picture perfect weddings

picture perfect weddings
Paradise is closer than you think: Non-stop
flights less than Two Hours Away from the East
Coast of the U.S. and Under 7 Hours from London, U.K.
Above: Courtesy Bruce Leseur
I
magine saying ‘I do’
on a cliff overlooking
the ocean with the sound of the surf caressing the shore. Or, how
about exchanging your vows on a stretch of pink sand as the sunlight glints off the water behind you? Bermuda is consistently voted
among the world’s leading wedding destinations and it’s easy to see
why. Each year hundreds of brides and grooms are attracted by the
island’s beautiful beaches, exotic gardens and historic buildings. More
than half of the weddings that take place each year involve couples
from overseas who want to tie the knot in this island paradise.
One of the best things about getting married in Bermuda is that it’s
relatively easy for visitors. The rules governing marriage in Bermuda are
straightforward and there is no residency requirement. In order to obtain
a marriage licence, a couple must file a Notice of Intended Marriage form,
along with the required fee, with the Registrar General. The Registrar’s
office then arranges for the notice to be published in two local newspa-
pers. If there is no objection, the Registrar will issue the marriage licence
on the 15th day after application, which is valid for three months. Once
you have obtained your licence, the fun really begins as preparations
get underway for your big day. With so many beautiful venues for your
wedding ceremony and reception the only problem you’ll experience
is choosing just one!
If the thought of planning your big day is overwhelming, why not contact one of the Island’s professional wedding planners? From applying
for the marriage licence to arranging a photographer, they will take
the hassle out of the organisation, leaving you to relax and enjoy your
wedding in paradise.
Civil wedding ceremonies are held in the Marriage Room of the Registry – an intimate room where an ocean view mural and vases of tropical
flowers create the impression of being outdoors. For those who precontinues on page 4
2
1.800.bermuda
wedding & honeymoon
local wedding consultants
Start your marriage off on the right foot by
planning early and well. Our professional con-
THE BRIDAL SUITE
A family business dedicated to providing superb professional
service, The Bridal Suite has been a premier wedding planner
since 1989.
romantic
traditions
sultants will work with you to ensure everything
is perfect, from arranging flowers to hiring a
horse and carriage.
Carmen & Allister Simmons,
Managing Partners
The Bridal Suite
Bermuda Head Office
P.O. Box HM 3180
Hamilton HM NX
Tel (441) 292 2025 | Fax (441) 296 2070
Toll-free (1 888) 253 5585
info@bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com
www.bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com
Canada Sales:
720 Longworth Avenue, Suite 100
Bowmanville,Ontario L1C 0C7
Courtesy Bruce Leseur
Bermuda Bride has just been honoured by Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Magazine on their “A” list of Top 25
Destination Wedding Planners. In their tenth year of business,
Bermuda Bride specializes in planning, coordinating and designing every aspect of your destination wedding. Their emphasis is on simple yet elegant occasions.
Nikki J. Begg, Managing Director
Bermuda Bride
3 Park Road, Suite One
City of Hamilton, HM09
Couples who kiss under our moongates—
the wedding-band shaped arches found in
gardens all over the island—will, according
to local legend, be assured a long and happy
life together.
Tel | Fax (905) 623 3800
North America Toll-free (1 888) 253 5585
info@bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com
www.bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com
cedar sapling
To Have And To Hold Wedding
& Event Planning
Bermuda Bride
moongate
Our wedding services will be tailored to suit you and your
fiancé’s needs. You will receive the highest level of professionalism and commitment and you will enjoy the process
and have loads of fun. Your wedding will be sophisticated,
embody your vision, essence and be rich with details. We will
surpass all of your expectations!
Yolanda Furbert, President & CEO
Creative Director & Principal Consultant
P.O. Box WK 537
Warwick WK BX
Tel (441) 236 7473 | Fax (441) 236 5537
cell (441) 505 8485
info@tohaveandtoholdbermuda.com
www.tohaveandtoholdbermuda.com
Traditionally, Bermudians serve two cakes at
their weddings, one for the bride and one for
the groom. Both cakes are adorned with tiny
cedar saplings that the couple may plant somewhere special on the island to embody their
growing love.
horse&carriage
Travelling from your wedding ceremony to the
reception in a romantic horse-drawn carriage is
a time-honoured island tradition.
Tel (441) 295 8697 | Fax (441) 292 8079
nikki@bermudabride.com | www.bermudabride.com
Bermuda travel
Destination Wedding & Travel consulting, specialising in
Bermuda destination wedding guidance and destination wedding and honeymoon travel planning for 8+ years. Enjoy expert
assistance, traveller’s discounts, VIP service for you and your
guests and impeccable planning from a team of experts. Benefit from brilliant relationships enjoyed with hotels, airlines and
service providers.
Linda Mitchell
Bermuda Travel
35 Pine Street
Melrose, MA 02176 U.S.A.
Tel (781) 662 1953 | Fax (866) 550 7684
info@bermudatravel.bm | www.bermudatravel.bm
www.bermudatourism.com
3
wedding & honeymoon
fer to take advantage of Bermuda’s glorious
The distinctive Bermudian moongates are
climate, the Island’s laws also allows weddings
seen throughout the Island and play a key
in public places. These include beaches, parks,
role in marriages. The moongate originat-
the grounds of an historic house or one of
ed in China but the design was brought to
Bermuda’s many hotels.
Bermuda by a sea captain in the 1860s. It was
open air
scenic venues
Astwood Cove
This beach front park on the
South Shore offers a range
of options – a rocky cliff, a
stretch of green grass or a
stone stairway down to the
sandy beach
quickly adopted by other Bermudians and has
Bermuda boasts more churches per square mile
become a symbol of the Island. According to
than any other country so there are plenty of
tradition, couples make a wish as they walk
religious venues to choose from, some of which
hand-in-hand through the moongate and are
are hundreds of years old. The clergy of several
granted happiness and good fortune during
faiths including Anglican, Methodist, Presbyte-
their marriage. Of course, moongates also pro-
rian and A.M.E. are happy to perform outdoor
vide a stunning backdrop for photographs.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Our world-famous beach
make an ideal setting
for your nuptials with its
long expanse of glittering
pink sand
wedding ceremonies but all Catholic marriages
must take place in a church. However, Catholics
With dozens of restaurants and hotels, Bermu-
who do not normally reside in Bermuda cannot
da offers a plethora of reception venues. Many
be married in a Catholic church except under
of the Island’s hotels specialise in weddings and
exceptional circumstances such as those who
offer packages that include both the reception
have family ties on the Island or have lived
and honeymoon accommodation. If you’re
there previously.
looking for something out of the ordinary, why
Gibbs’ Hill Lighthouse
With its dramatic views
and glorious scenery, the
lighthouse makes for a truly
unique location
not hold your reception in the grounds of one
To make your day even more memor­able, why
of the Island’s historic buildings such as “Water-
not adopt one of Bermuda’s wedding tradi-
ville”, Verdmont or the Commissioner’s House
tions, which have been followed by brides
at the Bermuda Maritime Museum? Whether
and grooms on the Island for decades. With
you have 20 guests or 200, you are sure to find the
no car hire on the Island, brides and grooms
perfect location.
often follow the example of local couples who
Planning
Your Bermuda Wedding
If the thought of planning your big day is
overwhelming, why not contact one of the
Island’s professional wedding planners? From
applying for the marriage licence to arrang-
travel to and from their wedding by horse-
Once the formalities are over you can relax
drawn carriage. A traditional Bermuda surrey
and enjoy your honeymoon. You may even
with a uniformed driver at the reins will ensure
wish to slip away to the beach straight after the
that the bride arrives in style and also provides
ceremony. Some couples choose to be pam-
a perfect photo opportunity.
pered at one of the Island’s hotels while others
ing a photographer, consultants will take the
hassle out of the organisation, leaving you
to relax and enjoy your wedding in paradise.
Be sure to call them well in advance of your
wedding date to avoid disappointment.
opt to get away from it all at a traditional
It is also traditional for both bride and groom
cottage colony.
have their own wedding cake. The groom’s is a
When it comes to your wedding and honey-
symbolize wealth. The bride’s cake is usually a
moon, whatever your choice, you can be sure
tiered fruitcake, representing fertility. It is dec-
of a warm welcome in Bermuda and wonderful
orated with silver leaf representing purity and a
memories that will last a lifetime.
Visit your travel professional, or visit our
website at www.bermudatourism.com.
From the UK and Europe
Call your travel professional or Bermuda
ered the Island until they were decimated by
When to marry
disease in the 20th century. Newlyweds can do
With no rainy season to speak of and tempera-
their part to help re-grow the cedar population
tures averaging 80°F / 29°C from April to Octo-
For more information on marrying in Bermuda,
by planting the tree from the cake after the re-
ber and 70°F / 21°C from November to March,
please visit www.bermudatourism.com/wed-
ception. Tradition dictates that the sapling is
it is always a brilliant time of year to wed on
dings/index.aspx
planted in a secret location and, according to
our Island.
local legend, the marriage will flourish as the
tree grows.
4
North America
plain pound cake decorated with gold leaf to
miniature cedar sapling. Cedar trees once cov-
how to book a bermuda vacation From
1.800.bermuda
Department of Tourism at (0) 800 883 0857.
TRAVEL TIPS
getting around the island
licence is not required. Cycle liveries abound, offering single-seat or
Getting around Bermuda is easy and fun, with a range of choices
available. Buses, mini-buses, ferries and taxis are in service year-round
and cover the Island. Visitors can rent motor-scooters or bicycles (which
some of us still call pedal bikes or pushbikes) and even a horse and
carriage, if the mood so takes them. Maps and timetables of the bus and
ferry routes are widely available; don’t go out without one!
two-seater vehicles. The daily rental fee includes insurance, a helmet
(which all riders must wear, securely fastened, for safety’s sake), a lock, a
full tank of gas and even a map of the Island.
Details on all these modes of transportation are available at your guest
house or hotel, or at the Visitor’s Information Centre located in the City
of Hamilton, Town of St. George and the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Walking is the best way to gain a real sense of what Bermuda and its
people are like. You can go at your own pace and stop wherever you
We drive on the left and we drive slowly. There’s a 20 mph (35 kph)
please, discovering the Island as you go.
speed limit everywhere, less in the city and towns.
Our pink and blue buses are plentiful and frequent; they cover the Island.
A tip, if you’re driving a rental cycle: don’t look back. Our drivers are
Bus stops and shelters are marked at the side of the road by pink poles
(for journeys into Hamilton) or blue poles (for outward journeys). Buses
used to motor-scooters and can tell from the red licence plate when
a visitor is driving. They’ll take extra care. At roundabouts (which you
operate on 11 routes, through 14 zones.
might call traffic circles), priority is given to the person on your right.
You can pay as you board, in which case the exact cash fare is required.
transPortation to Bermuda
Tickets and tokens are available, as are Transportation Passes, which
Byair: For information on baggage allowance and carry-ons, please check
offer reduced fares and can be bought for one, two, three, four or seven
with your travel professional or directly with the airline you will travel on as
consecutive days of unlimited travel on all buses and ferries.
these specifics can vary from airline to airline.
Mini-buses go where the passengers want them to, but they don’t pick
up passengers at the airport.
From usa
• AMERICAN AIRLINES – non-stop from New York (JFK) and Miami.
• CONTINENTAL AIRLINES – non-stop from New Jersey (Newark).
Our three ferry routes provide an enchanting way of seeing Bermuda
before deciding which parts of the Island to explore. Ferries that
wend their way around the Island chug to and from the Ferry Terminal
in the heart of the City of Hamilton. You’ll need a ticket, a token or a
Transportation Pass, since cash is not accepted.
• JETBLUE – non-stop from New York (JFK); from Boston seasonal.
• US AIRWAYS – non-stop from Philadelphia; Washington D.C. and
Charlotte, North Carolina seasonal.
From canada
Four- or six-seater taxis can be hired all over the Island, 24 hours a day.
They’re easiest to find outside the larger hotels or elsewhere in Hamilton
or St. George’s. All our taxis are metered by law. They can be hired
for a specific journey or as tour vehicles. Our taxi drivers are one of
Bermuda’s most precious assets. They know everything about the Island,
old
• DELTA AIR LINES – non-stop from Boston and Atlanta.
and
new.
knowledgeably
They’ll
answer
• AIR CANADA – non-stop from Toronto (from Halifax Saturdays only Feb.
to Sept.) with connecting services throughout Canada, US and Europe.
• WESTJET – non-stop from Toronto (May to Oct.)
From uk
• BRITISH AIRWAYS – non-stop from London (Gatwick).
Bysea: Free baggage allowance for normal personal luggage.
any question you ask
From usa – weekly services:
them, on any subject.
• CELEBRITY CRUISE LINE
Summit from Tortola continues to Cape Liberty (Apr. – Sept..),
Drive-yourself rental cars
• HOLLAND AMERICAN LINE
Veendam from New York (Apr. – Oct..),
are not available. Visitors
over the age of 16 may
rent
motor-scooters,
or mopeds. A driver’s
• NorwegiaN Cruise liNe
Norwegian Dawn from New York (Apr. – Sept.),
Norwegian Spirit from Boston (Apr. –Sept.),
• PRINCESS CRUISES
Caribbean Princess from San Juan P.R. continues to
New York (May – Oct.).
• ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Explorer of the Seas from Cape Liberty, New Jersey
(Apr. – Oct.),
Enchantment of the Seas from Norfolk (May – Nov.);
Note:Yourtravelprofessionalcanobtainallthedetailsonairandsea
schedules from the original port of departure, connecting points
and fare structures, and can make all your travel arrangements.
In addition, you are welcome to call 1.800.bermuda or visit
www.bermudatourism.com.
travel documents
a returN or oNward tiCKet, or other proof of
onward transportation to a country to which
the passenger has right of entry, is required of
all visitors.
proof of CitiZeNship aNd ideNtifiCatioN.
All travellers must carry with them proof of
citizenship
and
personal
identification
• Parents of adopted children should be particularly careful
that they carry with them the proper documents for their
adopted children, especially if the children are of a different nationality. Parents in the process of adopting children are advised
not to leave their country with the children until all the legalities
and paperwork have been finalised.
• Children entering Bermuda for the purpose of adoption
must be in possession of documents from the Bermuda
Department of Immigration confirming they have been cleared
for entry into Bermuda.
Note:
Foreign citizens not in possession of a Passport may be
refused entry into Bermuda.
Driver’s licence is not acceptable as proof of
citizenship.
Neither Bermuda nor US Immigration authorities
accept a notarised copy of a birth certificate, or similar
non-government document as proof of citizenship.
Married women whose identification documents are
in their maiden name but who are travelling under
their married name should also carry their marriage
certificate or certified copy as further proof of identity.
(including government issued photo ID) relevant
to a return to their own country or for re-entry
leNgth of stay: Most bona fide visitors
through another foreign country, as required by
with a confirmed return ticket and place
Bermuda Immigration authorities. This applies
of accommodation will have no difficulties
to adults and children travelling alone or with
with Bermuda Immigration Control. There
their parents – see Requirements for Children
is a special Secondary Immigration Control
for additional notes on children travelling with
section at the airport to deal with any arriving
an adult other than a parent and/or in the
passengers who are in unusual circumstances.
process of adoption.
Bermuda Immigration authorities may restrict
the length of stay, for example, passengers
Visitors from usa, including infants and chil-
arriving with an open return ticket will have a
dren, must present a valid, machine-readable
time limit imposed upon them.
US Passport.
An application to extend length of stay
Visitors from CaNada. It is preferable that
must be made in person either at Secondary
visitors from Canada present a valid machine-
Immigration Control on arrival, or with an Immi-
readable Canadian Passport.
gration Inspector at Immigration Headquarters
• However, Canadians born in Canada and not in possession
of a valid passport may continue to present a Birth Certificate or
certified copy, together with photo ID.
in the City of Hamilton between 9:00 a.m. and
• Citizens born outside of Canada and landed immigrants
must be in possession of a valid machine readable passport.
Visitors from uK aNd westerN europe must
present a valid, machine-readable Passport of
noon on any working day – no appointment
required.
Passengers who arrive with only a one-way
ticket into Bermuda will not be admitted unless
prior Bermuda Immigration authorisation has
been given.
their country.
reQuiremeNts for ChildreN:
(see also Proof of Citizenship and Identification, above)
• Children travelling with an adult other than a parent must
be in possession of the travel documents specified above along
with a letter from a parent authorising the adult to accompany
the child for the trip.
People wishing to enter Bermuda for the
purpose of residence, employment or for an
indefinite period, will not be permitted to
land unless they have prior authorisation from
Bermuda Immigration authorities to do so.
Visas Nationals of the following countries require visas:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,
Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China
(Peoples’ Republic of)*, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, FYROM
(former Yugoslav Rep. of Macedonia), Georgia, Ghana, Haiti,
Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Dem. Peoples’
Rep.), Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova
(Rep. of), Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar,
Romania, Russian Federation, Saudia Arabia, Serbia and
Montenegro, Somalia, Soviet Union (former), Sri Lanka, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates
(Abu’ Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah,
Umm al Qaiwain), Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.
* Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports or British National
(Overseas) Passports do not require visas for Bermuda.
Note: An exception will be made for a visitor who has a valid
passport and proof of a right to reside in the United States,
Canada or the United Kingdom. For an American resident, that
means a Permanent Resident Card is required. A Canadian
resident must have their Permanent Resident Card. A United
Kingdom resident must be able to show that no limit has been
placed on his or her stay in the United Kingdom. Those who
require visas to enter other countries on departure from
Bermuda must have those visas prior to arrival in Bermuda.
Visas to enter Bermuda may be obtained from the Visa
Section of a British Embassy, British High Commission, British
Consulate or other British Foreign Service establishment
abroad. For more information visit www.immigration.gov.
bm.
Passenger taX
All persons, visitors and residents alike, are
taxable under the Miscellaneous Taxes Act,
1976 (visit www.taxbermuda.gov.bm).
air passeNgers $35 – included with the airfare
and collected in advance. Those in direct transit
and children under 2 years exempt.
Cruise ship passeNgers Between April 1 and
October 30, $20 per passenger for each period
of 24 hours or any part thereof that the ship
remains in Bermuda from the time when it
docks at its initial port of entry to the time when
it departs from its last port of call in Bermuda,
up to a maximum of $60.
passeNger CabiN taX (applicable only to ships
docking in the R.N. Dockyard port, i.e. King’s
Wharf and Heritage Wharf.) - $14 per passenger
per night from May 1 to August 31; $10 per night
per passenger from September 1 to October 31.
Passenger Taxes collected in advance by
the cruise ship company. Children under 2
years exempt.
-storms brush by and only bring high winds and
percentage or set amount per person per day
some surf.
in lieu of tips to the accommodation bill.
North Carolina. The Gulf Stream which flows
general inFormation
h.m. customs, Bermuda
between Bermuda and the North American
baby sitters Enquire in advance from the
Visitors entering Bermuda may bring in for
continent provides the Island with two seasons,
management of your visitor accommodation
their personal use and consumption:
Spring and Summer, neither being too hot or
for sitters and special services.
climate in Bermuda
Bermuda is a sub-tropical island about 650
miles (1046 kilometres) east of Cape Hatteras,
duty free:
too cold.
personal clothing and effects
beaChes Between May 5 and October 31,
including sports equipment, cameras, golf
Bermuda has no rainy season as such and there
lifeguards are stationed at Horseshoe Bay; May
bags, etc., also, 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, .5
is no normal month of excess rain. Showers
24 to Labour Day lifeguards are stationed at
kgs tobacco, 1 litre liquor, 1 litre wine, and a $30
may be heavy at times but the skies usually
John Smith’s Bay, Clearwater Beach and Turtle
gift allowance.
clear quickly. The weather does not often
Bay, daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. All other public
interfere with the enjoyment of outdoor sports
beaches unattended. There are no nude or
dutiable items: up to 20 lbs. of meat and other
and recreation. Summer temperatures prevail
semi-nude beaches in Bermuda.
foodstuffs brought in as passenger baggage
are dutiable at the rate of 25% of the value.
from May to mid-November, with the warmest
weather in July, August and September.
CommuNiCatioNs Bermuda provides state-of-
the-art telephone, facsimile, internet, wireless
All plants, fruits and vegetables will be held for
The thermometer rarely rises above 85˚ F
and wireless roaming services. Check with
your cellular provider to see if your wireless
inspection by the Department of Environmental
(29.5˚ C) – perfect for swimming and all water
sports. The monthly average relative humidity
phone will work in Bermuda. Direct dialling
ranges between 70% and 85%. There is nearly
is possible to and from the Island. Worldwide
always a cool breeze at night and all accommo-
and international prepaid calling cards can be
dations have air-conditioners or ceiling fans.
purchased locally. To call Bermuda, dial: 1 - 441
the port of origin. There is no quarantine facility
and the phone number.
in Bermuda.
from mid-December to late March, with average
daylight saViNgs time (dst) is from the second
Do not import plants, fruits, vegetables or
high temperatures near 68˚ F (20˚ C). Very often
Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November
animals without an import permit from the
the months of December and January provide
(in effect since 2007).
Department of Environmental Protection.
eleCtriCity 110 volts, 60 cycles AC.
• Bermuda’s fisheries laws prohibit the importation of all live
marine animals by private individuals – they will be seized on
arrival by Bermuda Customs.
Spring-like temperatures give us cooler weather
ideal conditions for scuba diving and golf.
Changes of season: mid-November through
December, and late March through April;
either Spring or Summer weather may occur
hay feVer Bermuda’s climate is relatively
and visitors should be prepared for both. The
favourable to hay fever sufferers. Ragweed is
threat of hurricanes cannot be discounted,
non-existent and pollens of other weeds are
but since Bermuda is a small target most
quickly blown out to sea.
Hotel Check-in Time is generally 3 p.m.
oCCupaNCy
taX
ed. Animals (pets) arriving without proper documentation will be refused entry and returned to
• Only prepared fresh, frozen or cooked fish or shellfish can
be brought into the Island providing the packaging is free of
algae or seaweed.
Clearance of merchandise and sales materials
hotel CheCK-out time is generally 12 noon.
hotel
Protection as their importation is strictly regulat-
All
room
for use by conventions must be arranged
in advance with the Bermuda Department
of
rates,
regardless of meal plan chosen, will be subject
to 7.25% Bermuda Government Tax, to be paid
in Bermuda on check-out from your hotel.
legal driNKiNg age for consuming alcoholic
beverages in Bermuda is 18 years. Standard
Time in Bermuda is Greenwich Mean Time minus
four hours.
tippiNg In cases where the gratuity is not
Weather Observations
included in the bill, 15%-17% is the generally
Average conditions. Source: Bermuda Weather Service.
For climatological information visit www.weather.bm.
accepted amount for most services. A large
number of the hotels and guest houses add a
Tourism.
For
more
information
visit
www.customs.gov.bm.
If you are carrying cash in the form of coins, bank
notes or negotiable instruments with a value
greater than 10,000 Bermuda dollars or the
equivalent amount in foreign currency you must
declare it on your customs declaration. Failure
to properly declare monetary instruments in
excess of $10,000 may result in forfeiture.
misuse of drugs aCt Importation of, possession
of, or dealing with unlawful drugs (including
marijuana) is an offence. Anyone contravening
currency in Bermuda
this Act may be imprisoned or fined heavily,
areas of hotels) beach wear must be covered.
or both. The Government of Bermuda is very
Bare feet are not acceptable anywhere in
concerned about the scourge of drugs and
public. Casual sportswear is acceptable in
the negative impact it can have on its com-
restaurants at lunch time but some restaurants
munity. The laws in Bermuda pertaining to the
and nightclubs in and out of hotels may
importation of drugs are designed to protect
request gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie
not
the local people as well as the visitor. We urge
in the evenings. It is best to check on dress
accePted, eXcePt at local Banks where
visitors not to try to import into these islands
requirements
they can Be eXchanged at rates that are
any drugs, or any unaccustomed goods for
as most places do have casual evenings
set daily.
that matter, as such action could cause embar-
periodically.
legal tender is the Bermuda dollar, which
trades eQuivalent to the us dollar. us
currency is accePted at shoPs, restaurants and hotels at eQual (Face) value.
other
Foreign
currencies
are
when
making
reservations
rassment at the Bermuda airport or seaports
cash (us)
and ruin what should be the start of a very
warmer moNths May
Accepted island-wide.
enjoyable holiday. The penalties for smuggling
Summer-weight sports clothes, swim suits, a
are severe.
raincoat or lightweight wind breaker. Evenings
cheQue cashing
US cheques may be cashed at some
hotels or local banks by arrangement.
The Bermuda Financial Network will cash
US$ cheques for a $10.00 + 5% fee at its
Note: Under the Revenue Act Customs Officers may, if they have
reasonable cause to suspect the importation of drugs, conduct
personal body searches for drugs and other uncustomed
goods. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act every medically
prescribed drug or medication must be voluntarily declared to
a Customs Officer.
Hamilton, Somerset and St. George’s
locations, tel (441) 292-1799.
credit cards
MasterCard, VISA and American Express
firearms aCt The importation of any firearm,
part of a firearm or ammunition into Bermuda
is forbidden, except under the authority of
a licence granted by the Commissioner of
are accepted at virtually every store,
Police. Such a permit will not ordinarily be
restaurant and hotel and VISA and
granted except to visiting rifle club members
MasterCard cards may be used for cash
attending a sports meeting. Spear guns and
advances at all local bank branches. In
a variety of weapons are treated as firearms,
addition, the Bank of Bermuda and the
Butterfield Bank provide ATMs located
island-wide for MasterCard, VISA, Cirrus
and Plus cash advances, most of which are
but antique weapons manufactured over 100
years ago can be imported if the importer can
show they are antique. For yachtsmen, under
the terms of this Act, a verey pistol or signal
gun are classed as firearms.
American Express should be directed to
It is a serious criminal offence to import fire-
the Bermuda Financial Network, tel (441)
arms or ammunition into Bermuda without a
292-1799.
licence, and anyone seeking to do so may be
imprisoned or fined.
travellers cheQues (us)
western union
Money transfer services available from
clothing in Bermuda
The
atmosphere
in
Bermuda
visitor
accommodations, and indeed of Bermuda
itself, is one of British reserve and dignified
the Bermuda Financial Network, tel (441)
informality.
292-1799.
‘customs of dress’ which you will want to
locations:
133 Front Street in City of Hamilton;
7 King’s Square, Town of St. George;
66 Somerset Road, Sandys
Therefore,
– casual elegant cottons: ladies, light dressy
sweater or wrap and cocktail-type outfits;
gentlemen, a sports jacket and tie.
Cooler moNths December to late March.
Light woollens or fall-weight casuals, sweaters,
raincoat and warmer jacket, wind breaker or
coat, with swim suit for warmer days. Evenings
– casual elegant lightweight woollens; ladies,
dressier sweater or wrap and cocktail-type
outfits; gentlemen, a suit or sports jacket and
tie.
ChaNges of seasoN Mid-November through
December and late-March through April. Either
Spring or Summer weather may occur and a
combination of the two above suggestions
should be ideal.
formal dress Not necessary except for specific
available 24-hours a day. Enquiries about
Accepted island-wide.
to mid-November.
there
are
certain
know.
dress Code As a rule of thumb, dress
conservatively. Bathing suits, abbreviated tops
and short shorts are not acceptable except
at beaches and pools. There are no nude or
semi-nude beaches. In public (including public
personal needs. Tuxedos, morning suits, evening
tails may be rented, but accessories must be
purchased.
Bermuda Department of Tourism
Bermuda Department of Tourism
Global House, 43 Church Street
Hamilton HM 12
Bermuda
Tel: 441 292 0023
North America
Tel: 1 212 818 9800 or 1 800 223 6106
E-mail: travel@bermudatourism.com
Europe
Tel: (0) 800 883 0857 (UK)
E-mail: ukEurope@bermudatourism.com
For more information, additional brochures or to book a Bermuda vacation call or visit
1.800.bermuda (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST)
www.bermudatourism.com
Information contained in this brochure was compiled by the Bermuda Department of Tourism and was correct at the time of
production: January 2010. Please note that the information contained within is subject to change without notice. Please use other
resources such as contacting hotels directly, your local travel professional and visiting Bermudatourism.com to ensure you have
updated information.
Printed in the U.S.A This material is distributed by the Bermuda Department of Tourism on behalf of the Bermuda Government.
Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
Br-PDF/J04697/1.10/1026/Bda