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To get to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, is it best by boat or air?
Almost all travellers to the Sister Islands (Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) take a plane, and we don't know of any accessible sea link -- unless you charter a boat privately. Island Air, based here in Grand Cayman, is the most popular carrier to both islands, and Cayman Airways has flights only to the Brac. Another popular "side trip" from Grand Cayman is to Cuba.
Do we need to change money before or upon arrival -- at a bank?
No, it's not necessary. US$ cash, travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted everywhere on the island. And the exchange rate is the same as at the local banks. Generally, prices for hotels and other lodging, as well as car rental and scuba diving, are quoted in US$, while all else, including restaurant meals, are posted in CI$ (one CI$ is worth US$1.25 -- US$1.00 is worth CI$0.80). This is a fixed rate, and does not fluctuate according to the currency market. Consult our website money converter for US and other currencies. There's a slight advantage in bringing US$ travellers' cheques rather than cash -- you'll get CI$0.82 for each US dollar, but only when exchanging them at a local bank. Since the CI dollar is not an internationally negociated currency, it's not available outside the Cayman Islands and you'll want to reconvert any you have left into US$ or another currency before you leave the islands. By the way, don't bother emptying your piggy bank and hauling your loose change with you when you leave home -- US and other foreign coins are not accepted at banks or anywhere else in the Cayman Islands.
Do we need adaptors or transformers for our electrical devices?
Not if you're from the USA or Canada -- all electrical outlets are 110VAC, 60 cycles. If you're from the UK and other parts of Europe, and your devices are dual-voltage (110VAC/240VAC), we have a good selection of plug adaptors on hand at the Inn that are compatible with local outlets. We can also lend you a low-wattage transformer with which you can use a number of small, 220-240VAC devices (e.g., electric razors, toothbrushes, radios, tape recorders, etc.).
Is there a time difference between the Cayman Islands and New York?
Like the east coast of the USA, the Cayman Islands are on Eastern Standard Time (EST), and there's no time difference between October and April. But, since we don't adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, there is an hour difference between mid-April to mid-October. During those months, it's an hour earlier here.
Are the stores and supermarkets open late?
Stores are generally open from about 9:00am to 5:00 or 6:00pm, six days a week, although many close about 1:00pm on Saturday. The supermarkets keep longer hours, and are open from 7:00am to 10:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Except for restaurants and gas stations (which often include a convenience store), and a number of shops catering to cruiseship passengers, virtually everything is closed on Sunday.
Can we buy wine and beer at the supermarket?
No, there are no alcoholic beverages sold at supermarkets. Beer, wine and spirits are sold at licensed liquor stores, privately owned and located throughout Grand Cayman. These stores are closed on Sunday (although liquor is available every day of the week at restaurants and hotels), but open generally from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Compared to the US, prices are high except at duty-free shops when leaving the island.
Can we bring alcohol and cigarettes with us when entering the Cayman Islands?
According to the latest Customs Declaration (October 2001), all arriving passengers aged 18 years or older may bring with them up to one litre of spirits or four litres of wine or one case of beer (not exceeding eight litres). They can also bring in up to two hundred cigarettes or one hundred cigarillos or twenty-five cigars or two hundred and fifty grammes of tobacco.
Do US citizens have to have a passport to enter the Cayman Islands?
Yes, they do. However, it is possible to enter without a passport if you can present either a sworn affidavit prepared by a Justice of the Peace (or Notary Public), or a birth certificate along with photo identification. But a passport is your quickest way through Immigration.
Is there a speed limit in the Cayman Islands -- are seat belts required?
Yes, there are speed limits posted (in mph, not kilometres), and we'd caution you not to exceed them by more than 10mph -- if you're caught, it can be quite costly. This applies as well to seat belts (up to a CI$500 fine), which were made compulsory in 1998.
Will we be driving on the same side of the road as in the USA?
No, in the Cayman Islands you'll be driving on the left side of the road -- like in Britain, Japan and most British colonies and former colonies. It won't take more than an hour or two of driving to get used to, especially if you rent a non-US car, equipped with right-hand steering. With RH steering, overtaking is safer, and it's more difficult to forget which side of the road to drive on. Entering and exiting parking lots is really all that'll take a little concentration -- just remember to stay to the left!
Do we need a Cayman driving permit -- does it require a test?
Yes, and no. When renting a car here, the car hire firm will issue you a temporary permit for about US$7.50, simply upon presentation of a valid driving permit from your home country. No test is required.
Is insurance coverage mandatory when renting a car?
No, it can be waived at your own responsability, so we suggest doing so only if you have alternate protection. A number of credit cards (e.g. Visa Gold Card), when used for payment of the rental car, do provide automatic insurance coverage, and your automobile insurance policy back home may also be valid. But, thanks to Jan and Peter, former guests from Madison, Wisconsin, we've just learned that many such policies will only cover you while renting a car in the US and Canada. So, check with your insurance company before leaving home.
Can we use our cell phone while on Grand Cayman?
Some guests from the US with a wide-range roaming or satellite-based service have been able to use their cell phones without going through Cable & Wireless, the local phone monopoly. If your phone doesn't work when you arrive, you'll have to go to a C&W outlet (call locally to 2.800.373.3366, website at www.candw.ky) for connection and the purchase of "Pay as You Go" phone cards in CI$25, CI$40 and CI$100 denominations. Of course, your best bet is to leave your phone at home, disconnect from the world, enjoy your holiday -- and save money!
What and when is Pirates Week?
Pirates Week is a multi-day, annual festival with fireworks, street dancing, heritage days, a pirate ship landing, golf tournaments, children activities, and many other events. It's usually planned for the end of October, beginning of November, and this year (2003) the festival will take place from October 24th to November 2nd. To contact the organisers, call 345.949.5859, fax to 345.949.5449, or write to P.O. Box 51GT, Grand Cayman, BWI. Their website can be visited at www.piratesweekfestival.com.
We heard that 2003 will be a year of celebrations and special events. What's up?
"Celebrate Cayman" is planned to be a year long series of quincentennial celebrations commemorating the first 500 years of recorded history of the Cayman Islands, since their discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1503. For more information right here at our website, see summary of Quincentennial Celebrations, Calendar of Events, and Shipwreck City Project. You can visit the organisers' website by clicking on www.cayman500.ky, and you can contact them by e-mail, by phone at 345.946.9992, or by fax at 345.946.9994.
Who do you recommend for diving and boat trips to Stingray City?
Our suggestions are listed under "Water Sports" at a section of our website called "Tourist Info & Links".
If we're into golf, tennis, horseback riding, does Grand Cayman offer anything?
It certainly does -- along with bowling, hiking, cycling, billiards, fitness, etc. See more details at "Tourist Information and Links", under "Recreation".
Are there beauty spas on Grand Cayman that can help me prepare for my island wedding?
Yes, there are at least ten of them. For a list of names, location, services offered and phone numbers, just click on Beauty Spas.
We've heard that Cayman restaurants are quite pricey -- is this true?
Like restaurants throughout the Caribbean, they tend to be more expensive than comparable ones in the US and Canada. But Grand Cayman boasts a very broad selection of dining spots, including many reasonably-priced ones, so it is possible to dine out on a budget. One could manage two to three meals a day quite comfortably on as low as CI$35-40 (US$45), excluding booze.
What is the standard tipping practice in Cayman restaurants?
Many restaurants on Grand Cayman will automatically add 15% to your bill as gratuity, which is the suggested tip percentage. Of course, you're encouraged to leave more if the service is particularly efficient and pleasant. But, before leaving the gratuity, make sure that it's not already added to the meal total. Restaurant policy regarding the tip is usually posted in the menu, as well as on the bill itself. If you don't see it, just ask!
Does a Cayman vacation have to be very expensive?
No, it doesn't. Although the Cayman Islands do tend to be a more "upscale" tourist destination, with very few charters, or "package deals" available, you don't have to be wealthy to vacation here. Once you've shopped around for affordable airfare, choose reasonably priced accommodations (like Turtle Nest Inn), that include a kitchen. Even if you're into dining out in the evenings, you'll save a lot on breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks. And, if your holiday period is flexible, check out our Discounted Late Summer/Fall rates.
What's the weather like there -- what about hurricane season?
The weather on Grand Cayman is typically sunny, warm and beautiful, all year round. The hottest period is between mid-July and mid-September, and it's rarely below 80°F during even "winter" days. Evenings in January and February can be cool, dropping to about 70°F. There is usually little rain, even during the "rain season" (officially, June 1st to October 31st). The hurricane season (same period) rarely involves more than a nearby tropical depression, as the island is not directly in the main storm path. Exceptions occurred in 1932, when Cayman Brac was wiped out, in 1988, when damage from Hurricane Gilbert was essentially limited to the Turtle Farm in West Bay (at the other end of Grand Cayman), and Hurricane Michelle in November 2001. Michelle caused limited destruction along the western and southern coast of the island, involving the Turtle Farm, a number of resorts along SMB, and several businesses, but they all seemed to be operating normally after a few days. However, should you be booking a stay during the hurricane season, you might consider purchasing travel insurance, to cover both your airfare and the cost of your hotel accommodations.
Are there nude beaches in Cayman?
Topless and nude bathing is illegal in the Cayman Islands, as in other British colonies like Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, Virgin Islands, etc. Nevertheless, there are a number of secluded beaches in less developed parts of the island where people have gotten away with it.
Are there casinos on Grand Cayman?
No, there are no casinos in the Cayman Islands, and no legalised form of gambling. If you're into casinos while on holiday in the Caribbean, you might want to consider the Bahamas, St. Maarten (the Dutch-ruled half of St. Martin), Turks and Caicos, etc.
Are there areas in Cayman to be avoided by a single, female traveller?
Along with Cuba, the Cayman Islands are probably the safest tourist destination in the Caribbean, with crimes against visitors virtually unheard of. You can feel secure walking alone anywhere, anytime of day or night. We haven't ever locked our jeep in almost four years, which isn't to say that we'd leave a camera or a cell phone exposed on the seat. There's no sense tempting anyone needlessly, so we do encourage guests to keep their apartments locked.
Almost all travellers to the Sister Islands (Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) take a plane, and we don't know of any accessible sea link -- unless you charter a boat privately. Island Air, based here in Grand Cayman, is the most popular carrier to both islands, and Cayman Airways has flights only to the Brac. Another popular "side trip" from Grand Cayman is to Cuba.
Do we need to change money before or upon arrival -- at a bank?
No, it's not necessary. US$ cash, travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted everywhere on the island. And the exchange rate is the same as at the local banks. Generally, prices for hotels and other lodging, as well as car rental and scuba diving, are quoted in US$, while all else, including restaurant meals, are posted in CI$ (one CI$ is worth US$1.25 -- US$1.00 is worth CI$0.80). This is a fixed rate, and does not fluctuate according to the currency market. Consult our website money converter for US and other currencies. There's a slight advantage in bringing US$ travellers' cheques rather than cash -- you'll get CI$0.82 for each US dollar, but only when exchanging them at a local bank. Since the CI dollar is not an internationally negociated currency, it's not available outside the Cayman Islands and you'll want to reconvert any you have left into US$ or another currency before you leave the islands. By the way, don't bother emptying your piggy bank and hauling your loose change with you when you leave home -- US and other foreign coins are not accepted at banks or anywhere else in the Cayman Islands.
Do we need adaptors or transformers for our electrical devices?
Not if you're from the USA or Canada -- all electrical outlets are 110VAC, 60 cycles. If you're from the UK and other parts of Europe, and your devices are dual-voltage (110VAC/240VAC), we have a good selection of plug adaptors on hand at the Inn that are compatible with local outlets. We can also lend you a low-wattage transformer with which you can use a number of small, 220-240VAC devices (e.g., electric razors, toothbrushes, radios, tape recorders, etc.).
Is there a time difference between the Cayman Islands and New York?
Like the east coast of the USA, the Cayman Islands are on Eastern Standard Time (EST), and there's no time difference between October and April. But, since we don't adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, there is an hour difference between mid-April to mid-October. During those months, it's an hour earlier here.
Are the stores and supermarkets open late?
Stores are generally open from about 9:00am to 5:00 or 6:00pm, six days a week, although many close about 1:00pm on Saturday. The supermarkets keep longer hours, and are open from 7:00am to 10:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Except for restaurants and gas stations (which often include a convenience store), and a number of shops catering to cruiseship passengers, virtually everything is closed on Sunday.
Can we buy wine and beer at the supermarket?
No, there are no alcoholic beverages sold at supermarkets. Beer, wine and spirits are sold at licensed liquor stores, privately owned and located throughout Grand Cayman. These stores are closed on Sunday (although liquor is available every day of the week at restaurants and hotels), but open generally from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Compared to the US, prices are high except at duty-free shops when leaving the island.
Can we bring alcohol and cigarettes with us when entering the Cayman Islands?
According to the latest Customs Declaration (October 2001), all arriving passengers aged 18 years or older may bring with them up to one litre of spirits or four litres of wine or one case of beer (not exceeding eight litres). They can also bring in up to two hundred cigarettes or one hundred cigarillos or twenty-five cigars or two hundred and fifty grammes of tobacco.
Do US citizens have to have a passport to enter the Cayman Islands?
Yes, they do. However, it is possible to enter without a passport if you can present either a sworn affidavit prepared by a Justice of the Peace (or Notary Public), or a birth certificate along with photo identification. But a passport is your quickest way through Immigration.
Is there a speed limit in the Cayman Islands -- are seat belts required?
Yes, there are speed limits posted (in mph, not kilometres), and we'd caution you not to exceed them by more than 10mph -- if you're caught, it can be quite costly. This applies as well to seat belts (up to a CI$500 fine), which were made compulsory in 1998.
Will we be driving on the same side of the road as in the USA?
No, in the Cayman Islands you'll be driving on the left side of the road -- like in Britain, Japan and most British colonies and former colonies. It won't take more than an hour or two of driving to get used to, especially if you rent a non-US car, equipped with right-hand steering. With RH steering, overtaking is safer, and it's more difficult to forget which side of the road to drive on. Entering and exiting parking lots is really all that'll take a little concentration -- just remember to stay to the left!
Do we need a Cayman driving permit -- does it require a test?
Yes, and no. When renting a car here, the car hire firm will issue you a temporary permit for about US$7.50, simply upon presentation of a valid driving permit from your home country. No test is required.
Is insurance coverage mandatory when renting a car?
No, it can be waived at your own responsability, so we suggest doing so only if you have alternate protection. A number of credit cards (e.g. Visa Gold Card), when used for payment of the rental car, do provide automatic insurance coverage, and your automobile insurance policy back home may also be valid. But, thanks to Jan and Peter, former guests from Madison, Wisconsin, we've just learned that many such policies will only cover you while renting a car in the US and Canada. So, check with your insurance company before leaving home.
Can we use our cell phone while on Grand Cayman?
Some guests from the US with a wide-range roaming or satellite-based service have been able to use their cell phones without going through Cable & Wireless, the local phone monopoly. If your phone doesn't work when you arrive, you'll have to go to a C&W outlet (call locally to 2.800.373.3366, website at www.candw.ky) for connection and the purchase of "Pay as You Go" phone cards in CI$25, CI$40 and CI$100 denominations. Of course, your best bet is to leave your phone at home, disconnect from the world, enjoy your holiday -- and save money!
What and when is Pirates Week?
Pirates Week is a multi-day, annual festival with fireworks, street dancing, heritage days, a pirate ship landing, golf tournaments, children activities, and many other events. It's usually planned for the end of October, beginning of November, and this year (2003) the festival will take place from October 24th to November 2nd. To contact the organisers, call 345.949.5859, fax to 345.949.5449, or write to P.O. Box 51GT, Grand Cayman, BWI. Their website can be visited at www.piratesweekfestival.com.
We heard that 2003 will be a year of celebrations and special events. What's up?
"Celebrate Cayman" is planned to be a year long series of quincentennial celebrations commemorating the first 500 years of recorded history of the Cayman Islands, since their discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1503. For more information right here at our website, see summary of Quincentennial Celebrations, Calendar of Events, and Shipwreck City Project. You can visit the organisers' website by clicking on www.cayman500.ky, and you can contact them by e-mail, by phone at 345.946.9992, or by fax at 345.946.9994.
Who do you recommend for diving and boat trips to Stingray City?
Our suggestions are listed under "Water Sports" at a section of our website called "Tourist Info & Links".
If we're into golf, tennis, horseback riding, does Grand Cayman offer anything?
It certainly does -- along with bowling, hiking, cycling, billiards, fitness, etc. See more details at "Tourist Information and Links", under "Recreation".
Are there beauty spas on Grand Cayman that can help me prepare for my island wedding?
Yes, there are at least ten of them. For a list of names, location, services offered and phone numbers, just click on Beauty Spas.
We've heard that Cayman restaurants are quite pricey -- is this true?
Like restaurants throughout the Caribbean, they tend to be more expensive than comparable ones in the US and Canada. But Grand Cayman boasts a very broad selection of dining spots, including many reasonably-priced ones, so it is possible to dine out on a budget. One could manage two to three meals a day quite comfortably on as low as CI$35-40 (US$45), excluding booze.
What is the standard tipping practice in Cayman restaurants?
Many restaurants on Grand Cayman will automatically add 15% to your bill as gratuity, which is the suggested tip percentage. Of course, you're encouraged to leave more if the service is particularly efficient and pleasant. But, before leaving the gratuity, make sure that it's not already added to the meal total. Restaurant policy regarding the tip is usually posted in the menu, as well as on the bill itself. If you don't see it, just ask!
Does a Cayman vacation have to be very expensive?
No, it doesn't. Although the Cayman Islands do tend to be a more "upscale" tourist destination, with very few charters, or "package deals" available, you don't have to be wealthy to vacation here. Once you've shopped around for affordable airfare, choose reasonably priced accommodations (like Turtle Nest Inn), that include a kitchen. Even if you're into dining out in the evenings, you'll save a lot on breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks. And, if your holiday period is flexible, check out our Discounted Late Summer/Fall rates.
What's the weather like there -- what about hurricane season?
The weather on Grand Cayman is typically sunny, warm and beautiful, all year round. The hottest period is between mid-July and mid-September, and it's rarely below 80°F during even "winter" days. Evenings in January and February can be cool, dropping to about 70°F. There is usually little rain, even during the "rain season" (officially, June 1st to October 31st). The hurricane season (same period) rarely involves more than a nearby tropical depression, as the island is not directly in the main storm path. Exceptions occurred in 1932, when Cayman Brac was wiped out, in 1988, when damage from Hurricane Gilbert was essentially limited to the Turtle Farm in West Bay (at the other end of Grand Cayman), and Hurricane Michelle in November 2001. Michelle caused limited destruction along the western and southern coast of the island, involving the Turtle Farm, a number of resorts along SMB, and several businesses, but they all seemed to be operating normally after a few days. However, should you be booking a stay during the hurricane season, you might consider purchasing travel insurance, to cover both your airfare and the cost of your hotel accommodations.
Are there nude beaches in Cayman?
Topless and nude bathing is illegal in the Cayman Islands, as in other British colonies like Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, Virgin Islands, etc. Nevertheless, there are a number of secluded beaches in less developed parts of the island where people have gotten away with it.
Are there casinos on Grand Cayman?
No, there are no casinos in the Cayman Islands, and no legalised form of gambling. If you're into casinos while on holiday in the Caribbean, you might want to consider the Bahamas, St. Maarten (the Dutch-ruled half of St. Martin), Turks and Caicos, etc.
Are there areas in Cayman to be avoided by a single, female traveller?
Along with Cuba, the Cayman Islands are probably the safest tourist destination in the Caribbean, with crimes against visitors virtually unheard of. You can feel secure walking alone anywhere, anytime of day or night. We haven't ever locked our jeep in almost four years, which isn't to say that we'd leave a camera or a cell phone exposed on the seat. There's no sense tempting anyone needlessly, so we do encourage guests to keep their apartments locked.
