Relocating to Bermuda

Changing jobs is often a stressful event. Relocating to Bermuda or any new country throws up a new set of challenges:

Travel Costs – Many employers will cover your airfare and moving expenses and others may provide you with an advance. There is usually some sort of payback clause in your contract if you don’t fulfil it. If your employer wants you to fund the whole move yourself don’t even consider them. It is not common practice. The island has a number of forwarders to help with your move including BEST Shipping.
Initial Housing – Most decent employers will arrange some sort of accommodation for your first month on the island. Some will cover the whole cost while others may subsidise it. If you manage to land one of the higher executive jobs, your employer may even pay for accommodation throughout the whole of your contract.
Permanent Housing – Finding somewhere to stay can be a difficult process and is best done once you are in Bermuda. The local newspapers carry advertisements and there are a number of real estate agents who rent apartments (don’t be shocked by the prices – these are really aimed at the executive end of the market). Another excellent source is the e-moo Bermuda Classified website. This has many apartments to rent at more realistic prices and you can also register and place an advert for accommodations needed (the site is also a great place to find furniture, scooters, appliances and all the other things you'll need to settle in). Many people find the best way to sort out accommodation is simply through word of mouth.
Transport – Most workers initially rent a scooter on arrival (no licence is required). Rental companies include Wheels Cycles, Oleander Cycles, Smatt’s Cycle Livery and Eve’s Cycles. Before buying a bike you need to get a driving licence. This is really quite simple and involves passing a basic medical, a straightforward multiple-choice theory test and driving a bike around a few cones. If you decide you really need a car, bear in mind that Bermuda’s laws only permit one car per household.
Making Friends – Probably the easiest element of the relocation process. In Bermuda everybody knows each other so once you’ve met one person it won’t be long before you’ve met them all. Good places to meet fellow expats are the Robin Hood, Square One, the Hog Penny and the Pickled Onion. Sunday nights at Henry VIII are popular with those working in the hospitality industry. There are also a number of expatriate organisations such as the Association of Canadians in Bermuda and sporting ones like the Bermuda Police Rugby Football Club, Mariners Rugby Club and the Renegades. Those who enjoy dancing should consider attending one of the many classes and events organised by Bermuda Salsa. There are also many business organisations such as the Bermuda Under 35s Insurance and Reinsurance Group.

UK residents relocating to Bermuda may wish to make use of the services provided by Orientation Angels.