Cayman Islands / Island Essentials

By Tim Ecott

All travellers to the Cayman Islands will need to know the essential island facts. The information on the Cayman Islands shown below is current (2011).

Currency/Credit Cards

The currency of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands Dollar, which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of CI$ = US$1.25, making a useful conversion US$5 equals CI$4. US dollars are definitely a valid currency and they are accepted everywhere. Prices are often quoted in both currencies.

Major credit cards and Traveller’s Cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Check-In/Check-Out

Check-out times vary between 11am and 12 noon and check-in is seldom prior to 3pm, during which time accommodations are made ready for new arrivals. Normally these times are not an issue as most international flight arrivals into the Cayman Islands are in the mid or late afternoon. Some properties may provide day rooms/shower facilities subject to availability.

Departure Tax/Taxes

There is a departure tax of US$25, but it is often included in the price of your ticket.

Cayman islanders and companies are not subject to any form of direct taxation. However, an import tax of between 5% and 20% is imposed on almost all imported goods

Electricity

Domestic current runs at 110 volts AC, 60 Cycles and uses 2 pin sockets in US style.

Embassies/Consulates

There are no foreign embassies or high commissions in the Cayman Islands, which is British Overseas Territory, however there are honorary consuls or full representation in Jamaica.

United Kingdom

The Governor’s Office will assist British nationals with emergencies. It is located at Suite 202, Second Floor, The Smith Road Centre, 154 Smith Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, t 244 2401

USA
There is a US Consular Agency located at Cayman Centre, Unit B1, 118 Dorcy Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman, t 945 8173

The nearest US Embassy for Americans citizens is located in Kingston, Jamaica: American Embassy, 142, Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica, t 876 702 6000 and the contact for American Citizen Services is t 876 702 6000 | kingstonacs@state.gov

Canada
Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from the High Commission of Canada in Jamaica, which has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands: Canadian High Commission, 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, PO Box 1500, Jamaica, t 1 876 926 1500 | kngtn@international.gc.ca

Consular assistance and further information can also be obtained from the Honorary Consulate at 3rd Floor Landmark Square, Unit 3F, 64 Earth Close, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, t 949-9400 | cdncon.cayman@candw.ky

Emergencies

Police – 911 or for General Enquiries/Central Police Station t 949 4222

Fire – 911

Ambulance – 911 & 555

Hospital – 911 or for General Enquiries t 949 8600

Decompression Chamber - 911 & 555

Medical

Like the rest of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands have a hot but fairly benign climate. If you are unlucky enough in your holiday to need a doctor and you are staying in a hotel then your first port of call should probably be your hotel front desk as most of them have a doctor on call. Otherwise, particularly if you are staying in an apartment or a private house, there are medical facilities in the recently expanded Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town, t 949 8600. There are also several clinics if all you need is a prescription. A 24 hour hyperbaric decompression chamber is available for divers and an air ambulance service for other emergencies

Vaccinations are not required for entry into the Cayman Islands with the exception of travellers who are coming from an area infected with Yellow Fever.

Cayman Islands Hospital, Grand Cayman - 949 8600

Savannah Medical Clinic & Pharmacy - 749 6066

Cayman Brac Hospital - 948 2243

Little Cayman Clinic - 948 0072

There is no permanent doctor on Little Cayman. A resident nurse is available and handles certain emergencies.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

Cayman Islands Hospital, #95 Hospital Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, t 949 8600 c/o the Cayman Islands Health Services, http://www.hsa.ky/

Nudity

You will not find any nude beaches in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. The Caymanians are very modest and so you are asked to confine beachwear to the beach to avoid offence.

Service Charge/Tipping

Many restaurants will add Service charges automatically – generally 10% although some will add 15%.

Time Zone

The Cayman Islands are in the Eastern Standard Time Zone, the same as the eastern seaboard of the United States. The islands do not observe Daylight Saving Time and so in the summer, when the eastern seaboard moves onto Summer Time, the islands are an hour behind.

During the winter the Cayman Islands are five hours behind Britain (GMT) and six behind mainland Europe, and during the summer (British Summer Time) they are six hours behind Britain and seven behind Europe.