Hamilton Travel Information

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The Basics

Time: GMT -4 (GMT -3 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. US two-pin plugs and one with round grounding pin are used.

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, and travellers cheques are widely accepted and ATMs are extensively available. To avoid additional charges, it is best to carry travellers cheques in US dollars. Visitors are advised to exchange all their Bermudan Dollars before leaving, as it is impossible to exchange once outside the country.

Currency Exchange Rates

BMD 1.00 =

A$ 1.10

C$ 1.02

€ 0.74

NZ$ 1.44

£ 0.66

US$ 1.00

R 7.36

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: English is the official language.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is necessary for stays of up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to of six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals require a passport, or if the stay does not exceed six months a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate can be used. A visa is not required; immigration officials will decide on the length of visa exempt stay (up to six months) depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Australians: A passport is required for Australian nationals, but a visa is not required for stays of up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport for entry to Bermuda. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealanders require a passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays up to six months (immigration officers will decide on maximum period of stay depending on reason for travel).

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket and any documents required for further travel. 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.

Travel 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.

Tipping: If not included in the bill, a 15% tip is generally expected at restaurants and hotels. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10%. All Bermuda hotels add a hotel tax of 7.25% to the bill at check-out.

Safety Information: 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. The use of 'date rape' drugs is on the increase. 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.

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.

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. Internet cafes are widely available.

Duty free: Travellers to Bermuda over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 0.5kg tobacco; and 1 litre liquor and 1 litre wine. Duty may have to be paid on perfume and gifts. Spearguns are prohibited.