Bermuda is a dreamy island off the coast of the USA. It is a popular tourist destination with its Caribbean ambience, relaxed lifestyle and island culture. Skilled expats settle here with their spouses and families and if you are one of the lucky ones to be moving to Bermuda we have a few important things you will need to know to help your transition.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
The International Women’s Club of Bermuda
IWC Bermuda has been host to women from all parts of the world since 1981. IWC Bermuda offers a wide range of activities to a diverse group of women (current membership includes more than 200 women), offering to all who participate something they can enjoy. For many, the IWC is a lifeline, helping make Bermuda a home away from home. It is a place to network, make friends and develop a comfortable support system.
Website: http://iwcbda.com/
Alliance Francaise des Bermudes
L’Alliance Française des Bermudes allows the French, French speakers and people interested in the French culture to meet through various events. The Alliance also promotes the French language and culture in Bermuda.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alliancefrancaise.bm
The American Society of Bermuda
Their objectives: Foster a spirit a friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding and interest among citizens of the United States and Bermudians; Promote and foster harmonious relations between United States citizens living in Bermuda and Bermudians; Provide aid and comfort to visiting citizens of the United States when aid is requested or necessary; Cooperate with the American Consulate in the dissemination of information on legislation or other matters of concern or interest to the membership.
Address: PO Box HM3339, Hamilton HMPX, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 291 3543
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asb.memberlodge.com
Caledonia Society of Bermuda
The Caledonian Society of Bermuda (Registered Charity #896) was formed on November 29, 1936 to share and promote the rich traditions and culture of Scotland within Bermuda. they are famous for hosting some of the liveliest events on the island’s social calendar, including our annual St. Andrew's Day Ball, Hogmanay Ball, Burns Supper and more recently, the Annual Bermuda Highland Games.
Address: P.O. Box HM 764, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/CaledonianSocietyofBermuda
Website: www.caledoniansocietyofbermuda.com
Association of Canadians in Bermuda
Their board and membership work together to bring Canadians out and mingle, and to serve as a bridge between our two great countries.
FB: www.facebook.com/CanadiansInBermuda
Website: canadians.bm
Charlar Spanish Club of Bermuda
Charlar is a social group for anyone who is passionate about Spanish language and culture. The founders – Jenn and Suzanne - are aiming to bring together people across Bermuda who enjoy speaking Spanish (fluently or slowly) on a regular basis.
Email: [email protected]
Website: charlarbermuda.wordpress.com
Jamaican Association Bermuda
After being around for over 30 years, the JAB became a Bermuda Registered Charitable Organisation in 2002 (Charity No. 611). Their members meet at the the DR E F Gordon Hall at the BIU Building, (Union Stree) on the last Tuesday of each month.
Address: Hamilton, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 533 1630, +1 441 704 1045
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/jamaicabda
Website: jamaicabda.org
International Schools
Bermuda High School
Authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme since January 2000, the programme is taught in English. The school is open to male and female students. Students at this school usually take IB exams in May.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: 19, Richmond Road, Pembroke Parish, Bermuda, HM 08
Tel: +1 441 278 3016
Website: www.ibo.org/school/001186
Bermuda High School for Girls
The Bermuda High School offers an education which promotes intellectual inquiry; values creative and critical thinking; encourages communication and collaboration; enables every student to identify, value, and build on his or her personal strengths; cultivates each individual's leadership potential; and develops skilled, confident, compassionate young people who take responsibility for their own lives and enrich the lives of others. They are an all-girls school from Year One to Year Eleven, and co-educational for our IB Diploma Programme (the rigorous two-year academic International Baccalaureate Programme).
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: 19 Richmond Road, Pembroke HM08
Tel: +1 441 295 6153
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bhs.bm
Bermuda Institute of Seventh Day Adventists
The Bermuda Institute is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide a spiritually oriented education for children. A belief in the existence of the Creator God is fundamental in the philosophy of Seventh-day Adventist schools. We respect His divine authority and recognize His intervention in human affairs.
Curriculum:
Address: 234 Middle Road, Southampton SN BX, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 238 1566
Email: [email protected]
Website: bermudainstitute.com
Mountain Saint Agnes Academy Bermuda
Mount Saint Agnes Academy, founded by the Sisters of Charity, has been providing excellence in private Catholic education in Bermuda since 1890 for Kindergarten to Grade 12. MSA offers an internationally recognized curriculum for our students, enhanced by their experience of the lived values of the Catholic faith and culture.
Curriculum: Alberta Canada Provincial Curriculum
Address: 19 Dundonald Street West, Hamilton, HM09, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 292 4134
Fax: +1 441 295 7265
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.msa.bm
Saltus Grammar School
Saltus Grammar School is a high achieving co-educational, independent day school educating students between the ages of 4 and 18. It is the premier independent school in Bermuda and enjoys an excellent reputation in the international community. The school is located in the capital of Bermuda, Hamilton. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in North America and is an accredited member of CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).
Curriculum: American
Address: 108 St. John's Road. Pembroke HM 09, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 292 6177
Fax: +1 441 295 4977
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.saltus.bm
Somersfield Academy
Somersfield is fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) and is the only school in Bermuda to hold such dual accredited status. The school is a member of the International Montessori Council and the American Montessori Society.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: 107 Middle Road, Devonshire DV 06
Tel: +1 441 236 9797
Fax: +1 441 236 9789
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.somersfield.bm
Local News in English
The Royal Gazette
Founded in 1828, The Royal Gazette is Bermuda's only daily newspaper, publishing every day except Sunday and public holidays. With daily print readership of more than 30,000 and more than 20,000 daily website users, The Royal Gazette has the deepest and broadest reach of any Bermuda news organisation. The Royal Gazette aims to cover the whole community fairly and accurately and to be an independent voice. It is not affiliated with any political party but is a member of the Media Council of Bermuda.
Website: www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
Country Information
Location: America
Capital City: Hamilton
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Bermuda dollar ( BMD )
Language: English
Calling Code: +1-441
Internet TLD: .bm
Electricity: The country runs on 110V 60Hz. Due to the hurricanes and stormy weather, power outages are common in Bermuda, as well as power surges. Expats are advised to bring surge protectors and unplug devices not in use. In case of outages, back-up generators are available.
Electricity is solely supplied by Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO).
Address: 27 Serpentine Road, Hamilton HM 07, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 295 5111
24 Hour Service Call: +1 441 295 5111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.belco.bm
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 911
Fire: 911
Police: 911
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/bermuda
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
With effect at March 1, 2014, Bermuda entry visas and visa waivers will no longer be required for tourist and business visitors and work permit holders. To be landed in Bermuda, the following requirements must be met:
- All travellers who require a multi re-entry visa (MRV) must present this visa-type upon arrival in Bermuda;
- The MRV for the UK, US or Canada must be valid for 45 days after the expiration of a visitor stay and/or of the work permit; and
- All travelers must possess a passport that is valid for 45 days past the expiration of travel and/or of the work permit (Note: US Passport Cards are not permitted for use for travel to Bermuda by air)
Persons whose MRV and passport validity is less than 45 days will not be landed. For clarity, the passport rule (45 days validity) only applies to travelers who require an MRV. For persons arriving to take up residence in Bermuda as the spouse or dependent of a Bermudian and who require an MRV, the requirement to possess an MRV with validity of 45 days will be deemed null and void since the period of stay in Bermuda is considered more permanent
For further information on visas please visit Bermuda Ministry of Home Affairs>>
Accommodation
There are condo and apartment style accommodations available in Bermuda. These are usually sourced from real estate agents and the classifieds. Properties are sold at high prices, so expats don’t normally purchase. Most expats take to Hamilton during the night for drinks and socializing.
Driving License
Non-residents in Bermuda are not permitted by law to rent or drive four-wheeled vehicles; expats must make use of the local transportation like taxis and buses. However, there are no restrictions or regulations in renting and driving scooters.
Healthcare
Medical expenses are quite high in the country. Bermuda does not have a reciprocal health insurance arrangements with other countries so a foreign insurance will not be accepted. If you are an employed expat, your employer could make insurance arrangements for you and your family.
Please visit this site for more information about medical coverage: www.bermuda-online.org/healthcare.htm
Bermuda Health Insurance Act 1970: www.bhec.bm/health-insurance-act-1970/health-insurance-act-1970/
Insurance Company
BF&M Insurance Group
BF&M is comprised of several companies with a heritage dating back over 100 years. They sell various life, property and casualty insurance products as well as offer pension administrative services.
Address: BF&M Insurance Building, 112 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08
Tel: +1 441 295 5566
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bfm.bm
Hospital
Bermuda Hospitals Board
Bermuda has many reasons to be proud of the healthcare options available to us within theisland. King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH), Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) and the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre offer comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services in response to Bermuda’s full spectrum of medical and mental health needs.
Address:
King Edward VIII Memorial Hospital: 7 Point Finger Road, Paget DV04, Bermuda
Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute: 44 Devon Springs Road, Devonshire FL01, Bermuda
Tel (King Edward VIII): +1 441 236 2345
Tel (Mid-Atlantic): +1 441 236 3770
Website: www.bermudahospitals.bm
The Hamilton Medical Center
A Walk-in clinic for Medical Blood Tests and for TCD Physicals. No Appointments Required
Address: 9 Victoria St. Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda
Tel: +1 400 8378
Fax: +1 495 9935
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hamiltonmedicalcenter.bm
Hamilton Health Center
Address: 67 Victoria Street, Hamilton, Bermuda
Tel: +1 441 236 0224
Fax: +1 441 292 7627
For more information about healthcare in Bermuda please visit the Department of Health>>
