Bermuda is a British territory located in the North Atlantic. This island is not in the Caribbean! It is commonly thought to be so because of the sunny climate and beautiful beaches. Bermuda is actually just off the coast of the Carolinas. If you are planning a couple’s vacation in Bermuda and live on the East Coast, your journey may be faster than you think.

No matter where you come from in America, here are some things you should keep in mind as you plan your Bermuda vacation.

1. Entering the country

You will be on British sovereign territory once you enter Bermuda. For this reason, you must present your U.S. passport at immigration control. You don’t need a visa. A valid U.S. passport is enough to get you in.

2. Bring dollars

The country’s official currency is the Bermudian pound, which is pegged at par with the U.S. dollar. The Bermudian pound and U.S. dollar are accepted interchangeably. When dispensing change, most local retailers and hospitality venues will give it to you in U.S. dollars.

Do not try to exchange your dollars for Bermudian pounds! Banks and foreign exchange booths levy a significant exchange fee for this transaction.

3. Bermuda can be expensive

This is a tiny island, meaning nearly everything must be important to survive. This adds to the cost of things. And do not think you will reduce your daily costs by cooking at home. Most people who have emigrated to the island don’t bother to cook at home because it is just as expensive as dining out.

4. The Sea! The Sea!

Bermuda has some of the clearest and cleanest water in the world. Prepare yourself for picturesque beaches such as Jobson’s Cove and Tobacco Bay, which have pink sand! Whale Beach is also great owing to the Humpback whales that pass through in April. During the summer, the water is warm and soothing. Perfect for those who find it difficult to immerse themselves in chillier seas.

5. Watch out for stinging jellyfish

There is, unfortunately, a lurking danger in the waters of Bermuda. The island is home to the Portuguese Man O’ War, a poisonous jellyfish. These creatures tend to show up occasionally, especially after storms. Beaches throughout the island will have warning signs posted if there is an infestation on a particular day. A couple’s vacation in Bermuda can come to ruin if one of you is bitten by a jellyfish, so keep a lookout for them. 

6. You can’t rent a car on the island

The Bermudian government has banned car rentals on the island. There is a good reason for this. The island is only 21 square miles and has a population of fewer than seventy thousand people. However, around 600,000 tourists visit Bermuda each year. If even a minor portion of visitors rented cars, the island’s infrastructure would collapse.

There are alternatives. You can rent scooters and mopeds, which are pretty cheap. You can also rent a bicycle. There are also plenty of taxis on the island.  However, these can be expensive.

Many people use public transportation, which is safe, easy, and reliable. You can purchase a daily or weekly pass for a few dollars from the concierge at your hotel.

7. What to wear

People dress nicely in Bermuda. Remember, it is a British territory, and some of the Old World formality and fineness still lingers. Bermuda shorts, knee socks, and a suit jacket are normal in town. Bermuda is not the kind of place where it is acceptable to enter a retail store or restaurant in a swimsuit and flip-flops. Confine your beach wear to the beach. You should look sporty but elegant when you go out on the town.

8. Make reservations

During the high season—the summer months—thousands of people descend on Bermuda. If you travel to the island at this time, you should always make restaurant reservations. Whether for brunch or dinner, if you plan to have a sit-down meal, you must reserve a table ahead of time. Even casual-looking outdoor spots can fill up quite quickly during the day and night. Your hotel concierge can help you make your daily dining plans.

9. Get travel insurance

As Bermuda is not a U.S. territory, you are unlikely to be covered by your health insurance while there. Healthcare costs in Bermuda are high. If something happens to you while you are there, you must pay out-of-pocket unless you have travel medical insurance.

Your stay in Bermuda will be much more fun if you and your partner know what there is to see and do on the island before you arrive. If you make a plan before you leave, Bermuda’s small size will aid in getting through everything on your itinerary.