Hi.

Im making moves to relocate to Bermuda, every site i visit has been helpful but still lacking the full disclosure. Im not sure if this island(s) is paradise or a pot about to boil over.
Is it possible to get an idea of this place without it being biased from either the immigrants or the locals.

I should mention im from a small island also, i understand the types of social/class/racial barriers that come to a head on small strips of land
I understand dislike of foreigners taking jobs, i also understand the necessity for overseas labour

......could i get a little middle ground here...and uhmm an idea of how bad customs is gonna burn me

thanks

Welcome Lynbb... I hope we'll be able to give you some of the answers. I guess everyone has their perspective so you'll probably need to filter that somewhat but the facts might be easiest.

Paradise or pot-boil? Hard to tell. There are certainly social issues and the government has been facing accusations of corruption that go all the way to the premier. There's a privy council hearing due next month so you should probably follow the news on that to see what emerges. With an election due, it could get ugly.

There are crime concerns - as anywhere - and some politicking going on about who controls the police. You might be experiencing similar in your small island perhaps? It ispossible that the sheer amount of money in Bermuda makes it against people's best interests to let thepot boil over - then again, so much money creates inequalities and fuels bad feeling.

Customs are a challenge in Bermuda. How bad they burn you can depend on which officer is on duty and what kinda day they're having. In general, you will get charged duty on almost everything. Some tips include putting all your music on an MP3 player or similar so that you don't pay duty on every cd. Don't bring what you don't need unless it is a permanent move. Say "Good morning" or "good afternoon" to the customs and passport control people. Not hi, hello, g'day etc. It may seem daft but it matters.

On second hand/used items, the value is estimated by customs and duty charged. If you have new-ish items, a receipt may help avoid some of the wilder estimates. If you're female & get a male customs person, a little very gentle firting or even nice smiles can really help. Not so sure it works for blokes.

Good luck and ask anything you need on here - this mob know a lot of stuff!

Well you will fit right in gurl!!!  There are 3 highways if you can call them that, two lanes, with an invisible third lane for speeding bikes.  Askl specific questions and you'll get very detailed answers... and BTW, REality was being polite...  try a low-cut dress... boobs work wonders! 

LP 

Of course it is...  the wild hare is never far from the surface.  The one thing you can take to the bank, is that I will most likely be irreverent about just about everything!  I am (maybe next to Rummy) the most Politically UN-correct poster here.  But here's a little clue for you all, the walrus was Paul... Ooops... wrong song...  keep your eye on the smiley after my initials... if it's missing... I'M DEAD SERIOUS, if it's present... well there MIGHT be some truth in what I say??!!?? 

LP 

note to self....get ur tits out

...thanks

Welcome to BS and the Rock lynbb.  Coming from Barbados, it shouldn't be too much of a culture shock.  We are apart from being smaller, pretty similar to Bim. It is a bit more expensive, but depending on your income, you can make a comfortable living.  When it comes to customs, my rule is be honest.  List all your goods with realistic value, and you shouldn't have a problem.  Motoring won't be a problem as we drive on the same side as you do, our speed limit is a bit frustrating...35k, although noone really does that crawl.  If you want to meet some folks from Barbados and Bermuda, check out Spring Garden in the Washington Mall, great island food!  You're an islander, you'll fit in fine.  Wecome again, and hope you have a great time here.