Moving to Bermuda

"Although Bermudians are committed to driving, bus service is excellent and one of the few real values to be had in Bermuda. I take a 15 minute ride to work each day and pay $45 a month for unlimited service on a bus that runs every 15 minutes. Also, there is only one car allowed per household. Not all apartments come with a registration number, which is necessary to own a car. Be aware that about 10 deaths occur each year to scooter riders -- roads are narrow and very treacharous. There are some rough areas in Bermuda and also, there is a lot local of resentment about expats in Bermuda. However, since there are about 15,000 expats working on an island of 65,000 people, there is plenty of interaction available. That said, what is called 'rough' in Bermuda would probably be a lower-middle-class environment in most places. Just two areas to be avoided at night," said one expat in Bermuda.

"Before moving to Bermuda, expats should be aware that the cost of living is high due to the island's import taxes. Additionally, Bermuda has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Expats should also be aware that English is the official language of Bermuda, although some locals may also speak Portuguese. Furthermore, Bermuda has a strong cultural heritage and a vibrant nightlife. Finally, expats should be aware that Bermuda has a high standard of healthcare and a well-developed public transportation system," said one expat who made the move to Bermuda.

"I took a tour with a couple of real estate rental agents. They are frank and give you a good idea of the neighborhood and its constraints/positives," said one expat who made the move to Bermuda.

"The best way to find a place to live in Bermuda is to start by researching online. There are a variety of websites that list rental properties in Bermuda, such as Bermuda Rentals, Bermuda Real Estate, and Bermuda Property Listings. Additionally, you can search for rental properties on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. You can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in Bermuda rentals. Finally, you can look for rental postings in local newspapers and magazines," explained one expat living in Bermuda.

"I rent a townhouse in a condo complex as do most expats. Prices in Bermuda (where there are limits on what type of housing expats may purchase and which also impose a hugely prohibitive tax on expat's house purchases!) are steep. For a 900 sq. foot, 2 bedroom apartment, I consider it a great deal at $3,000 a month. Electricity also runs at about $350 a month during summer, when you absolutely must run your air conditioning. Phone, cable and internet are also higher than you are probably used to. There are also a fair number of house-shares done by expats," said one expat in Bermuda.

"Expat homes and apartments in Bermuda are typically modern and spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many of the homes and apartments have balconies or terraces that offer stunning views of the ocean or the lush green hills of the island. Expat homes and apartments are often equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and cable television. Many of the homes and apartments also have access to a shared pool or other recreational facilities," said one expat who made the move to Bermuda.

"The cost of housing in Bermuda is generally quite high, with the average price for a single-family home ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. Renting is also expensive, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per month," commented one expat who made the move to Bermuda.

"Much, much higher than in Canada and, according to my American friends, also higher than most US places. However, we pay no income tax -- although there is a 5% payroll tax levied -- nor do we have sales tax. To purchase, the 'average' two-bedroom cottage sells for $950,000 and two-bedroom condo goes for $725,000. That's US $ and these are available only for purchase by Bermudians," remarked one expat in Bermuda, Bermuda.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Bermuda, it is important to consider your lifestyle and financial situation. If you plan to stay in Bermuda for a long period of time, buying a home may be the best option as it will provide you with a stable and secure place to live. On the other hand, if you are only planning to stay in Bermuda for a short period of time, renting a home may be the more cost-effective option. Additionally, if you are not sure how long you will be staying in Bermuda, renting a home may be the best option as it will give you the flexibility to move when you need to," remarked one expat in Bermuda.

"When moving to Bermuda, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and lifestyle. Bring comfortable, lightweight clothing that is suitable for the warm, humid climate. Pack a few items of warmer clothing for the cooler winter months. Bring a good pair of sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and beachwear for the many beautiful beaches. Bring any necessary medications and toiletries. It is also important to bring any important documents such as your passport, driver's license, and birth certificate. Finally, don't forget to bring your favorite books, music, and movies to help you feel at home," replied a member in Bermuda.

"Not a problem here -- can buy anything you need and contrary to most stories that have become 'Bermuda urban legends', artwork, books, etc. are safe from rot, mold, etc., as long as you keep your air con. on when the steamy weather occurs -- July through September. If you don't, be prepared for your clothes/shoes to rapidly grow mildew! You pay a steep duty of between 22.5% and 35% on goods that you bring in. There are lots of leaving island sales each weekend where you can pick up virtually anything you need from electronics to cars, boats, furniture. With the damage that was done to the goods I imported and the difficulties in getting appropriate replacements, I wish I had left most of my furniture in Canada," commented one expat who made the move to Bermuda.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Bermuda. It is considered rude to wear revealing clothing in public, so it is best to dress conservatively. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to avoid any activities that are illegal in Bermuda. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or insensitive. Finally, it is important to be mindful of the local environment and to avoid littering or damaging the natural environment," said one expat in Bermuda.

"Bermuda is a beautiful island with a unique culture and a vibrant expat community. The island offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expats. Bermuda is also known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and year-round warm climate. The island is also a great place to work, with a strong economy and a wide range of job opportunities. Additionally, Bermuda is a safe and secure place to live, with a low crime rate and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. All of these factors make Bermuda an attractive destination for expats looking for a new home," said one expat living in Bermuda.

"Bermuda offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, hospital care, and mental health services. The public healthcare system in Bermuda is provided by the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB), which operates two hospitals and several clinics. The quality of public healthcare in Bermuda is generally good, with a focus on preventive care and patient-centered care. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Bermuda can use the public healthcare system by registering with the BHB and paying a fee. They can also purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," said one expat.

"Bermuda has a well-developed healthcare system, with a range of medical services available to both residents and visitors. The island has a number of private and public hospitals, as well as a variety of specialist clinics and medical centers. Bermuda also has a number of highly trained doctors and nurses, who provide a range of medical services, including general practice, emergency care, and specialist care. Bermuda also has a number of pharmacies, which provide a range of over-the-counter and prescription medications," stated one expat who made the move to Bermuda.

"Healthcare is expensive. Some companies bear the insurance cost, but majority you have to pay your portion of insurance. There is co-pay in almost all private doctor visits and services are expensive," remarked one expat in Hamilton.