Getting started

Introduction

We would like to congratulate you again on successfully finding and accepting your new job. Your whole life is about to step up a gear! This article will help you get started: giving advice on how to set about getting your work permit and general tips to make your move as easy as possible.

Getting your work permit

It is normal practice for job offers to be made subject to references proving satisfactory and a work permit being approved. An implied condition is also that you will supply the required work permit documentation within a reasonable time period. Therefore be sure to complete your immigration and work permit application on a timely basis. It can take typically anywhere from 4-8 weeks on average to get final approval after your completed application has been received on the Island so you will need to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

Make sure you provide everything that is requested, exactly as specified, together with supporting documentation (e.g. certified* passport photos, certified proof of qualifications, medical and police clearances/criminal checks**). Note that it is best to assemble the relevant paperwork and submit it to your new employer as a single package rather than submitting documents separately. Click for detailed information on work permits in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.

Additionally, be sure to return your completed package by courier (as opposed to air mail, recorded delivery)***. This is the only way of ensuring that your application is received promptly (despite what your local post office might say!) and even then it sometimes takes a few days longer than they claim. You will normally be allowed to reclaim the cost of this as part of your relocation package.

What to take with you

You should check with your new employer as to the dress code in the office. Some companies are business casual whereas others prefer their staff to wear suits. (If you are going to Bermuda and the company dress code is formal then men are expected to wear suits in winter and Bermuda shorts the rest of the year - if so, you can bring a blazer from overseas and buy the Bermuda shorts and accompanying socks once you’ve arrived on the Island). Tailored dresses, skirts and blouses, ladies' pant suits and short suits are usually considered acceptable forms of office attire for women.

Outside of work and casually, men may choose for much of the time to wear golf or polo shirts, T-shirts, shorts and deck shoes. Casually, women can of course wear pretty much what they choose. Note, however, that skimpy swimsuits, very short skirts and tiny tops should be kept to the beach or by the swimming pool rather than in town (some of the Islanders can be a little on the conservative side).

You should also take your driving licence. Proof of any no-claims history may be useful too when it comes to getting local insurance cover for driving. (By the way, we once had a candidate who tried to ship his car from the UK to the Cayman Islands. Don’t do this! Vehicles can easily be bought locally). And, aside from your passport, make sure you have your work permit with you (or ensure that this will be to hand immediately on your arrival at the airport) so that you can pass through Immigration quickly.

Bringing your personal effects

There is generally a good market for buying used equipment (transport, TVs) and furniture. Many employers will provide an excess baggage/customs allowance as part of your relocation package. You are encouraged to bring your belongings as excess baggage rather than air-freighting or shipping because it is cheaper and, if anything goes missing, the recovery search can be initiated much more quickly (plus air-freighting is costly and shipping is slow). Many firms will give you a reclaimable allowance specifically to cover your excess baggage costs.

Expect things to be different

You should not necessarily expect things on the Island to operate in exactly the same way as they do at home. Different countries and cultures have different ways of doing things so do not be surprised to encounter different approaches to life and work, from simple things such as Sunday shopping to office attire and etiquette. You'll also find the pace of life is quite laid back, especially when dealing with the locals.

Arrival at the airport & handling customs

Just prior to landing on the Island, all passengers are asked to complete a simple arrival form stating the purpose of their journey (to reside). You should be prepared for customs to ask you about the contents of your suitcases. It's normal for occasional searches are conducted on a random basis, and note that importing drugs is a serious offence. Once you are a resident, customs duty will generally be levied on your personal effects as you bring them into the Island. However, upon initial arrival, you will usually enjoy a more relaxed approach to import duties on used personal effects (such as clothes, sports gear, electronic equipment etc). Note that it is in your best interests to state that your effects are used (i.e. not brand new) and to keep their deemed value down.

Customs declaration forms are usually aimed at residents who may have gone on shopping trips abroad rather than first-time arrivers – check with your new employer that this is the case for your Island – so you may not have to complete one. Accordingly, some companies advise that you do not list all your goods with attached values thereon for presentation to customs (although it might be a good idea to retain such a list privately for the airline in case any luggage goes missing). Of course, you will also find that the customs officers at the airport will be able to help you fill out the appropriate form after inspection of your effects; in any case, we recommend you take some advice from your employer so you get it right and avoid any unnecessary expenses.

Entry visas for the USA and Canada

If you are from a country (such as South Africa) that requires an entry visa to visit either the States or Canada, it may well make sense to obtain one of these prior to relocating to the Island. Visas can be necessary even if you will only be in, say, the US in transit. Plus, you may want to visit the States and/or Canada anyway for personal reasons or occasional business trips. Where possible, we therefore recommend you contact your local US/Canadian embassy or consulate to arrange the visa in advance.

Making a good first impression when you arrive

You will usually be met by prior arrangement at the airport by your new employer. They will guide you to your hotel or guest house and may also arrange to show you around the office or Island.

It is important to remember that first impressions count, particularly at work. The first few days and weeks will be when your new employer will be looking for reassurance that they made the right decision in choosing you to join their office. You can do this by demonstrating enthusiasm and professional commitment in your new role. Most candidates decide to remain offshore beyond their initial contract duration so it pays to get off to a good start from the outset. Reputations - good and bad - can be earned quickly and are hard to change once established.

Developing your social circle

It is amazingly easy to make new friends on the Island. You will find that the slightly slower pace of life means that everyone has the time to get to know new people. Bear in mind that nearly all the professional staff at the offshore companies are expatriates too and that most of them, when they first arrived, did not know anyone either - they know what it's like and will go out of their way to be friendly and helpful. Rest assured, it's a very sociable place!

Settling in quickly Work allowing, we encourage you to sign up for as many new activities as you can even if, like most new expatriates, you haven’t tried many of them before. Sports, sailing, diving and the other activities on offer are an excellent way of making new friends. Bearing in mind our point about first impressions, however, be careful not to overdo it. No company is interested in keeping on employees who are clearly only after a ‘working holiday’ and can't cope professionally with the change in living and social environment.

Unsurprisingly, the first couple of weeks are the hardest. Like anyone else, you will be brand new to the Island and probably won’t know anyone when you first get there. However, stick with it and things will improve dramatically: you’ll soon start to get to know people through work and also through extra-curricular activities (of which there are a lot!). Additionally, if you’re planning on moving in to a house-share then you’ll soon be making some new friendships there as well. Make an effort and we guarantee it won't be long before you're feeling at home on the Island!

Finding accommodation

Everyone rents rather than buys. Although buying is possible/affordable in some jurisdictions, in Bermuda, for example, there are purchase taxes to discourage overseas investors from speculating in property and pricing local residents out of the market. (We suggest that, if you wish to invest in property, you consider doing this in your home country whilst renting on the Island).

To help you settle in, most employers will put you up in free or subsidised accommodation such as a hotel or guest house when you first arrive. During this time, you'll be expected to begin to look for a longer term place of your own. We recommend that you consider looking to share accommodation. Sharing will be cheaper than getting somewhere on your own - plus it has the added benefit of plugging you into a social network, helping you make new friends quickly.

It's best to start your search as soon as you've arrived on the Island. Don't just take the first place you see - shop around. Common ways of finding accommodation include local newspaper adverts (look for adverts placed by landlords - alternatively, you can put in an 'accommodation/room wanted' advert of your own), office email or bulletin boards and real estate agents. Word of mouth is especially helpful so don't be afraid to tell people that you're looking - they may be able to help. At larger firms, you may also find that some other people in your office may be looking for a new housemate so this option can be worth exploring. (For those going to Bermuda, we recommend that you also check out Bermuda Classifieds online where you can sign up for free e-bulletins on available accommodation).

Arranging your finances

As would be the case moving anywhere new, you should anticipate the first few months to involve more financial outlay than normal. This is because on arrival you’ll most likely be buying some personal effects (e.g. a scooter/jeep, TV, new clothes) and paying a rent deposit. This will work its way through the system after a couple of months. Note also that the second-hand market is very good on the Islands so you can pick up used items (e.g. golf clubs, diving gear, furniture, transport) quite cheaply and, provided you look after them, sell them on at a later date to recoup a good part of your initial outlay. (A few employers may offer a staff loan or, exceptionally, a settling-in allowance to help defray these set-up costs).

Opening a bank account

This is straightforward. Requirements to open an account vary but often include the following: your passport, work permit, a current bank reference (addressed To Whom It May Concern) and a letter of introduction from your new employer. Both the Bank of Bermuda and the Bank of Butterfield are major service providers in Grand Cayman and Bermuda. In the British Virgin Islands, accounts can be opened with First Caribbean (formerly Barclays), Bank of Nova Scotia, First Bank of Puerto Rico or Banco Popular. Your new employer will guide you to a good local bank.

Electrical supply and adapters

In Bermuda, electricity is supplied by the Bermuda Electric Light Company (known locally as “Belco”). The supply is 120 volts/60 Hz AC. There is a $50 hook-up charge and expatriate customers pay a (refundable) $150 deposit when opening a first account. Electricity in Grand Cayman is provided by Caribbean Utilities Co Ltd and, as in the USA, the supply is 110 volts/60 Hz. The same voltage applies in the BVI where the main supplier is the BVI Electricity Corporation. Candidates from the UK taking any electrical goods offshore can pick up North America-compatible adapters at the airport or on the Island (we suggest you bring small, portable appliances only and leave larger ones such as stereo systems or your TV behind).

Telecom and Internet

In Bermuda, there is a choice of Internet providers including Northrock and Logic Communications. Note that Northrock also provides a cheap-rate telephone service called 2020-321. Cable & Wireless (Cayman) provides a similar service in that jurisdiction as does Cable & Wireless (BVI). An example of an ISP provider in the Bahamas is Coral Wave and in Barbados there is Sunbeach.

Saving on flight costs

You can expect to enjoy opportunities for a great deal more travel in the next few years. It's worth exploring frequent-flyer programmes with airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines and Air Canada, amongst others. (With BA, for instance, you might want to consider joining the BA Executive Club to earn air miles for each journey flown. At the time of writing, they offer an additional 10% off travel costs to BA shareholders who have a holding of 200 shares. Various schemes may also allow you to include family and friends on your travel account). If you're moving to Bermuda, you may additionally want to check out the Meyer-Franklin Travel website. This travel agency often has information on new seat sale promotions.

Avoiding feeling homesick

It’s normal especially in the first few weeks for some to feel a little homesick but a few simple steps can help to minimise this: A) When you arrive, keep busy! Get involved in as many work and social activities as possible; B) Share a house or apartment with other professionals; C) Plan for some family or friends to come out and visit you 3-4 months after you’ve started… this way, you’ll have something on the horizon to keep you going should you hit a blue patch. (By then you'll have settled in anyway!).

We’re confident that you’ll find it very easy to make new friends offshore and that, from experience, family or friends from home will probably be very keen to come and make the most of a free holiday staying with you!

Respect the locals

As a general rule, the local population recognises the value of ‘guest workers’ from overseas coming to work in their country and the beneficial effects this has on the domestic economy, so Islanders will generally be very welcoming to new people.

Because life on the Island is similar to any other small-town community, you should take care to show respect to all members of the local population. Time spent developing friendships with locals can result in invaluable help when it comes to local information (e.g. finding accommodation, social events, cheap travel deals).

Islanders are typically quite religious and generally very polite. It is normal to exchange basic pleasantries so remember to say "Good morning" and "Please" when dealing with them or you will be considered very rude. It makes for a better environment for everyone so remember that common courtesy is very important.

Continued development

A number of accountants take the chance on the Island to add to their qualifications, complementing the new professional experience they are getting at work. See our further study page for more information.

More research

If you want to find out more about the Islands or topics such as US GAAP before going, then feel free to visit our online bookstore which is run in affiliation with Amazon.

Additional help

Most offshore firms are staffed primarily by expatriates and are practised in helping new employees settle into Island life, which will make your life easier. Remember that if you need anything else, you can contact us any time and we will be pleased to advise you further.

Refer a friend

Now that your own future is secure, if you know any other qualified accountants or lawyers who may be interested in a new career offshore, we would be pleased to help them and you'll earn a reward for the introduction. Visit our Refer A Friend page and invite them to visit our website. Who knows - soon they could be coming out to join you!

Refer a job

We're always looking for new job opportunities on the Islands that may be of interest to overseas professionals. If you hear of a vacancy at your new firm or any other company on the Island, please let us know. If we're able to help someone successfully, we'll be delighted to pay you a referral bonus for this assistance too.

Professional accreditations

Hamilton Recruitment is a member of the Bermuda & Cayman Islands Chambers of Commerce and is staffed by members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

Contact information

Hamilton Recruitment Limited
Suite 370, 2 Lansdowne Row
Berkeley Square, London
England W1X 8HL

And finally.....

You now have an enviable opportunity to start a new career and enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a world-class offshore location... be sure to make the most of it!!!

All best wishes,

The Hamilton Recruitment team.

Additional notes

*Certified means you get a photocopy of your passport/qualification made by, and stamped by, a notary/solicitor/attorney to affirm that it is an unaltered copy of a genuine official document. **If you are going to Bermuda you will need a police clearance certificate whereas if you are going to the Cayman Islands, for instance, you may be able instead to submit a notarised affidavit, which will be much quicker to obtain. Check with your employer what is required as it's important to get it right first time. People in the UK should note that obtaining a police clearance certificate can technically take up to 40 working days so the sooner you make a start, the better. Go to your local police station and fill out form 3019b (Data Protection Act consent) - you will need to take your passport as proof of ID plus a utility bill confirming your address, and it costs £10. For further guidance if needed, you can call the Scotland Yard (ask to talk to the Subject Access Office) on 0207 230 1212. Those based in Canada may choose to make use of a service such as InfoCheck Ltd (form: Consent to Disclosure of Criminal Records and Information).

***International couriers include Federal Express, UPS, DHL and TNT. A typical courier package from, say, the UK to, say, Bermuda may cost around £50 to send (you should aim to recover this from your employer at a later date) and can take 4-5 days to deliver, depending on your location.

The courier will need the name, address and a telephone number from you for the intended recipient. Also, be sure not to seal the package before the courier has arrived as they will probably need to verify the contents (e.g. to ensure there are no illegal items) prior to accepting it from you.