and restaurants.
- Greet people with 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' before asking anything; it is expected.
- Bermuda shorts with knee socks are business dress, not a costume.
- Cup Match (two days in late July or early August)
- National holiday for the cricket match; businesses close and ferries and buses are busy.
- Bermuda Day (late May)
- Public holiday with a parade in Hamilton.
- Hurricane peak (Aug–Oct)
- Storms can close the airport and cancel ferries.
Respect and laws that surprise
| Topic | The rule | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Say good morning or good afternoon before asking anything, even a bus driver. | Cooler service. |
| Beachwear | Swimwear only on the beach; cover up in towns. | Frowned on; some places refuse entry. |
| Cannabis and drugs | Illegal to possess; strict customs checks. | Fines, arrest, deportation. |
| Driving | Left side; speed limit 35 km/h (22 mph) island-wide.Left side; speed limit 22 mph (35 km/h) island-wide. | Fines; serious injury. |
| Reefs and wrecks | Do not touch coral or take anything from shipwrecks (protected). | Fines. |
Everyday manners
| Situation | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Good morning / good afternoon to everyone, including bus drivers | Starting with a question |
| Dress | Cover up off the beach | Swimwear in shops or on buses |
| Queues | Wait patiently | Rushing people |
| Cup Match | Join the festivities if invited | Expecting business as usual |
Eat
Bermudian food is seafood, British and Caribbean influence and a strong Portuguese (Azorean) thread. Fish sandwiches, fish chowder with sherry peppers and black rum, and Sunday codfish breakfast are the classics. Restaurants are expensive; takeaway fish sandwiches are the value option.
| Region | Style | Order this |
|---|---|---|
| Whole island | Seafood, Sunday codfish, Portuguese bakeries | Fish sandwich, chowder, codfish and potatoes |
Dish finder
Region
Diet
12 of 12 dishes
- Fish chowderIsland-wide
Bermuda fish chowder
Dark, tomato-based fish soup finished with sherry peppers and black rum.
Lunch · Usually has fish/seafood, fish stock or sauce, pork
- Fish sandwichIsland-wide
Fish sandwich
Fried wahoo or rockfish on raisin bread with coleslaw and tartare sauce.
Lunch · Usually has fish/seafood, egg, milk
- Codfish and potatoesIsland-wide
Sunday codfish breakfast
Salt cod, boiled potatoes, egg, banana and avocado with tomato or butter sauce.
Sunday breakfast · Usually has fish/seafood, egg
- Fish cakesIsland-wide
Fish cakes on hot cross buns
Salt-cod cakes served in a hot cross bun.
Good Friday · Usually has fish/seafood, egg, milk
- Hoppin' JohnIsland-wide
Hoppin' John
Black-eyed peas and rice, often with pork.
New Year · Usually has pork · vegetarian version exists — ask
- Cassava pieIsland-wide
Cassava pie
Sweet cassava pie with chicken or pork inside.
Christmas · Usually has chicken, pork, egg, milk
- Spiny lobsterIsland-wide
Bermuda lobster
Local spiny lobster, grilled.
Season about Sep–Mar · Usually has fish/seafood, milk
- Wahoo steakIsland-wide
Wahoo
Firm local fish, grilled or blackened.
Dinner · Usually has fish/seafood
- Mussel pieIsland-wide
Mussel pie
Pie of mussels, potatoes and curry spices.
Dinner · Usually has fish/seafood, milk
- Shark hashTraditional
Shark hash
Minced shark with spices, served on toast.
Traditional snack · Usually has fish/seafood
- MalasadasPortuguese bakeries
Malasadas
Fried sugared dough, a Portuguese-Bermudian treat.
Before Lent · Usually has egg, milk · vegetarian version common
- Rum cakeIsland-wide
Black rum cake
Dense cake soaked in Gosling's rum.
Dessert, gift · Usually has egg, milk · vegetarian version common
Tags describe the usual recipe, not every kitchen. Stocks and sauces hide animal products: ask, or show the allergy card below.
Table manners
- Check for the added service charge before tipping.
- Dress smart-casual for dinner; some restaurants ask for collared shirts.
Allergy / diet card — show it, do not say it
I have a severe allergy to ___. Does this dish contain ___, or is it cooked with it?
“English is the local language; show it to your server.”
- Peanuts
- peanuts
- Tree nuts
- tree nuts
- Shellfish
- shellfish (lobster, mussels, shrimp)
- Fish
- fish / fish stock
- Milk
- dairy (milk, butter, cheese)
- Egg
- eggs
- Wheat / gluten
- wheat / gluten
- Pork
- pork / bacon
- Alcohol
- rum / sherry in cooking
- Sesame
- sesame
Diets: the reality
| Diet | On the ground | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian / vegan | Options in Hamilton; limited elsewhere. | Ask about pork in peas and rice. |
| Halal | Very limited. | Seafood and vegetarian dishes. |
| Gluten-free | Understood in hotels and better restaurants. | Fish sandwiches come on bread; ask for grilled fish. |
| Allergies | Staff speak English and understand allergies. | Chowder hides fish stock, pork and alcohol. |
Drink
- Legal age
- 18.
- Drink-driving
- 0.08% limit; roadside checks; scooters included.
| Drink | What it is | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Dark 'n' StormyDark 'n' Stormy | Gosling's black rum and ginger beer; the national drink. | US$12–16 |
| Rum swizzleRum swizzle | Rum punch with fruit juices; the Swizzle Inn claims it. | US$12–18; pitchers for groups |
| Local beerBermuda craft beer | Small island breweries. | US$8–12 |
- Cheers: 'Cheers'.
Sleep
| Type | Price (2026 estimate) | Use it for | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse / B&B | US$180–320 | Hamilton, Paget, Warwick | Few budget options; book early. |
| Holiday rental / cottage | US$200–450 | South shore | Check bus access. |
| Resort hotel | US$450–1,000+ | South shore, Hamilton, St George's | Resort fees, taxes and service charges on top. |
Registration and the law
- No camping for visitors without permission.
Booking reality
- Book summer and Cup Match weekend early; winter rates are much lower.
Buy
Duty is high; local products are the draw.
Prices and bargaining
- Not done.
What to bring home
| Item | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Gosling's Black Seal rum and rum cake | Shops island-wide | Check your allowance. |
| Bermuda shorts and local crafts | Hamilton, Dockyard Clocktower Mall | Look for Bermuda-made labels. |
Customs allowances on arrival
| What | Limit or rule |
|---|---|
| Duty-free allowance | Check current limits for alcohol and tobacco |
Deep dive
Questions, where next, photos, reading and every source
Open Deep diveClose Deep dive3 partsGo next · Deep dive · Sources
Go next
Sources compared: Wikivoyage — Bermuda · Wikitravel — Bermuda. Section coverage was checked against these community guides (CC BY-SA) as secondary sources; the text on this page is Voykit's own, with facts cross-checked against the official sources above.
Deep dive
This deep dive is for the traveller who wonders why a small Atlantic island feels British, American and Caribbean at once. Bermuda began as a shipwreck, grew on the sea, lived through slavery and emancipation, and became a centre of global insurance, all within about 54 km² of limestone.
1A shipwreck and an English colony1 min
Spanish sailors knew the islands in the early 1500s but did not settle; reefs made them feared. In 1609 the Sea Venture, carrying settlers to Jamestown in Virginia, wrecked on the reef. The survivors built two boats and sailed on, but reports of the islands, likely read by Shakespeare for The Tempest, led the Virginia Company to send colonists in 1612.
St George's became the capital and is now one of the oldest continuously inhabited English towns in the Americas, with St Peter's Church still in use. Bermuda's parliament first met in 1620, making it among the oldest in the Commonwealth.
Forts ring the island, from 17th-century batteries to the 19th-century Royal Naval Dockyard, built when Bermuda was Britain's main naval base in the western Atlantic after American independence.
- Sea Venture wreck
- 1609
- St George's founded
- 1612
- First parliament
- 1620
- UNESCO
- Historic town of St George's and related fortifications, 2000
2Slavery, emancipation and Cup Match1 min
Enslaved Africans and Native Americans were brought to Bermuda from the 1610s. Bermuda's economy ran on the sea — shipbuilding, salt raking in the Turks Islands, privateering — and enslaved men worked as sailors and pilots as well as in homes and fields.
Mary Prince, born enslaved in Bermuda, published her life story in London in 1831; it was the first account by a Black woman published in Britain and fed the abolition campaign. Slavery ended across the British Empire on 1 August 1834.
Cup Match, the two-day cricket match between St George's and Somerset held around 1 August, grew out of emancipation celebrations and is now the island's biggest holiday: Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day.
- Emancipation
- 1 August 1834
- Mary Prince's narrative
- 1831
- Cup Match
- Thursday–Friday before the first Monday of August
3People, politics and the business island1 min
About 64,000 people live in Bermuda: a Black majority, white Bermudians of British descent, and a significant Portuguese community whose Azorean ancestors came to farm from 1849. Race and class have shaped politics, and the 1959 Theatre Boycott helped end segregation.
Bermuda gained a modern constitution in 1968 and voted against independence in 1995. It governs itself internally while the UK handles defence and foreign affairs.
Since the mid-20th century, reinsurance and international business have made Bermuda one of the richest places per person in the world. That brings high costs for residents and visitors alike, and a formal business culture in which Bermuda shorts with knee socks are office wear.
- Population
- About 64,000
- Independence referendum
- 1995, rejected
- Portuguese arrivals
- From 1849
4Reefs, caves and pink sand1 min
Bermuda sits on the rim of an extinct volcano, capped with limestone. The northernmost coral reefs in the Atlantic surround it, kept alive by the warm Gulf Stream, and the reefs have wrecked more than 300 ships, now dive sites.
The pink sand of the south shore comes from crushed shells and the red foraminifera that live on the reef. Rainwater dissolves the limestone into caves such as Crystal Cave, and Bermudians collect rainwater on white stepped roofs, a building rule that shapes every house.
The cahow, a seabird thought extinct for 300 years, was rediscovered in 1951 and is recovering on protected islets.
- Shipwrecks
- 300+
- Land area
- About 54 km² (21 sq mi)About 21 sq mi (54 km²)
- Cahow rediscovered
- 1951
5Visiting Bermuda today1 min
No ESTA is needed for Bermuda itself; US, UK and Canadian citizens and most others enter without a visa, while visa-controlled nationals need a multiple-entry UK, US or Canadian visa. Everyone completes the Bermuda Arrival Card, and flights back to the US clear US immigration at Bermuda airport.
Visitors cannot rent cars. Pink-and-blue buses and ferries reach every parish on one transport pass; scooters and electric two-seaters are the alternative, but narrow roads on the left make scooters the main cause of visitor injury.
Hurricane season runs June to November with the peak in August–October. Dial 911 in an emergency.
- Car rental
- Not allowed for visitors
- Emergency
- 911
- Currency
- BMD at par with USD
Read, watch, wordsReading · Watching · Glossary · Sources
Reading
- The History of Mary Prince — Mary PrinceThe 1831 slave narrative that shaped abolition.
Watching
- The Deep — Peter Yates, 1977Wreck-diving thriller filmed in Bermuda's waters.
Glossary
| Term | Local | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cup Match | Two-day cricket festival and emancipation holiday. | |
| Gombey | Masked dance troupes with African, Caribbean and Native roots. | |
| swizzle | Rum punch, the island cocktail. | |
| moongate | Stone arch that couples walk through for luck. | |
| Onion | Nickname for a Bermudian. | |
| parish | One of nine administrative districts. |
Read for this deep dive
- Wikivoyage — Bermuda ↗
- Wikipedia — History of Bermuda ↗
- Government of Bermuda — entry visas ↗
- UNESCO — Historic Town of St George ↗
Background reading only: the text above is written by Voykit, not copied from these pages.
Sources
- secondaryWikivoyage — Bermuda
- officialUK FCDO travel advice: Bermuda
- officialGovernment of Bermuda — entry visas
- officialBermuda Tourism — arrival card
- officialUS Consulate General Bermuda — entry requirements
Ask about Bermuda
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