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How do you officially wear Bermuda Shorts?
When visiting Bermuda, you will notice that businessmen and civil servants still wear Bermuda Shorts as a formal fashion. Bermudians often wear them for business attire and cocktail parties. However, you can’t get away with simply throwing a pair on! Officially they fall 2 inches above the knee, are worn with Bermuda hose (navy or black socks which should be worn long). They must also be worn with a white or blue short-sleeved shirt, a tie and a single or double-breasted navy blue blazer. Footwear is also important—the appropriate footwear suggested is loafers.

What kind of documentation is needed to enter Bermuda?
For US and Canadian visitors, a passport is preferred. However, you can use one of the following: the original birth certificate or certified copy with a raised seal issued by a competent municipal authority, together with an official photo ID; US Alien Registration Card (Green Card); US Naturalization Certificate; or a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship. Citizens of other countries require a passport, and possibly a visa. (Note: Neither Bermuda nor U.S. Immigration Authorities accept a notarised copy of a birth certificate, hospital birth record, baptismal certificate, or similar non-government document as proof of citizenship.)

What’s the weather like in Bermuda?
Bermuda has a remarkably mild climate that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold. During the winter (December through March), temperatures average 70°F. The hottest part of the year is between May and mid-October, when temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F. The summer months are somewhat drier, although rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Can I rent a car while I’m in Bermuda?
No. The Bermuda Government does not permit car rentals to visitors. However, you can rent motor scooters which are available throughout the Island. A few cycle liveries rent bicycles as well. No driver’s license is required (children under 16 years may not drive motor scooters). Taxis are also available for hire.

For a true Bermudian experience, hire a private horse and carriage. Or ride in a pink and blue bus or an open-air ferry. 1, 3, and 7-day Transportation Passes for unlimited use on buses and ferries are available.

Will I have trouble taking prescription drugs into Bermuda?
No, as long as the drugs are kept in their proper prescription bottle and clearly labelled with description and use. Prescription drugs must be declared to the Customs Officer upon arrival in Bermuda.

Can I bring my own food to Bermuda?
Some foodstuffs are dutiable and the amount varies between 5% and 22.25% of value. But when foodstuffs are brought in with passenger baggage, the duty rate applicable is 22.25% of the value. This also applies to meat for personal consumption.

Visitors may bring in up to 20 lbs. without a meat inspection certificate provided the meat accompanies them. If importing more than 20 lbs., then a meat inspection certificate is required from the Department of Health & Social Services. Any amount of meat imported via air freight or unaccompanied baggage must have a meat inspection certificate and is dutiable at the rate of 5%.

Note
These guidelines for inspection certificates do not apply to all poultry and seafood. Some seafood is prohibited, e.g.

• Bermuda’s fisheries laws prohibit the importation of live marine animals (lobsters, crabs, etc.) by private individuals—they will be seized on arrival by H.M. Customs Bermuda.

• Only prepared fresh, frozen or cooked fish, or shellfish can be brought into the Island, providing the package is free of algae or seaweed.

Check with the Department of Agriculture & Parks for details.

Are stores open on Sunday?
All stores are open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm at Bermuda’s popular Royal Naval Dockyard. Also, many stores in hotel shopping malls observe abbreviated Sunday hours. Most other stores on the Island are closed, including those along Front Street in the City of Hamilton, and in the Town of St. George. However, some souvenir and gift shops are open on Sundays.

What is the Bermuda Festival and Festival Fringe?
The Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts is an annual cultural event that features concerts by world-renowned classical, jazz, and pop artists, as well as world-class theatre and dance. This seven-week performing arts festival takes place during January and February, and it is recommended that you make reservations early.

The Festival Fringe is designed to complement the annual Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts and our visitors’ entertainment experience. The Festival Fringe offers the opportunity to enjoy local and visiting performing artists.

When is Golden Rendezvous Month, and what is it?
Every year, Bermuda dedicates the entire month of February to visitors over the age of 50. During the month, mature travellers can enjoy a variety of free bonuses, special events, and activities created by the Bermuda Department of Tourism that include Ballroom Dancing, Bus Tours, and a free “Certificate of Value” coupon book offering discounts at various retail stores and sightseeing attractions throughout the Island.