💰 Quick Context: The Bermudian Dollar
Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar (BMD / BD$), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed 1:1 rate. US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island, so there is no need to exchange money before arriving. Bermuda is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. A casual lunch costs BD$20–35, a restaurant dinner BD$50–100+, and a hotel night BD$300–700+. Since 1 BMD = 1 USD exactly, prices in either currency are interchangeable.
🎧 Order Bermudian Dollar Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order BMD → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Bermuda
Bermuda is a modern, well-connected island with strong card infrastructure. USD is universally accepted alongside the local BMD. That said, ATMs are limited in number, so plan your cash needs accordingly.
Cards work at most tourist businesses. Restaurants along Front Street in Hamilton, the Fairmont Southampton, Rosewood Tucker's Point, shops in St. George's, and attractions like the Crystal Caves all accept Visa and Mastercard. USD is accepted everywhere at the 1:1 rate, and you will receive change in a mix of BMD and USD coins and bills.
Cash is needed for local experiences. Roadside fish sandwich trucks (a Bermuda specialty), beach concessions at Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach, ferry tips, and some taxi drivers on shorter trips prefer cash. Bermuda has very few ATMs, concentrated in Hamilton, St. George's, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. Do not expect to find one in the parishes between these hubs. Carry US$100–200 in small bills. Bermuda's extreme prices mean cash disappears fast. Cruise passengers arriving at the Royal Naval Dockyard should bring USD from the ship rather than queuing at the limited Dockyard ATMs.
How to Get Bermudian Dollars for Your Bermuda Trip
Bermuda is one of the simplest places in the Atlantic to handle money for US travelers. The Bermudian dollar is pegged at BMD 1 = $1, and US dollars are accepted at every business on the island, often with change returned in a mix of USD and BMD coins. Cards work at the Fairmont Southampton, Rosewood Tucker's Point, every Front Street Hamilton restaurant, and most St. George's shops. Cash still helps at fish-sandwich trucks (a Bermuda specialty), beach concessions at Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach, ferry tips, and shorter taxi rides. The wrinkle worth knowing: Bermuda has very few ATMs, concentrated in Hamilton, St. George's, and the Royal Naval Dockyard, with effectively zero coverage in the parishes between. Most US travelers simply pack USD and let it ride.
Bring USD or order Bermudian dollars before you fly
The straightforward Bermuda setup: pack USD in clean small bills and let the 1:1 peg do the work. Every Bermudian business takes USD at par, and given the island's notably high prices, you'll burn through cash fast either way. If you specifically want Bermudian dollars, a currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange may stock BMD on request, with insured 2–5 day delivery (confirm before ordering, since BMD is rarely held in US retail). Most US home banks generally do not stock Bermudian dollars. Bermuda does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. The cleanest setup for nearly any Bermuda trip: pack USD for cash needs, use a Wise or Charles Schwab card for resort and restaurant card payments, and treat any in-island ATM withdrawal as a once-per-trip stop in Hamilton.
Withdraw from a Bermudian bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of BMD is one of the island's three commercial banks. HSBC Bermuda, Butterfield Bank, and Clarien Bank all give the actual interbank rate (effectively the 1:1 BMD-USD peg) with no markup, and most don't add their own operator fee for foreign cards (a few specific machines charge a small BMD 3–5 fee, posted on the screen before you confirm). The catch is geographic: ATMs concentrate around Hamilton (Front Street, Reid Street), in St. George's near King's Square, and at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Outside those three hubs, ATM coverage is genuinely sparse, especially in Sandys, Southampton, and the south-shore beaches. Plan to withdraw what you'll need for several days at a time. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD" — for a US debit card on a 1:1 peg, the conversion path doesn't help. See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what an HSBC Bermuda or Butterfield withdrawal will actually cost on your card? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & cruise terminal exchange windows
Three traps to walk past in Bermuda. The currency-exchange counters at L.F. Wade International (BDA) airport advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the 1:1 peg, plus per-transaction fees. There's no good reason to use them: the airport has a Butterfield Bank ATM in arrivals that gives you the peg minus only your home bank's fees. The exchange windows at the Royal Naval Dockyard cruise terminal target same-day cruise passengers and bake the markup into the rate. And the standalone independent ATMs you'll occasionally see inside hotel arcades layer DCC pitches and operator fees on top. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at HSBC Bermuda, Butterfield, or Clarien; decline DCC; and for cruise passengers, bring USD from the ship rather than queuing at the limited Dockyard exchange counter. Bermuda does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-BMD timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Bermuda
Bermuda has only three commercial banks, and ATM locations are limited. Most ATMs dispense BMD, though some may offer USD. Your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, but local ATMs generally do not add an operator surcharge. Plan ahead, as ATMs outside Hamilton are scarce.
HSBC Bermuda
The largest bank in Bermuda with the most ATM locations across the island. Machines in Hamilton, the airport, and select parish locations. The most reliable option for foreign card withdrawals.
Recommended
Butterfield Bank
Bermuda's oldest bank, headquartered in Hamilton. ATMs at their main branch and a few other locations. Well-maintained machines with straightforward prompts for international cards.
Recommended
Clarien Bank
A local Bermudian bank with ATMs in Hamilton and a few other spots. Smaller network than HSBC but reliable for foreign card withdrawals. Check their website for current ATM locations.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
DCC is particularly sneaky in Bermuda for non-US visitors. Since BMD equals USD, a terminal offering to charge in GBP or EUR looks like helpful currency conversion. It is not. The processor adds 3–5% on top of whatever your bank would charge. Standalone ATMs at the Royal Naval Dockyard targeting cruise passengers and some resort hotel card terminals (Fairmont, Rosewood) are the most likely to push this screen. HSBC and Butterfield Bank ATMs in Hamilton process in BMD without DCC prompts. For US visitors, there is zero reason to accept any conversion since BMD and USD are identical in value.
ATMs to Avoid in Bermuda
With only three banks on the island, most ATMs are legitimate. However, watch out for standalone machines near the Royal Naval Dockyard cruise terminal and along Front Street in Hamilton that charge extra fees.
Dockyard Standalone ATMs
Independent ATMs near the Royal Naval Dockyard cruise terminal may charge flat fees of US$5+ per withdrawal. Use the bank ATMs in Hamilton instead, or bring cash from your cruise ship.
AvoidHotel Lobby ATMs
Some resort hotels have independent ATMs in their lobbies. These often charge convenience fees and may push DCC prompts. Ask the front desk for the nearest bank ATM instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Bermuda
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard work at Front Street restaurants in Hamilton, the Fairmont Southampton, Rosewood Tucker's Point, shops in the Royal Naval Dockyard, and most tourist attractions including the Crystal Caves and Bermuda Aquarium. Amex has better acceptance in Bermuda than in most Caribbean/Atlantic islands, working at major resorts and Hamilton's upscale restaurants on Bermudiana Road. Smaller businesses, fish sandwich trucks, and parish shops may not take it. Discover has minimal presence.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless is available at Hamilton shops, resort restaurants, and the Dockyard. The Fairmont, Rosewood, and Hamilton Princess have modern NFC terminals. Front Street and Reid Street shops in Hamilton handle tap-to-pay. Chip-and-PIN is standard at most other terminals across the island. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at NFC-enabled terminals but are not reliable at parish shops, local restaurants, or beach concessions outside the main tourist hubs.
Where Cards May Not Work
Beach concessions at Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach, and Warwick Long Bay (jet ski rentals, parasailing, snack bars) are typically cash-only. Bermuda's famous roadside fish sandwich trucks along South Shore Road and near the Dockyard take cash only. Public buses and ferries require exact change in coins, tokens, or a transit pass (buy at the Hamilton bus terminal or visitor centres). Cards are not accepted on board. Some taxi drivers prefer cash for shorter parish-to-parish trips, though most accept cards for longer fares to the airport.
Tipping in Bermuda
Tipping Guide
At restaurants along Front Street in Hamilton or at resort dining rooms, check for the 17% gratuity that most Bermuda restaurants add automatically. If it is already on the bill, no additional tip is needed unless service was exceptional. At bars like the Swizzle Inn (home of the Rum Swizzle) or Docksider in Hamilton, BD$1–2 per drink. Hotel porters at the Fairmont or Hamilton Princess receive BD$2–5 per bag. Spa services at resort spas get 15–20%. For taxis, 10–15% or round up. Leave BD$2–5 per night for housekeeping. Glass-bottom boat operators and snorkeling guides get 15–20%. Tip in either BMD or USD.
Bermuda Money Tips for Visitors
Things to Know
The 1:1 USD peg means zero currency math. BD$50 = US$50. This has been fixed since 1972. US visitors can bring dollars from home and never need an ATM. Non-US visitors benefit from ATMs or a no-FX-fee card. Bermuda is genuinely one of the world's most expensive destinations. The island imports nearly everything by ship, so a casual lunch at Art Mel's Spicy Dicy in Hamilton costs BD$15–25, dinner at Harbourfront runs BD$60–100, and a grocery run at the MarketPlace is eye-opening.
Cruise ship visitors arriving at the Royal Naval Dockyard can use cards and USD at the Clocktower Mall shops and Frog & Onion Pub. Bring small bills for the bus or ferry to Hamilton (exact change required) and for tips. Bermuda has no sales tax or VAT, so the listed price is what you pay. But the automatic 17% restaurant gratuity effectively functions as a surcharge. Bermudian coins (featuring the longtail bird, Bermuda lily, and spiny lobster) make unique souvenirs since BMD is useless outside the island. Banks close at 3:00 PM weekdays and are shut on weekends, so ATMs can run dry on busy cruise days.
Money Safety in Bermuda
Staying Safe
Bermuda is a safe destination with low crime rates overall. The main money concern is ATM scarcity, not theft. With only three banks and a handful of machines across the entire island, a broken ATM or empty machine can leave you without cash access for hours. Use HSBC or Butterfield ATMs at their Hamilton branches on Front Street for the most reliable experience.
Store extra cash in your hotel safe since Bermuda's high prices mean you may be carrying more cash than usual. Despite the 1:1 USD peg, Bermuda is a separate British Overseas Territory, and bank fraud systems treat it as an international destination. US bank customers should call ahead and specifically mention "Bermuda" to prevent their card from being frozen at an HSBC machine on Church Street. A second card on a different network provides a crucial backup on an island with so few ATM options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bermuda so expensive?
Bermuda imports nearly everything by ship, inflating prices 50–100% above US mainland levels. A casual lunch costs BD$20–35, dinner BD$50–100+, and a hotel night BD$300–700+. There is no sales tax, but restaurants add a 17% gratuity automatically.
Can I use US dollars in Bermuda?
Yes. The Bermudian dollar is pegged 1:1 to USD, and US dollars are accepted at every business on the island. You may receive change in Bermudian dollars, which feature local wildlife like the Bermuda longtail bird.
How many ATMs does Bermuda have?
Very few. Bermuda has only three banks (HSBC, Butterfield, Clarien), with ATMs concentrated in Hamilton, St. George's, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. On busy cruise ship days, Dockyard ATMs can run out of cash.
Do Bermuda restaurants add a service charge?
Many do. A 17% gratuity is automatically added at most restaurants. Always check your bill before adding an additional tip. If service is already included, no extra tip is needed unless service was exceptional.
How do I pay for buses and ferries in Bermuda?
Public buses and ferries require exact change (coins), tokens, or transit passes. Cards are not accepted on board. Buy tokens or passes at the Hamilton bus terminal, visitor service centres, or some hotels. A day pass costs about BD$19.
Can I spend Bermudian dollars outside Bermuda?
No. Bermudian dollars are not accepted or exchangeable outside Bermuda. Spend your BMD before departing or keep the coins as souvenirs. Since USD works everywhere on the island, you can avoid accumulating BMD by paying with US dollars.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Perfect for non-US visitors spending in Bermuda.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card (contactless/chip) | Best (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★★★★ | Daily spending (primary method) |
| Using USD cash directly | Best (1:1 peg, no conversion needed) | ★★★★★ | US visitors, tips, small purchases |
| Bank ATMs (HSBC, Butterfield, Clarien) | Low (no operator fee usually) | ★★★☆☆ | Getting BMD cash (limited locations) |
| Standalone / hotel ATMs | High (fees + possible DCC) | ★★☆☆☆ | Avoid |
| Currency exchange desks | Highest (poor rates, unnecessary) | ★☆☆☆☆ | Not needed (USD accepted everywhere) |
Bermuda Quick Facts
| Currency | Bermudian Dollar (BMD / BD$). 1 BMD = 1 USD (pegged) |
| Cash vs. Card | Cards widely accepted. Cash for small vendors, tips, transit |
| Best ATMs | HSBC Bermuda, Butterfield Bank, Clarien Bank |
| Contactless | Growing. Chip+PIN reliable at most terminals |
| Card Acceptance | Good overall. Some beach vendors and food trucks cash-only |
| Tipping | 15–20% (check if 17% gratuity already added) |
| DCC Risk | Low for US visitors. Non-US visitors should always choose BMD |
| Best Strategy | Bring USD cash, use no-FX-fee card for larger purchases |