Your vacations in Bermuda

Bermuda – officially, the Bermuda Islands or the Somers Isles – is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, it’s situated around 1,770 km northeast of Miami, Florida and 1,350 km south of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Although usually referred to in the singular, the territory consists of approximately 138 islands, with a total area of 53.3 km². The largest island, Main Island, is sometimes itself called Bermuda.

As a result of its low direct taxation on personal or corporate income, Bermuda is an offshore financial centre. The local tax system is based upon import duties, payroll taxes and consumption taxes. The country’s legal system is derived from that of the United Kingdom, with recourse to English courts of final appeal.

Official language

English; the other language is Portuguese.

Currency

Bermuda Dollar. The Bermudian dollar is not normally traded outside of Bermuda.

Electricity

110/120 volts, 60 cycles, the same as in Canada.

Shopping

You can find high end designer clothes in the shops and the prices are comparable to those found in Canada or the US, just minus the sales taxes – so, there aren’t any great bargains. However, best buys are on goods imported from Great Britain and Europe, such as china, crystal items, woolens and linens – particularly in the spring when the stores are clearing out their winter inventory.

Useful information

Tap water is safe to drink.

The climate in Bermuda.

The climate is humid and, as a result, the summertime heat index can be high, even though mid-August temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures in January and February around 20°C, although cold fronts, which dominate the local weather for most of the year, can bring Arctic air masses that can result in rapid temperature drops.

Official language

English; the other language is Portuguese.

Currency

Bermuda Dollar. The Bermudian dollar is not normally traded outside of Bermuda.

Electricity

110/120 volts, 60 cycles, the same as in Canada.

Shopping

You can find high end designer clothes in the shops and the prices are comparable to those found in Canada or the US, just minus the sales taxes – so, there aren’t any great bargains. However, best buys are on goods imported from Great Britain and Europe, such as china, crystal items, woolens and linens – particularly in the spring when the stores are clearing out their winter inventory.

Useful information

Tap water is safe to drink.