Group trips to Bermuda

Bermuda is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone. They do observe daylight saving time, so from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, they switch to Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).

If it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 8am in Bermuda. For the USA, when it's 12pm Eastern Time, it's 1pm in Bermuda.

Always double-check closer to your travel date, as daylight saving adjustments can affect the time difference.

Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar (BMD) as its currency. It's pegged to the US Dollar at a 1:1 ratio, so 1 GBP is roughly 1.22 BMD, 1 USD is 1 BMD, and 1 EUR is about 1.07 BMD. You can exchange currency at:

• Local banks
• The airport

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all widely accepted in Bermuda. Most places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller vendors or local markets may prefer cash, so it's good to have some on hand. You can also find ATMs easily if you need to withdraw cash during your stay.

In Bermuda, tipping is a common practice. Restaurants often include a service charge of around 15 to 17 percent in your bill. If not, it's customary to tip around 15 percent. In hotels, you might find a service charge added too. For taxi drivers, you can tip around 10 to 15 percent of the fare. Bellhops usually receive about $1 to $2 per bag. Always check your bill to see if a service charge is already included before tipping extra.

In Bermuda, it's a good idea to buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for reliable internet access. Providers like One Communications and Digicel offer a range of options. Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but availability and speed can vary. If you need consistent access, especially while exploring, a local SIM will be handy. Wi-Fi might not be as widespread in more remote areas, so having your own data plan ensures you're always connected.

In Bermuda, the official language is English, so you'll have no trouble communicating. However, you might come across some local expressions. Here are a few you might hear:

• Gombey: Refers to traditional Bermudian dancers.
• Chingas: An expression of surprise or shock.
• Onion: A term used for a Bermudian, as the island is known for its onions.

These expressions add a bit of local flavor to your conversations while you're there!

In Bermuda, you'll find that the plugs used are Type A and Type B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. These are the same as you would find in the United States. If you're coming from a country that uses different plugs, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged smoothly. Always double-check your devices to make sure they can handle the local voltage, or you might need a voltage converter.

The main religion in Bermuda is Christianity. The island hosts a variety of Christian denominations, with Anglican, Roman Catholic, and African Methodist Episcopal being among the most prevalent. While Bermuda is predominantly Christian, it is essential to respect all religious practices and traditions you may encounter during your visit. There are no specific dressing requirements tied to religion, but dressing modestly is generally appreciated when visiting religious sites. Keep in mind that religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated across the island.

Bermuda is a beautiful island with a subtropical climate, so you'll want to pack light and comfortable items. Here's a list of essentials for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts
  • Shorts
  • Swimsuits
  • Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable sandals
  • Flip-flops for the beach
  • Casual shoes for exploring
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Smartphone and charger
  • Waterproof camera
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
  • Insect repellent
  • Common travel medication (pain relievers, motion sickness tablets)

With these items, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy everything Bermuda has to offer.

Bermuda has a subtropical climate and the weather varies throughout the year.

• Winter (December to March): Mild and cool, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). It's a bit windy and can be rainy.
• Spring (April to May): Pleasant and warm, with temperatures around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C). This is a great time to visit.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Ideal for beach activities.
• Fall (September to November): Warm and slightly humid, with temperatures from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).

The best time to visit is in spring or early fall when the weather is warm and less humid.