Grand Cayman Basics

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Time: Local time is GMT -5.

Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. American style two-pin plugs are standard.

Money: The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. It is fixed to the US dollar at US$1.20. Currency can be exchanged at the banks, bureaux de change and many hotels. Banks are open Monday to Saturday. US Dollars are accepted as payment in most establishments and are the preferred currency for exchange as both cash and as travellers cheques. ATMs are widely available and major credit and debit cards are accepted.

Currency Exchange Rates

KYD 1.00 =

A$ 1.86

C$ 1.48

IRR 10.80

NZ$ 2.15

£ 0.81

US$ 1.20

R 12.46

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: English is the official language.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a valid passport or proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalisation certificate, accompanied by an official photo ID (e.g. driver's licence), for travel to the Cayman Islands and can travel visa free for no longer than six months (return or onward ticket required). Passports or other documents must be valid beyond the intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months is possible) for passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a passport for travel to the Cayman Islands providing they hold a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and do not stay longer than six months (onward or return ticket required). No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must have a valid passport beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions are possible for up to six months).

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay in the Cayman Islands. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid at least beyond the intended period of stay and no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors are required to hold sufficient funds for intended period of stay in the Cayman Islands, as well as a return or onward ticket and documents required for further travel. Entry may be refused if not complying with general appearance, behaviour and clothing requirements. Visas are usually for 30 days, provided coming for tourist purposes. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Health: There are no specific health risks and food and water are considered safe, however note that some types of tropical reef fish may be poisonous when eaten, even well cooked. Dengue fever has been reported from the Caribbean region and insect protection measures should be taken. Medical facilities are relatively good; there is both a public and private hospital, one with a decompression chamber. Serious cases will normally be transferred to Miami. Visitors should take out adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the possible need for air ambulance.

Tipping: Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10 to 15% service charge to the bill, otherwise a gratuity of the same amount is expected. At hotels, a 10% government tax is also usually added to the cost of your room. Taxi drivers expect a 10 to 15% tip.

Safety: The Cayman Islands has a relatively low crime rate. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to take the usual sensible precautions as they would anywhere else in respect of their personal safety and belongings. Do not leave valuables lying about, keep them in a hotel or other safety deposit box. Visitors should be aware of the risk of flooding during hurricane season (June to November) and follow local advice with regards to leaving the island in the event of an approaching hurricane.

Customs: The culture is a blend of American, British and West Indian traditions. The churchgoing Caymanians appreciate politeness and modesty - topless bathing and nudity is illegal and beachwear in not acceptable off the beach.

Business: The Cayman Islands are one of the principal financial centres in the world. The hub of business occurs in George Town on Grand Cayman. Business dress within the financial industry is formal, but other businesses may have a more relaxed protocol. After hours meetings are usually fairly casual. Handshakes on introduction are followed by the exchange of business cards. General business hours are 8am to 5pm, while banks open at 9am and close at 4pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international access code for the Cayman Islands is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 345. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). International direct dialling is available. Mobile phone coverage is good and operates on a GSM 900/1800 network; phones can be rented. Internet cafes are widely available.

Duty free: Travellers entering the Cayman Islands may take 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco, as well as one litre of alcohol, without paying duty on these.