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 Hou...
Author: Winifred James
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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

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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] | 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 [email protected] | www.bermudatravel.bm www.bermudatourism.com

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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: [email protected]

Europe Tel: (0) 800 883 0857 (UK) E-mail: [email protected]

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.

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