Bermuda: An Expensive Tropical Paradise For Travelers?

Bermuda is a convenient international beach getaway, but it is also an expensive travel destination. The island is known for its high cost of living, with the average Bermudian family spending about four times what an average American family does. This is largely due to the fact that most goods, including food, are imported. As a result, visitors to Bermuda can expect to pay a premium for food, drink and accommodation. However, it is possible to visit Bermuda on a budget with careful planning and a flexible approach.

Eating out in Bermuda

Bermuda is widely regarded as one of the most expensive places in the world to visit, with high food costs due to most of the island's needs being imported. A burger and fries, for example, will set you back around $18-20. However, there are some budget-friendly options for eating out.

Budget-friendly restaurants in Bermuda

Art Mel's Spicy Dicy in Hamilton is highly recommended for its reasonably priced fried fish sandwiches, made with fresh, locally-caught fish. A small eatery, it mainly offers takeout.

House of India in Hamilton is a good option for those who enjoy spicy Indian food. It is located a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal.

The Pickled Onion Bermuda, overlooking Hamilton Harbour, serves contemporary Bermudian food, as well as Latin and Asian dishes. Lunch on the balcony is a popular choice.

Takeout and fast food

There are several small eateries offering takeout food, which is generally cheaper. Deli-type food from supermarkets or large grocery stores is also a more affordable option.

KFC is the only international fast-food chain on the island. A combo meal will cost you around $10-11.

Mobile food vendors

Mobile food vendors, selling food from trucks, vans and carts, are becoming increasingly popular in Bermuda. They offer a cheap way to enjoy nice hot food, with a variety of cuisines prepared using local ingredients.

Alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks don't come cheap in Bermuda. A cocktail, spirit or beer will set you back around $10 each.

Transport options

The most convenient and cheapest form of transport in Bermuda is the public bus and ferry system. Both have an excellent reputation and are a great way to get around the island. Ferries can be a lot faster than buses between some destinations. Depending on how long you are staying and how much you plan to travel around, you can buy a pass for a day, several days, or a month, which gives you unlimited access to both buses and ferries. Alternatively, you can buy a book of 15 tickets for $37.50 for adults, which can be used for all-zone travel on buses and ferries.

If you are flying into Bermuda, the most convenient way to get to your hotel is by taxi, but this will be expensive. A cheaper option is to take a group shuttle, which operates on a per-person rate and can take between 7 and 15 people. A taxi from the airport to a location in the south shore, such as Southampton, will cost around $55 one way. A shuttle will cost around $20-$25 per person.

If you are staying for a couple of weeks or more, a monthly pass for buses and ferries will cost $69. However, this is only valid for a calendar month, not a rolling 30-day period.

If you want to explore the island independently, the most convenient and economical option is to rent a motorbike or moped. Motorbikes offer more freedom to travel at a lower cost than taxis, and rentals start at around $50 a day. Mopeds are easy to rent and cost around $50 BMD per day. Two popular rental companies are Elbow Beach Cycles and Oleander Cycles.

If you are staying in or near Hamilton, you will be near all the bus lines and can avoid spending too much on taxis.

It is not possible to rent a car in Bermuda as a tourist, but you can rent tiny electric cars.

Saving money on accommodation

Bermuda is known for being an expensive place to visit, with high costs of living and many imported goods. This is reflected in the price of accommodation, with even budget hotels starting at $100 per night. However, there are ways to save money on your trip to Bermuda.

Firstly, it is important to book early. By booking at least a month in advance, you can find cheaper rates on rooms. It is also more cost-effective to avoid hotels and resorts and opt for bed and breakfasts or home rental properties, such as Airbnb, Vrbo, or Bermuda Rentals. If you are travelling with a group, renting a large apartment will be far cheaper per person than individual hotel rooms.

For an even more affordable option, consider Couchsurfing. There are only 46 Couchsurfing hosts in Bermuda, so be sure to plan ahead and book early to secure a spot.

When choosing your location, consider staying in Warwick or Southampton parish if you want to be close to the pink south shore beaches. If you want to be near shops, restaurants, and bars, look for accommodation in Pembroke parish or Paget. For those interested in Bermuda's history and heritage, St. George is the ideal location. If you want easy access to a ferry dock, look for apartments near Watford Bridge in Sandys (Somerset).

Additionally, consider travelling during the off-peak season. Visiting Bermuda during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall can result in discounted rates at hotels and resorts. The winter months (November to March) also offer substantial discounts, with many accommodations offering 25 to 30% off summer rates.

By following these tips and planning ahead, you can find more affordable accommodation options and save money on your trip to Bermuda.

The best time to visit

Bermuda is a year-round destination with something to offer every season. However, if you're looking for the best time to visit in terms of budget-friendliness, the off-season from October to March is your best bet. During these months, you can take advantage of lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds, as it is considered the low season for tourism. The weather is still pleasant, ranging from 60°F to about 70°F, making it an excellent time to explore the island without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for the absolute cheapest time to visit, consider travelling between March and April. The temperatures are mild, and you'll find even better deals on accommodations before the peak season rates kick in. You may find that some attractions and activities are closed during this time, but there is still plenty to see and do.

On the other hand, if you're more concerned about having ideal beach weather than finding the lowest prices, the peak season from May to October is the best time to visit. Just be prepared for higher prices and more crowds during these months.

It's worth noting that Bermuda experiences a rainy season from August to November, with September and October typically being the wettest months. So, if you're planning a trip during this time, be prepared for some rainfall and keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Additionally, if you're interested in experiencing any of Bermuda's festivals or events, timing your visit around those can also influence when you choose to go. For example, the Bermuda Carnival, Cup Match Festival, and LIV Bermuda weekend are all popular events that draw many visitors.

In summary, the best time to visit Bermuda on a budget is during the off-season, especially between March and April. However, if you're more concerned about beach weather, the peak season from May to October offers ideal conditions but at higher prices. Bermuda has something to offer year-round, so choose the time that aligns with your preferences and budget.

Alcohol prices

Alcohol can be purchased at Bermuda's supermarkets and dedicated wine and spirit merchants. Tourists can bring alcohol into Bermuda, but the duty-free limit is 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits.

The price of a bottle of wine depends on its quality. A bottle of ordinary table wine can be purchased for a little more than what you would pay in New York City. A decent bottle of Pinot Grigio costs around $15.

Bermuda has some of the highest beer prices in the Caribbean.

Frequently asked questions