Travel Information

Documents

Passports are generally required by most foreign nationals entering the Cayman Islands, including USA and Canadian citizens.

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, blowdryers, electric razors and travel clocks 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 travellers 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 Law - 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 Services 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.

Drinking Water

The piped water in the Cayman Islands is completely safe to cook with or drink. All hotels and condos and most restaurants and private homes are connected to the city water supply.

Radio and Television

Cayman is served by several radio stations and two television stations. Local cable TV, offering 24 hours of international and local programming, is available at most hotels and condominiums as well as in residences island-wide.