Cayman Islands Travel and Survival Information
LOCATION
The Cayman Islands are located in the Western Caribbean, 480 miles south of Miami, Florida. The largest of the three islands is Grand Cayman (approx 76 sq mi). Cayman Brac (14 sq mi) and Little Cayman (10 sq mi) lie 80 miles to the northeast of Grand Cayman. The Cayman Islands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. Total population is approximately 50, 0000, made up of Caymanians and a large world wide expatriate representation.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
In Accordance with The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) US visitors must have a Passport, onward/return ticket, and sufficient funds required for tourist stay of up to 3 months.
WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007.
For more details please refer to www.travel.state.gov/pdf/whti_fact4.pdf
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Direct jet service to the Cayman Islands is available from several countries including, Canada, the US, England, Honduras, Cuba and Jamaica.
Cities served by regularly scheduled flights or seasonal charters include Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Charlotte, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, London (England), Kingston & Montego Bay (Jamaica), Havana (Cuba) and Toronto (Canada).
There are over 100 commercial flights into the Cayman Islands each week and the most popular gateway is Miami International Airport with over 70 flights per week on the route.
Airlines serving the Cayman Islands include Continental, Delta, American Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada, Northwest, British Airways, Spirit Air, Air Jamaica, Cubana Airlines and Isleña.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman (75 miles from Grand Cayman) are served by Cayman Airways with 737 jet and light planes.
Contact your travel agent for more service details.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Seven Mile Beach (which is actually 5.5 miles) is approximately 3 miles from the airport.
There are several Taxi services and a Public Bus system that operates regularly in the Seven Mile Beach area. When you arrive, taxis and car rental agents will be available just outside the airport arrival area, and remember, we drive on the left!
The Main Bus ‘Terminal’ is located in downtown Georgetown, and a ‘transfer’ system does not exist. Shelters are visible on the roads sides however if you need a ride just wave and a bus will stop, regardless of where you are. A single trip costs USD$2.50. Slightly more if venturing away from the Seven Mile Beach/Georgetown area.
Car rental companies include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Economy, Dollar, Thrifty, Coconut Car Rentals, Andy’s. All available at the airport. Some have multiple dropoff/pickup spots.
The TAXI FARE from Owen Roberts Airport is about $ 15 for two people. Taxi’s for larger groups are also available.
Organized groups may book transportation with the following companies …
- Majestic Tours www.majestic-tours.com
- Tropicana Tours www.tropicana-tours.com
- Websters Tours www.websters.ky
When departing, allow for traffic and arrive at the airport at least 2-hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
TIME ZONE
The Cayman Islands are on Eastern Standard Time year-round and do not observe Daylight Savings Time. We are 5 hours behind Greenwich Meantime.
DRESS CODE
Most restaurants require shoes and shirts, but shorts are generally acceptable. Some of the up-scale restaurants may require slacks for evening dinner. Please do not wear bathing suits or "skimpy" beach wear beyond the beach or cruise ship. Note that there are no nude beaches in the Cayman Islands and that public nudity and topless bathing are prohibited by law.
VOLTAGE
The Cayman Islands use the same electrical standards as the USA - 110volts, 60Hz. Most of our electronics and appliances are imported from the USA, and any travel items such as camcorders, blow dryers, electric razors, travel clocks, and phone/battery chargers will work.
CURRENCY
The Cayman Islands has its own currency and the basic unit is the dollar. It is issued in notes 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 US$1.00 dollar equals CI $0.80. The US dollar is accepted throughout the islands and as an example, a US$20 note converts to CI$16. Banks do NOT give a better rate of exchange and the rate does not fluctuate! MasterCard, VISA and American Express cards as well as travelers checks are widely accepted. Canadian dollars and pounds sterling can be exchanged for CI dollars at local banks. Automatic Teller Machines accepting VISA and MasterCard with Cirrus affiliation are located at most banks and at the airport. Regular banking hours are 9:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
TAXES
A mandatory Government room tax of 10% is standard and will be added to your room charge. A departure tax of US$25 per person is required. Although usually included in the ticket, it can be paid at the airport.
LIQUOR LAWS – DRINKING AGE
The legal age for drinking alcoholic beverages on the Cayman Islands is 18 years. A licensee may lose his license or be fined for serving alcoholic beverages to any under-age person.
GRATUITIES AND SERVICE CHARGES
Many restaurants will automatically add a charge of 15% to your total food and drink bill. In this case tipping is not required, and you should check your bill before leaving extra. Your food and beverage server receives only a portion of the gratuity, and you may tip extra at your discretion. Please note that both US$ and CI$ amounts will often be listed so it’s important to read the bill carefully!
DRINKING WATER
Tap water in the Cayman Islands is completely safe to drink. All hotels, condos, and most restaurants are connected to the city water supply. Bottled water is readily available if preferred.
GROCERIES
Grocery stores are fully stocked to meet most needs. They are located island wide with several in the Seven Mile Beach area. Most stores have pharmacies.
PRESCRIPTIONS
We strongly recommend you bring a sufficient supply of any prescription items you may require to last your entire stay in Cayman, or to replace with.
MEDICAL SERVICES
A full range of medical services are available. There are two hospitals on Grand Cayman and one on Cayman Brac plus a healthy supply of private GP’s Dentists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Optometrists, and Massage Therapists to assist you. Contact your insurance service provider for details regarding overseas coverage.
RADIO AND TELEVISION
Cayman is served by numerous radio stations and two television stations. Local cable TV, offering 24 hours of international and local programming, is available at most hotels and condominiums island-wide.
INTERNET AND MOBILE PHONES
Many hotels offer wireless high speed internet services (lap top and LAN card req’d) and general internet access. There are several Internet Cafés located in the Seven Mile Beach Area.
Cayman has two Telecommunications companies which offer a full range of services including mobile phone short term rental.
CHURCHES
A large number of Denominations are present in the Cayman Islands and welcome visitors
