Bermuda, wWith its pastel-colored houses, pink-sand beaches, and British-Caribbean charm, is unforgettable – but to make your trip smooth, it’s important to understand money in Bermuda and how currency works. Whether you’re booking a golf tee time, dining at a waterfront café, or shopping in Hamilton, knowing how to pay will help you travel smart. This guide explains what currency to bring, how to get money and currency in Bermuda (Bermudian Dollar – BMD), how to use cash and cards safely, and key dos and don’ts. With this knowledge, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy every moment of your Bermuda stay.
How to pay in Bermuda – cash or card?
In Bermuda, cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard, but cash is still useful for small purchases. The Bermudian dollar (BMD) is pegged 1:1 with the U.S. dollar, and USD is accepted everywhere. ATMs are easy to find in towns.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation and Taxis: Exact change is often required for buses and ferries; many taxis prefer cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Craft stalls, small shops, and snack stands may be cash-only.
- Small Businesses: Local cafés and family-run stores sometimes prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Some smaller lodgings require cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash is often given to hotel staff, guides, and drivers.
- Remote Areas: In less visited parts of the island, cash is more reliable.
You can use card for:
- Hotels and Resorts: Most accept Visa, Mastercard, and often AmEx.
- Restaurants: Nearly all restaurants in urban and tourist areas take cards.
- Retail Stores: Shopping malls, supermarkets, and boutiques accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tour Operators: Cards are standard for bookings.
- Online Bookings: Flights, ferries, and accommodations can be reserved and paid by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Bermuda?
The Bermudian Dollar (BMD) is the official currency in Bermuda and widely accepted. It is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar, and USD is also accepted everywhere – even by government offices and public transport.
Bringing US Dollarscan be a practical option for many travelers. That said, if you pay in USD, you may receive change in BMD.
Establishments do not usually accept GBP or Euros.
Where to get currency in Bermuda?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Bermuda. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Banks for currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Bermuda
Merchant usually swipe visa and Mastercard. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Bermuda
If you’re withdrawing money in Bermuda from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. ATMs usually may not accept CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Bermuda?
If you are travelling from the US, it’s not necessary to exchange money before traveling to Bermuda, as the Bermudian Dollar (BMD) is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar, and USD is accepted everywhere across the island.
If you are from outside the US, bringing a small amount of USD is usually enough to get started or use ATMs to withdraw cash. They are easy to find in Hamilton, the airport, and resort areas.
If needed, currency can be exchanged at local banks. Avoid airport or hotel exchange counters, which may offer less favorable rates.
Where to withdraw money in Bermuda
You can withdraw money in Bermuda at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Bermuda are those owned by popular banks such as:
- HSBC and
- Clarien Bank.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Bermuda.
Where to exchange currency in Bermuda
You can exchange currency in Bermuda at banks branches.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are:
HSBC Bermuda
Butterfield Bank
Clarien Bank
Bank branches are located in Hamilton, with limited presence in smaller towns. They typically operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Currency Exchange Offices:
There are no dedicated money changers or exchange houses in Bermuda. You can use banks, airport kiosks, and some hotel front desks.
Airport and Hotel Services:
You may exchange currency at L.F. Wade International Airport, though it’s often unnecessary due to USD acceptance. Hotels also offer exchange services but may add fees or poor conversion rates.
You can find good currency exchanges in Bermuda using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Bermuda. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Bermuda safe?
Carrying cash in Bermuda is safe, as the island has a very low crime rate. To manage cash safely in Bermuda:
- Carry only the amount you need for the day and leave excess funds in a hotel safe.
- Use a front pocket wallet or zippered bag to prevent accidental loss.
- Avoid showing large amounts of cash in shops or when paying for activities.
- Stick to ATMs located inside banks or commercial centers for withdrawals.
- Keep small bills for taxis, buses, and small vendors – some places still prefer cash.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so there’s no need to carry large sums.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Bermuda
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
