GENERAL
Capital
Hamilton.
Geography
According to allcitycodes, Bermuda consists of a chain of 150 coral islets and islets and is located 1,240 km southeast of New York in the Atlantic. There are no rivers or streams, the islands rely solely on rainfall for their freshwater needs. The coast consists of many bays with pink sandy beaches, the sea is bright blue-green and in the interior there are magnificent subtropical plants.
Government
British colony with internal self-government, since 1968. Constitution of 1968. Bicameral parliament: Senate with 11 appointed representatives and House of Assembly with 36 elected representatives.
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II, since 1952, represented by Governor John Rankin, since December 2016.
Head of government
Michael Dunkley, since May 2014.
Electricity
120 V, 60 Hz. American flat plugs.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5 (CET -4 from March 12 to November 5, 2017)
MONEY
Currency
1 Bermuda dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: BD $, BMD (ISO code). Bills are in circulation in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 BD $; Coins with denominations of 1 BD $ as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The currency is tied to the US dollar, which is an equal means of payment.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard and VISA are accepted in almost all shops, restaurants and hotels. MasterCard and VISA can also be used in banks for cash withdrawals. In addition, money can be withdrawn around the clock in the Bank of Bermuda and Butterfield Bank across the island with the MasterCard, VISA card or cards with the Cirrus or Plus symbol at the ATMs. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Mon-Thu 9.30 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri 9.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. (variations are possible). A bank also opens on Sat 10 am-3pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of local currency and foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation for foreign currencies. The export of the local currency is limited to 250 BD $. The export of foreign currencies is possible up to the amount declared.
Currency Exchange
The US dollar is recognized as an equal means of payment in Bermuda. You can only change in official banks or exchange offices.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English, and a small part of the population speaks Portuguese.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be brought into Bermuda duty-free in hand luggage (people over 18 years of age):
200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 500 g tobacco;
1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine.
Gifts worth up to US $ 30 can be imported duty-free every 31 days, but must be reported to customs.
Note: No duty-free import of perfume and food.
Prohibited imports
Harpoons and drugs. Visitors should declare medication prescribed by their doctor upon entry; the regulations are strict and strictly followed. The import of samples, sales materials and other commercial goods for trade fairs and conferences must be cleared through the respective conference hotel before entering the country. A permit from the responsible police director is required to import firearms and ammunition. This is usually only granted to participants in shooting competitions. The importation of certain types of fruit and vegetables is prohibited.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
For business meetings, a light suit, shirt and tie are just as appropriate as Bermuda shorts. Appointments should be arranged in advance, business cards are exchanged. Occasionally, letters of recommendation are required.
Business hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Economy
Bermuda Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
1 Point Pleasant Road, Hamilton HM 11
Mailing address: PO Box HM 655, Hamilton HM CX
Phone: 295 42 01
Internet: www.bermudacommerce.com
Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA)
The Windsor Place, 1st Floor, 22 Queen Street, Hamilton HM 12
Tel: 292 06 32.
Internet: www.biba.org
Business contacts
Bermuda Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
1 Point Pleasant Road, Hamilton HM 11
Mailing address: PO Box HM 655, Hamilton HM CX
Phone: 295 42 01
Internet: www.bermudacommerce.com
Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA)
The Windsor Place, 1st Floor, 22 Queen Street, Hamilton HM 12
Tel: 292 06 32.
Internet: www.biba.org
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing.
Cellphone
GSM 1900. The main network providers are Telecom Bermuda (Internet: www.telecom.bm), Bermuda Telephone Company (Internet: www.btc.bm) and AT&T Wireless (Internet: www.attwireless.bm). There are also TDMA and AMPS (800 MHz) networks offered by CellularOne (Internet: www.cellularone.bm).
Internet
Providers include Logic Communications (Internet: www.logic.bm) and NorthRock Communications (Internet: www.northrock.bm). There are internet cafes in Hamilton and St. George.
Post Office
Almost all letters are sent by airmail, even if you paid for the overland route. Airmail to Europe takes 5-7 days. There is also an international express service (delivery within 48 hours). There are counters for poste restante items. The post offices open Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the main post office in Hamilton is also open on Sat 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Imported goods such as French perfumes, fine English china, Swiss watches, Danish silverware, German cameras, Scottish tweed clothing and numerous spirits and liqueurs are offered in the shops. Applied arts, ceramics, cedar wood articles, clothing (Bermuda shorts) and paintings are nice souvenirs. In the antique shops you can sometimes find cheap offers. The country shops sell numerous souvenirs. Bathing suits, sportswear and straw hats are all of high quality. There is no sales tax or VAT.
Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9 am-5pm (some shops close earlier on Thursdays).
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Some hotels have live shows, nightclubs or discos, or host barbecues and dance evenings. The musical performances are a mixture of calypso, Latin American music and steel bands.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
All hotels in Bermuda are of a high standard. The top hotels usually have shops, restaurants, taxi stands, beauty and wellness salons and a full entertainment program. Further information from the Bermuda Hotel Association, 61 King Street, Hamilton MH 19. (Tel: 295 21 27. Internet: http://www.experiencebermuda.com/).
Categories: Most hotels offer Modified American Plan (MAP): room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea, or Bermuda Plan (BP):Bed and breakfast. About 7% of the hotels are large and luxurious. Around 16% are smaller with fewer than 150 rooms. They are usually cheaper than self-catering, less formal than large hotels, and have little shopping and entertainment.
Camping
There are no campsites.
CULTURE
Religion
Anglican, Roman Catholic, and other Christian faiths.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Bermuda customs are very similar to British ones. It is also sometimes common to greet strangers on the street.
Clothing: Casual clothing is accepted, but swimwear should be worn on the beach. In many hotels and restaurants, jackets and ties are expected in the evening, you should inquire in advance.
Non-smoking areas are marked accordingly.
Tip: 15% is appropriate. In some hotels and restaurants, fixed amounts are added to the bill as a tip rate.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Subtropical with no rainy season and moderate temperatures. The Gulf Stream flows between Bermuda and the North American continent. The season changes between mid-November and mid-December and between late March and April. Rain showers are sometimes quite heavy, but rarely occur during the day. Summer lasts from May to mid-November. The hottest months are July, August and September.
Online weather information for Bermuda: www.weather.bm
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 441 Area (km2) 53 Population 70196 Population density (per km2) 1324 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911