Bermuda Rental

CRIME: Bermuda has a moderate but growing crime rate. Examples of common crimes include theft of unattended baggage and items from rental motorbikes, purse snatchings (often perpetrated against pedestrians by thieves riding motorbikes), muggings, and thefts from hotel rooms. Valuables left in hotel rooms (occupied and unoccupied) or left unattended in public areas are vulnerable to theft. The Consulate regularly receives reports of thefts of money, valuables, and passports and advises that travelers keep their hotel windows and doors locked at all times. Criminals often target transportation systems and popular tourist attractions. ... [Read More]

Bermuda (10/04)

GDP (nominal): Provisional estimates for 2002, $3.75 billion; 15.8% ($593.2 million) from international companies, 12.9% ($484 million) from real estate and rental, 12.6% ($470.8 million) from financial intermediation, 9.4% ($351.5 million) from wholesale, retail trade and repair services, 6.3% ($237.7 million) from the hotel and restaurant sector, 6.1% ($230.5 million) from construction, and 36.9% ($1.38 billion) from other sectors. ... [Read More]

US Department Of State Post Report

Expatriates may purchase only those houses or condominiums listed as available for sale to non-Bermudians.  The list is short and the properties are expensive.  Homes that can be sold to non-Bermudians must have a minimum annual rental value (ARV) of  $126,000, and must meet several other restrictions.  First generation expatriates can inherit as long as the residence's minimum annual rental value meets or exceeds the ARV required for non-Bermudian ownership.  The inheritors must pay a fee and provide a copy of the will, but they are exempt from paying the government tax for first-time overseas purchasers.  ... [Read More]

Middle East Update Public Announcement

This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the region. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on November 11, 2004, and expires on September 13, 2005. The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and inter ... [Read More]

Mexico Public Announcement Supplement

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the deterioration in recent weeks of local law enforcement in Cancun caused by a persistent shortage of municipal funds to pay for police and public services. Police responsiveness to emergency calls and investigation of crimes has been severely impaired, and the U.S. Consulate in Merida has received several reports of petty corruption and extortion aimed at U.S. travelers. This Public Announcement supplements the Announcement issued on January 26 and it expires on May 31. [Read More]

Ireland

As driving is on the left side of the road in Ireland, motorists without experience in left drive countries should be especially cautious.  Tourists driving on the wrong side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year.  Turning on red is not legal in Ireland.  The vast majority of the rental cars are stick shift; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.  Road conditions are generally good, but once off main highways, country roads quickly become narrow, uneven and winding.  Roads are more dangerous during the summer and on holiday weekends due to an increase in traffic.  More information on driving in Ireland can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Dublin’s webpage at http://usembassy.state.gov/ireland/driving.html. ... [Read More]

Chile

Visitors to Chile must have an international driver's permit in order to drive legally in Chile. Although car rental firms will rent to customers with only a U.S. driver's license, the police have detained several persons for lengthy periods for driving without a valid international permit. ...

CHILDREN'S ISSUES : For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html . ... [Read More]

Austria

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contract.  Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented vehicles into eastern European countries.  Drivers attempting to enter countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft.  The vehicle can be held by Austrian police for the car rental company. ... [Read More]

US State Department Road Safety Overseas

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

Aruba

Car theft, including that of rental vehicles for joy riding and stripping, can occur. Vehicle leases or rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen or damaged. Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles and jet skis. For more information see the section below entitled “Special Circumstances.” ...

An unusually competitive fee to rent jet skis or other water sports equipment could indicate that the dealer is unlicensed or uninsured. Visitors planning to rent jet skis or other water sports equipment should carefully review all liability and insurance forms presented to them before signing any contracts or agreements. The renter is often fully responsible for replacement costs and fees associated with any damages that occur during the rental period. Visitors may be required to pay these fees in full before being allowed to leave Aruba, and may be subject to civil or criminal penalties if they cannot or will not make payment. Please see our information on customs regulations. ... [Read More]