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Cayman Frequently Asked Questions
Entry Concerns
- I would like to work in the Cayman Islands. What is the procedure?
- Do I need a Visa to enter the Cayman Islands?
- Do I need a passport to enter the Cayman Islands
Customs Regulations
- Can we bring meat in to the Cayman Islands?
- What about groceries?
Weather
- What about hurricanes?
- Will it rain while I am there?
- What about the heat?
Diving
- Why is Cayman's diving so good?
- What is Bloody Bay Marine Park?
Internet/E Mail Access
- Where can I find internet or email access on the Islands?
Bus Service
- Are there Public buses?
Health
- What if I get sick?
- Where can I workout while I am there?
Accommodations
- Can we camp in the Cayman Islands?
- Are there nude beaches or nudebathing?
- Any Casinos?
- What is the legal drinking age?
Money / Exchange Rate
- Do you have your own currency?
- Is the US dollar accepted there & what is the exchange rate?
- Where can I go banking or open an account?
Activities
- What is there for my kids to do?
- Where can I play Golf?
Getting Married
- Can we get married in the Islands?
- What if we just want to renew our vows?
Festivals
- What festivals are celebrated on the island?
Inter Island Travel
- How can I get to the Sister Islands?
I would like to work in the Cayman Islands. What is the procedure?
The agencies listed below will be able to guide you through the correct procedures for securing employment here. Contact them for more information.
Baraud Intl. Recruitment & Personnel Service
Email: baraud@candw.ky
Kare Secretarial Services
Email: kt@candw.ky
Personnel 2000
Email: p2000@candw.ky
Professional Secretarial & Managerial Service Ltd.
Email: psmscyn@candw.ky
You could also investigate the possibility of subscribing to Cayman Free Press, publishers of our weekday newspaper: The Caymanian Compass. This is a good source for job listings.
Cayman Free Press
P. O. Box 1365
George Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands BWI
Tel: (345) 949-5111
Fax: (345) 949-7033
Email: cfp@candw.ky
Do I need a Visa to enter the Cayman Islands?
If you are American, British, Canadian, a citizen of another Commonwealth country or a national of any of the following you will not require a Visa:
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Irish Republic, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, San Merino, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & Venezuela.
Do I need a passport to enter the Cayman Islands?
You will need a valid passport and possibly a visa, or, if you are from the US, UK, Canada or any of the other Commonwealth countries an original birth certificate / proof of citizenship with current picture identification is sufficient. Please note that you are also required to have a return or ongoing ticket and that a Voter's Registration Card is no longer considered valid proof of US citizenship and is therefore not valid ID for re-entry into the US.
Can we bring meat in to the Cayman Islands?
Yes you can, though you may be charged duty if the amount is more than US$35, or if the quantity exceeds what H.M. Customs considers a reasonable amount for your personal consumption while in Cayman.
Meat and other cold cuts coming out of the US must have the USDA stamp of approval, preferably stored in the original supermarket packaging and it has to be inspected by a representative of the Department of Agriculture who is usually found in the Customs area of the Airport terminal.
What about groceries?
You are allowed to bring groceries into the Islands. However, we have very well stocked supermarkets, a local farmers' market in Grand Cayman and numerous mini marts and Gas station service marts where you can purchase groceries.
What about hurricanes?
The Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends officially on November 30th. The Cayman Islands is located in the far Western Caribbean, 480 miles south of Miami, 150 miles south of Cuba, 180 miles Northwest of Jamaica and more than 1,000 miles West of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the Leeward Islands.
The Caribbean is a large region and most storms have shown a tendency to veer to the Northwest (towards the US Mainland) long before reaching the far Western Caribbean area. Consequently, the Cayman Islands has generally been spared the full wrath of devastating hurricanes. The last occurred in 1932, and the most recent brushes which caused some property damage, were Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which passed 30 miles south of Grand Cayman, and Hurricane Mitch in 1998 passing about 200 miles to the south.
Will it rain while I am there?
The year divides into two seasons, the summer or 'rainy' season, generally from mid-May through October, moving into the winter or 'dry' season, from November to April. March and April are our driest months and May and October are traditionally the highest rainfall months.
This of course, does not mean that it rains constantly during either of those months, but reflects the trend within our region. Being in a tropical zone, it is not unusual to have brief afternoon showers during the summer, and, at certain times, brief morning sprinkles too. Similar to most West Indian Islands, rainfall tends to be higher in the western sections.
What about the heat?
The average temperature in the winter is 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees in the summer. Winter or summer, the temperature generally stays within the range of 70 - 90 degrees. The months with the least humidity and lowest temperatures are December through April, February occasionally recording night-time temperatures in the mid 60's, and March probably being the most 'temperate' month of the year. We should also point out that most properties offer air-conditioned rooms, and the seasonal trade winds in our region help to make our islands even more enjoyable.
Why is Cayman's diving so good?
There are a lot of reasons. First of all we aren't mountainous and don't have rivers, so we don't have run-off into the oceans, inhibiting reef development. Second, all three Cayman Islands are actually submerged mountains tops so we have incredible walls all around the islands, reaching in some areas 20,000 feet or more in depth! Third, we have always been very conscious of our precious resource and guarded it by establishing Marine Parks, limiting fishing, virtually spear fishing, outlawing anchoring, educating divers and self-policing the behaviour of our dive operations.
What is Bloody Bay Marine Park?
It is a diver's paradise just off the north shore of Little Cayman. The park contains the world famous Bloody Bay Wall which is certainly worth protecting. Also, in the same marine park is Jackson's Wall. Jackson's Wall is home to many favorite dive site too.
Where can I find Internet or email access on the Islands?
Access is available at the following places on Grand Cayman:
Pirates Den Restaurant at tel: (345) 949-7144, fax: (345) 949-9093 or email: pdspub@candw.ky
Chelsea's Sports Bar & Billiards at tel: (345) 949-8042
Cable & Wireless (CI) Ltd. at tel: (345) 949-7800 or fax: (345) 949- 5472
There is currently no public access available on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman
Are there Public buses?
There is a daily bus service which runs from 6 am until midnight depending on the route and the day of travel. The bus fare also depends on the route and varies between CI$1.50 to CI$3.00 per person.
What if I get sick?
The Government of the Cayman Islands has recently completed the expansion of its main hospital into a large Health Services Complex located in George Town, Grand Cayman. It boasts modern equipment and facilities, in addition to an increased number of highly trained personnel. A 24 hour hyperbaric decompression chamber is available for divers and an air ambulance service for other emergencies. The telephone number is (345) 949-8600. There is also a private hospital currently under construction and a number of other private facilities that offer a variety of professional medical services.
In Cayman Brac, there is the government hospital, Faith Hospital. The number is (345) 948-2243/2245. There is a small clinic in Little Cayman that can be reached at (345) 948-1051.
Where can I exercise while I am in the Cayman Islands?
A number of Resorts and Condominiums have gym facilities available to their guests. In addition, you can contact any of the following fitness centres on Grand Cayman for rates and times.
New Image Health Club at telephone number (345) 949-7016
Fitness Connection at telephone number (345) 949-8485
World Gym Fitness Center at telephone number (345) 949-5132
Can we camp in the Cayman Islands?
Visitors are not permitted to camp on the Cayman Islands as there are no designated Camp sites. The Cayman Islands offer a wide variety of accommodations to suit any budget.
Are there nude beaches or nudebathing?
You will not find any nude beaches in the Cayman Islands in fact, please note that the Cayman Islands Law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. Many business places also request that you wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.
Any Casinos?
No. We do not have any casinos in the Cayman Islands. Gambling on the islands is prohibited by law.
What is the legal drinking age?
18 years and older. Our Rum punches can pack a punch, so please remember no drinking and driving.
Do you have your own currency?
Yes we do! The Cayman Islands currency was first issued in 1972. The basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 and coins valued at 25 cents, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
Is the US dollar accepted there & what is the exchange rate?
Yes it is widely accepted throughout the islands. CI$1.00 equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. This rate may also vary on the company / business doing the exchange.
Where can I go banking or open an account?
Banking information can be obtained from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority at cima@cimoney.com.ky or c.scotland@cimoney.com.ky.
You can also visit their web site at www.cimoney.com.ky.
What is there for my kids to do?
They will enjoy the various watersports like the banana boats, two person parasailing or discovering our fantastic marine world through snorkelling and swimming with colourful tropical fish. Adolescents over 12 years can also learn to dive! View our amazing underwater reefs in submarines, semi-submersibles and glass bottom boats. Not to be missed is our famous Stingray City snorkel trip where everyone becomes a child at heart swimming with tamed southern stingrays in their natural habitat, the open sea.
There is the Cayman Turtle Farm located in West Bay where you can find many different species, sizes and ages of turtles in addition to indigenous animals and birds. US$6 for adults and no admission fee for children under 6 years.
For younger kids, Cardinal D's park houses many animals indigenous to the Cayman Islands and allows children to feed the animals. Other activities include mini-golf, a ferry ride to Rum Point, a visit to the Cayman Islands Museum, and the multi-media theatre at Pedro St. James Historic Site. For kids 10 years and older Horseback riding is available, as well as cycling, golf and tennis.
Some hotels also host Kid camps for children under the age of 12. If you are visiting our National Festival Pirates Weeks there are numerous activities for children
Where can I play Golf?
There are two golf courses in the Cayman Islands, both located on Grand Cayman. The Britannia Golf Course is a unique 18 hole executive with par 3's and 4's. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday mornings the course is played Executive format. Otherwise it is played as a very challenging 9 hole regulation course (twice for 18 if you so desire).
The course is usually played with regular golf balls, however the Cayman Ball (that travels half the distance of a normal ball) was specially developed by course designer Jack Nicklaus with the executive course in mind to give golfers the feel of playing a regulation course on an executive layout. Some visitors like to try their hand at this very different experience!
Phone: 345-949-8020
Fax: 345-945-3406
The Links at Safe Haven is a par 71, 18 hole championship layout, measuring 6,525 yards and featuring Caribbean trade winds in a natural setting reminiscent of an old Scottish links. Home to the Caribbean Amateur Championships in 1997, and winner of the 1998 Best Golf Course in the Caribbean Award by Caribbean World magazine, the Links is beautifully landscaped with native plants and trees, offering scenic views of the North Sound. Its North Sound signature hole, a par 3, hole number 11, is a humbling 235 yards from the tips played into strong Caribbean trade winds. Ample practice putting greens, bunkers and an aqua driving range complete this golf experience.
Both the Britannia and the Links are open to the public every day, offering clubhouse facilities, full bar and refreshment cart service. Handicap cards are only required for tournaments.
Phone: 345-949-5988
Fax: 345-949-5457
Can we get married in the Islands?
Couples can marry the day they arrive in the Cayman Islands, including visitors arriving by cruise ship. You must first arrange for a marriage officer within the Cayman Islands and apply for a special marriage license for non-residents granted by the Governor. Contact the Deputy Chief Secretary's office for more information.
What if we just want to renew our vows?
All you would need is a marriage officer and your proof of marriage. All other details relating to your special moment can be arranged at your discretion.
What festivals are celebrated in the Islands?
Pirates Week
The end of October is a very exciting time to be visiting Grand Cayman. Our National Pirates Week Festival is celebrated at that time. The festivities usual start with the first of many fireworks displays viewed best from Hog Sty Bay in George Town. There is a spectacular parade through George Town, heritage days throughout the week, costume contests, music, street dances, food festivals and sporting events during the ten day celebration! The celebration features many activities for children.
Batabano Carnival
Since its humble beginnings in 1984 as a community event which closed the tourism season, Rotary's Batabano Carnival has grown to become one of the Cayman Islands' most popular National Tourism Attractions. This carnival draws thousands of residents and visitors out into the streets to enjoy the music and dancing of the Mas' (short for Masquerade). With over 500 costumed participants in the Mas' , Batabano's Street Parade is a wonderfully colourful spectacle enjoyed by adults and children of all ages.
How can I get to the Sister Islands?
You can book passage for Inter-island Travel from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman through Island Air at telephone number 345-949-5252, fax number 345-949-7044 or by email air@candw.ky. Cayman Airways also offers a 737 jet service from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac. The toll free number is 1-800-327-8777 and in the Cayman Islands (345) 949-8200.
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