Key Facts

Passports and Visas

To enter the Cayman Islands you need a valid passport with more than six months left, and a return (or ongoing) ticket. UK passport holders do not need a visa.

Both will be provided by airline staff.

Health

No immunisations are required or recommended for visitors. Please check with your GP before booking for up to date information. There are mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, so you need to take measures to reduce the chances of being bitten.

There is a full complement of modern medical facilities on both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. This includes government hospitals and private medical centres. Little Cayman has a full time nurse.

Time Zone

Cayman is -5GMT. The is no change for summer time.

 
Government 
The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The existing constitution was introduced in August 1972. The highest official is the Governor, who is the appointed representative of Queen Elizabeth II. He presides over Cabinet, the ruling body of the country. The Governor's term is four years. Under the Constitution there is a governing body called the Cabinet, which consists of three officials and five elected members, the latter being selected from the 15 elected representatives of the Legislative Assembly. 

Currency 
The Cayman Islands has its own currency, the dollar. This is 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.

The CI dollar has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar of CI$1.00 equals US$1.25. Or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. The US dollar is accepted throughout the islands at a rate of CI 80 cents. Major credit cards and traveller’s checks are widely accepted. 

Sterling can be exchanged for CI dollars at local banks.

Cash Machines accepting VISA and MasterCard with Cirrus affiliation are located at banks and at Owen Roberts International Airport. There are also ATMs other locations such as grocery stores. 

Should you use CI$ or US$?

If you pay with US$ your change will be in CI$, which means that you will have to carry two types of currency after a few days. Even though the CI$ is fixed against the US$, there is a slight difference between the £ against the US$ and the CI$.

Example

The minimum taxi charge is 8CI$ or 10US$

8CI$ is approximately £6.04 (22/9/09)

10US$ is approximately £6.11 (22/9/09)

So if you buy an item priced at 800CI$ it will cost you £604. If you buy the same item in US$ you will be charged 1000US$ which is £611.

Handy Hint

Keep an eye on your change if you do decide to use CI$. Most tourists use US$ so there may be an error in your change as the shop worker would automatically input your CI$ as US$.

Dress Regulations

All forms of public nudity is prohibited, this includes topless sunbathing. A shirt, dress or beach cover-up should be worn when away from the beach or resort.

Electricity

110V/60Hz