Here you will find all the essential advice and information you will need before and during your stay in the Cayman Islands.
December to April is when most people visit the Cayman Islands. The year-round temperature ranges between 70° F and 90° F (21° C and 32° C). The dry season lasts from November to April, while the rainy season runs mid-May through October. August to October are prime hurricane months. The islands’ unique Hurricane Guarantee covers any cancellations made prior to arrival and offers compensation if vacation time is cut short because of inclement weather.
All international flights arrive at Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport. Scheduled flights to Grand Cayman are available on Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, United Airlines, US Airways, and WestJet. Cayman Airways is the national flag carrier, offering flights from the US. A host of charters also provide non-stop flights from US cities. Inter-island daily service from Grand Cayman to the sister islands is provided by Cayman Airways and its affiliate Cayman Airways Express. Charter flights can be booked with Island Air. There is no ferry service.
The Caymans are one of the Caribbean’s safest destinations, with a low crime rate. However, petty theft and pickpocketing does occur, and it is advisable to keep valuables in the hotel safe. The islands are hassle-free, with no street or beach vendors.
The government’s Cayman Islands Hospital and the private Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital have modern facilities and are well equipped to deal with emergencies. The state-run Faith Hospital is in Cayman Brac, while Little Cayman has the Little Cayman Clinic. Medical insurance is mandatory and should be taken out before your trip.
A valid passport is required, along with a return ticket. UK, Canadian and US nationals do not need a visa to enter the Caymans, but many other countries, including several Caribbean states, do. The Immigration Department website has details of countries requiring and those exempted from visas. A departure tax is included in the airline ticket.
Same-sex relations were legalized in 2001 in the Cayman Islands under Britain’s directives, and same-sex marriage was legalized in March 2019. However, local conservative politicians and religious figures have been consistently homophobic, and in 1998, the government famously refused permission to berth for a cruise ship carrying gay passengers. There are no gay clubs or beaches, and displays of same-sex affection are severely frowned upon.
The Cayman Islands has its own currency, the CI dollar (CI$), but the US dollar is accepted everywhere and there is a fixed rate of exchange. Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted. ATM machines
are available all over Grand Cayman. There is only one on Cayman Brac and one on Little Cayman. There is one branch of the Cayman National Bank on both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The branch on Cayman Brac is
open Monday through Friday and that on Little Cayman is open only on Mondays and Thursdays.
The international dialing code is 345, followed by a seven-digit local number. Public phones are available throughout the islands. The two cell phone providers, Digicel and LIME, offer prepaid phone plans. Visitors bringing their own cell phones should check with their service providers to determine if they will work in the Cayman Islands. Wi-Fi, either free or for a small fee, is available at airports, most hotels, cafes, and some restaurants.
Renting a car or taking a guided tour is the best way to explore the islands. Visitors must be at least 21 years to drive and have a Visitor’s Permit issued at any car rental firm. Vehicles can be hired from most major car rental companies on Grand Cayman; CB Rent-A-Car at the Cayman Brac airport; and from McLaughlin Car & Moped Rentals is the only car rental firm in Little Cayman, although scooters can also be rented from Scooten! Scooters! Driving is on the left. Main roads are paved and in good condition. Taxis are readily available at all resorts and airports. There is a taxi stand in George Town. Daily public bus service on Grand Cayman generally runs from 6am until midnight depending on the route and the day.
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has its head office in Grand Cayman. District Administration has information on the sister islands. The Tourism Attraction Board and Sister Islands Tourism Association also provide useful information.
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
District Administration Cayman Brac
Sister Islands Tourism Association
∑ sita.ky
Tourism Attraction Board
∑ tab.ky
Need to know Cayman Islands
CI dollar (CI$)
Need to know Cayman Islands
Eastern Standard Time (EST), 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The islands do not observe daylight savings
Need to know Cayman Islands
English
Need to know Cayman Islands
The electrical system delivers 110 volts at 60 cycles. US-style plugs are used. European appliances will require adaptors and transformers
Need to know Cayman Islands
AMBULANCE, POLICE, FIRE SERVICE
Need to know Cayman Islands
Tap water is safe to drink