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Adjusting to Expat Life in Bermuda

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adminee

From: United States
5/11/2009 11:49 EST

Hello ExpatExchange.com Members!

One area of interest for many expatriates is the need for assistance in
settling in and the management of culture shock. In order to identify
the information most needed by expats as they adapt to international
living, we'd like to know the biggest hurdles you faced in the process
of moving overseas.

Please help us in this project by answering these few questions:

When you moved to Bermuda, what was the most difficult part of settling
in there?

How much difficulty did you have with culture shock in Bermuda?

What would be the best, single piece of advice you'd give to an expat
(or soon to be expat) in Bermuda?

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Stella6047
6/2/2009 20:47 EST

The most difficult parts were:
slow service, indifferent attitude of those who provide services, absolute chaos on the roads, inability to safely cross the street, lack of courtesy , superiority attitude of Bermudians, mostly middle aged women, careless attitude toward environment, scooters- I hate those and those who drive them, crime, crime, crime.
best piece of advice: do not come to Bermuda, you will regret it. I left after 7mo despite of high compensation.

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beachgirl08
6/28/2009 20:38 EST

Haven't been on the forum for a while but would like to give my 2 cents about expat living in Bermuda. Having moved here from the US for over a year, I find my experience is mostly positive. Though I have seen some comments from people who didn't like it here and left after a few months, I would say research first on the cost of living, salary compensation and make that realistic evaluation yourself. Bermuda has been affected by the global economic crisis but nowhere near as bad as in US and UK. For qualified accountants some are affected in the Big 4 firms and investment funds. However reinsurance is still a very big market given competition is more keen because the island is small. When it comes to social adjustment, it's all in your attitude. Some people highlighted about expat-Bermudian not getting along. But think about it, you're coming to a new country and should be a bit open-minded to reach out and adapt. Bermudians have zero unemployment and the government is protective of their rights. However they also grant permission to exempt companies to hire professionals from overseas. Some expats tend to stick to their group 'cos of cultural similarity, language etc but I personally met some neat people - both locals and expats. There are unsafe areas everywhere in the world the same applies to Bermuda. True there are gangs and drugs and so do most major US cities. Very soon you'll find out what areas to avoid. If you like the outdoors and the ocean, Bermuda waters rivals if not surpassing that of Barbados / any Carribean island. There are some that run back home to the comfort zone after a short while but who can decide for you- it's your experience and adventure.

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ashton
7/28/2009 09:07 EST

I had a great time living in Bermuda .Its stunning scapes , land and sea .Great lifestyle with a vibrant and friendly expat scene .Crime was low although drug related crime was on the up .
I had some of the negative posts about Bermudians attitude , just remember they had segregation within living memory and negative attitudes to immigratants is a world wide issue . The island is only 27 miles long , its tiny ...so yes they want as many jobs kept local as they can .Anyway moving on .
Coming from the uk , if you can handle village life then thats Bermuda , if you come from the city then your going to have a shock !The other shock is some of the world richest live or holiday in Bermuda , seeing all that money can make your financial radar a bit of balance , thinking your hard done by , just keep it in check or you can get dissatified , these people are mega rich !
Oh have to mention its really damp , Astma sufferers are going to have a tough time and so will your leather stuff !Leave your precious photo albums at home or they get trashed in the damp too.
Your biggest expenditure will be your rent about $3000 for a two bed appartment !Food and drink for your social is not cheap either but the exchange rate has made things more affordable.
As for families , the one car per household is hard to manage , but everyone rides a scooter ( a licence is easy to get if you buy a bike , but renting you won't need one). The speed limit is 25 miles an hour , so I wouldn't say is dangerous , however loads of people drink and drive and also speed on the scooters , which they can't control , locals and tourist die every year . You have to wear a helmet , but no other safety gear so if you come of the scooter going too fast round a corner , at least the tarmac will take of your skin like a cheese grater and the injuries just worse .On this tac the hospital is pretty good , with most specialities . Emergency, paeds , icu , obs and gynae , surg and med .Everyone who works has to have health insurance.
We joined a rugby club (mariners) got a joint ownership on a tiny boat had a baby and had the best of times .
If you go to Bermuda a meet a whinging expat run a mile and look for some more upbeat pals .

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