Social ConventionsMany of Bermuda’s social conventions are British influenced, and there is a very English ‘feel’ to the islands. It is quite customary to politely greet people on the street, even if they are strangers. Casual wear is acceptable in most places during the day, but beachwear (including short tops and ’short’ shorts) should be confined to the beach. Almost all hotels and restaurants require a smart casual dress in the evenings; check dress requirements in advance. Non-smoking areas will be marked. Drinking alcohol in public outside of a licensed
premise is prohibited.
International Travel:Getting There by AirBermuda has no national airline, but
British Airways (website:
www.britishairways.com) operates regular flights from London Gatwick.
American Airlines (website:
www.aa.com) flies from New York and Miami.
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsBermuda International (BDA) (website:
www.bermudaairport.com), is 15km (9 miles) from Hamilton (journey time – 30 minutes).
To/from the airport: Transfers are available with
Bee-Line Transportation and
Bermuda Hosts (coaches). Taxis are also available.
Facilities: Duty-free shops, lounges, cafes, bar, bank, ATM and bureaux de change. Duty-free goods may also be purchased in town shops for collection at the airport on departure.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: The traditional port is the
City of Hamilton, the capital, and the most commercial area on the island.
Many ships and private yachts anchor at the
Town of St George, where visitors can walk off the vessel into charming narrow lanes with 17th-century buildings and small boutiques.
The
West End, Bermuda’s third port of call, is becoming trendy; its Royal Naval Dockyard, which was the British Royal Navy’s headquarters until 1995, has been beautifully restored as a mini-village.
Several
cruise lines depart to Bermuda from US ports. Cruises operate in the summer months, between April and October, and suspend services during the winter.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Bermuda by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 500g of tobacco;
1l of spirits and 1l of wine.
Spear guns for fishing. Visitors may carry prescribed drugs on arrival provided for own personal use, prescribed by own doctor and in original pharmacy packaging, bearing the prescription label and containing supplies only sufficient for length of stay. Clearance of merchandise and sales materials for use at trade conventions must be arranged in advance with the hotel concerned. The importing of some types of fruit and vegetables is prohibited.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by WaterFerries depart from the ferry terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Cash is not accepted, only a transportation pass, ticket or token.
Ferries run on a regular daily schedule across Hamilton Harbour and to various stops at Sandys, Paget, Warwick and Southampton Parishes. In summer months they stop at the Royal Naval Dockyard before continuing on to the Town of St. George (website:
www.seaexpress.bm).
Getting Around by RoadThe main island has an extensive road network, but foreign visitors may not drive cars in Bermuda. Motorcycles and scooters may be hired (see below). Caution should be taken as many roads are narrow and winding. Outside main urban areas, there is also little street lighting. Traffic drives on the left.
Bus: Bermuda’s state-run buses (painted pink and blue) are frequent and punctual. It is essential to have the exact fare. A route and schedule map is available free, and books of tickets are available at hotels or bus terminals. Transportation Passes are available for one-, three- and seven-days' unlimited use on both buses and ferries.
Taxi: All taxis are metered with government-set rates, with a 25% surcharge between midnight and 0600, and all day Sunday and public holidays; there is a maximum of four passengers per taxi. Taxis displaying small blue flags are driven by qualified guides approved by the Bermuda Department of Tourism.
Carriages: Horse-drawn carriages are available in Hamilton for short rides.
Motorcycle/bicycle hire: Scooters (mopeds) can be hired throughout the island; a driver's license is not required for this. Crash helmets must be worn. Third party insurance is compulsory. 'Pedal bikes' (bicycles) can also be hired.
Regulations: The speed limit is 35kph (20mph).
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate travel times from
Hamilton (in hours and minutes) to other major towns and the airport on Bermuda.
| Road | Sea |
| Airport | 0.30 | - |
| Town of St George | 0.30 | - |
| Somerset | 0.35 | 0.20 |
| Naval Dockyard | 0.45 | 0.25 |
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