albaalbaalba

Hello there!

I have SO many questions, but I just wanted to check if there were any expats from the UK living in Bermuda who use this site.

I'm mainly worried about the cost of living. I will be paid in GBP and I will have accommodation (and lunch Mon-Fri) provided, so I just need to pay for meals for the rest of the week. I like to go out but one drink would last me a whole night. I enjoy museums and galleries (I thought they would be free, but I see that there is an entrance charge to some...) and am generally just happy to laze about with a book or a dvd. So my expenses shouldn't be too great, but I am worried.

I don't really understand why there aren't more vegetable patches and allotments in which islanders grow their own food rather than relying on imports. Is it totally impractical of me to assume that within a few months I would be more or less self-sufficient for quick growing plants (salad leaves, strawberries, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Alba

anuny

1. Access to garden patch is not easy 2. The island has sub-tropical climate, yet it is mostly cold to swim in the sea throughout most of the year. 3. Not all kinds of fruits and vegetables grow. 4. Rocky terrain. 5. For everything else there is google

Sherlock Holmes

Hi Alba and welcome to B.E. and sorry I'm a bit late!

It's my pleasant duty to welcome you to the forum and give you a point of contact should you need any help with the site. You can contact me here.

I can't help with the Bermuda bit I'm afraid but I see the answers have already started coming in.

A list of all the moderators and helpers with their relevant countries can be found here.

Any problems, dont hesitate to PM me.

Alistair.[/QUOTE]

Bermudashorts

Hi Alba

I lived in Bermuda for two years until 2008 and it is regarded as quite an expensive place but not in every respect. The most expensive things were rent, utilities and you get a lot less car for your money over there than you would in the UK. As your rent is taken care of that would appear to solve that problem as well as perhaps the utilities? Many single people don't bother with a car and get a moped instead, don't know what your situation is.

Groceries can be expensive but if you shop around and take care it is manageable. Eating and drinking out is very reasonable, if you are used to UK prices then Bermuda won't be a problem.

I have never heard of anyone growing their own veg in Bermuda but the island produces very little by way of produce commercially and I would assume there is a reason for that.

Why are you being paid in GBP? I always prefer to have income and expenses matched, have you looked into your tax status whilst you will be there, Bermuda does not have income tax.

Good luck

lilyjosh0

Hi alba,

We move to Bermuda in 2 weeks and have spent some time there getting to know the Island.

I can understand that you are worried about the cost of living and whether or not this will be an issue for you really depends on how much you are earning. You are lucky as the biggest cost (housing) is taken care of. Food can be expensive but not all items are priced higher than the UK. Check out www.marketplace.bm to get an idea of food prices. Electricity may be included with your accommodation but if not your bills will be much higher than at home.

This website http://www.bermuda-online.org will give you lots of information and if you can check out prices for used furniture etc. on emoo.com.

I agree with Bermudashorts regarding being paid in GBP - won't you lose out by having to exchange currency all of the time and have you checked out the tax implications?

Good luck - hope it works out for you.