Expats in Bermuda: Expat Central
Bermuda has some of the loveliest weather because of the Gulf Stream effect. This means that the climate is sub-tropical and somewhat mild year-round. Winters tend to be windy and rainy with temperatures in the 60’s rarely falling below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Staying warm is quite easy with a light sweater or jacket. If you ride a moped or motorcycle, you may want something a bit heavier to keep warm.
The weather may draw some expats to Bermuda. The major draw to Bermuda is their business industry. They have a thriving international business sector that offers benefit packages, significant pay and most companies will pay for the work permit required so you can become an expat Bermuda. Work permits can be a little tricky though. First, in order for a permit to be approved, an employer must assure the government that they have tried to hire a Bermudian to fill the position. Once it has been made clear that this has been attempted, the work permit may be issued. The time on work permits can range from one year to a maximum of ten years. When a work permit expires, your employer can easily have it renewed. Some work permits are issued for as little as three months. There is only one drawback from working in Bermuda. An expat may only hold one job. So you want to make sure you are going to be able to afford to live on the salary your employer is offering to pay you. If you are lucky, some employers even offer a monthly housing allowance.
Housing in Bermuda tends to be expensive. You will more than likely be leasing a house or apartment depending on your salary. The cost can range from monthly fees of $2500 for a one bedroom apartment, $3500 for a two bedroom apartment, and $1000 to $2000 for a studio. Housing can be difficult to find. It is a good idea that you start searching for a place to live before you become an expat Bermuda.
The expense of housing is high and unfortunately, so is the cost of services and goods. Most everything has to be imported to Bermuda; consequently items ranging from fuel to commodities have higher prices attached to them. You may even have to pay for water at times. Bermuda is known to go through dry periods where the climate does not get enough rain and water becomes scarce in some areas. In some ways, the methods in which the houses are built try to curb the water deprivation. Rooftops are designed to hold rainwater and allow it to flow from the roof into a tank close to the house.
Heavy rains are even referred to as ‘tank rain’. Summer months that are drought ridden tend to help the water trucking industry bloom. Bermudians can order water to be added to their tank. Each load is roughly 1000 gallons and costs $65. It is a good idea to be mindful of the water level in your tank since these water truckers may not be able to deliver water as soon as you need it.
The cost of living in Bermuda can add up fast, especially if you tend to run an air conditioner during the hottest time of the summer. If you add up all the costs that have been mentioned so far, it may seem like Bermuda has a rather high living cost. This is true, but if you budget your earnings it is not impossible to live in Bermuda and be happy. You will need time to adjust to the new climate and lifestyle, but overall Bermuda is a fabulous place to live and have a good time.
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