Island Guide

The Cayman Islands’ unique combination of tropical climate and easy going way life, combined with its high standard of living, makes it the ideal vacation destination. Pristine beaches, abundant marine life and a plethora of water sports entice sun seekers and divers, while the superb shopping opportunities and world-class restaurants will please even the most discerning vacationer. The islands’ unique Caribbean culture and friendly people, however, are what make the Cayman Islands truly unique.

Capital

George Town, Grand Cayman

Religion

Predominantly Christian

Language

English

Time

Cayman is on Eastern Standard Time and does not observe daylight savings time

Government

The Cayman Islands is a British dependency with a British Governor appointed by the UK Government. As of 6 November, 2009, the Cayman Islands modernised the Constitution and McKeeva Bush was elected the first Premier of the islands. 

Area and population

Cayman is made up of three islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The total area is 100 square miles and the population is estimated at approximately 55,000. The largest island is Grand Cayman, which is approximately 22 miles long and eight miles at maximum width. The highest point on the island is only 60 feet above sea level. Cayman Brac occupies 14 square miles and Little Cayman just 10 square miles.

Climate

Temperatures are lowest in February, ranging from 60F to 86F, rising to a maximum in July. Relative humidity generally lies in the range of 68 per cent to 92 per cent. The rainy season begins in June and ends on 30 November. An updated weather forecast is available in the local daily newspaper, Caymanian Compass, or online at compasscayman.com. Hurricane season runs from 1 June until 30 November. All warnings of hurricanes must be taken extremely seriously. Advisories are issued by the Government in the event of a hurricane threatening or approaching the islands.

Money and banking

Banking hours are generally 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday, and to 4.30pm on Fridays. Some banks also open on Saturday mornings. The exchange rate is approximately US$1.20 = CI$1. US dollars are generally accepted island-wide, although expect change in CI. Automatic Teller Machines are available island-wide.

Business hours

Most shops are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Business and professional offices are open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Supermarkets

There are three major supermarkets on Grand Cayman – Kirk Supermarket, Foster’s Food Fair and Hurley’s Marketplace - where you can buy provisions (but not alcohol, which can be bought at liquor stores). Supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday.  Be sure to take your own reusable shopping bag. Plastic shopping sacks provided by supermarkets cost five cents each.

Gratuities

Customarily, gratuities or tips are paid to hospitality industry personnel who render good service. The norm is 15 per cent of the total service cost. Some establishments add gratuities to the final bill.

Tobacco law

As of 31 December, 2009, the Government implemented a smoking ban in bars, restaurants and a number of public places. Smoking is allowed outdoors, as long as it is 10 feet from a building entrance or a designated outdoor non-smoking area.

Driving

Drive on the left-hand side of the road and always wear a seatbelt. You will need a visitors’ driving licence, which can be obtained from a car rental agency if you take along a valid driver’s licence from your country of residence and the required fee. To find your way around the islands, pick up a copy of the 2010 Cayman Free Press Map at many retail outlets.

Local media

For local and international news, pick up a copy of the Caymanian Compass, the islands’ favourite newspaper, from Monday through Friday, or access online at compasscayman.com. For each month’s entertainment listings and features, pick up your free copy of What’s Hot – Cayman’s local magazine guide - available at supermarkets and malls across the islands or visit compasscayman.com/whatshot.

Radio and television

Cayman has 16 FM radio stations catering for all tastes, from religion to rock, politics to pop. Cable television provides a wide variety of international programming 24 hours a day.

Postal services

There is no house-to-house delivery in the Cayman Islands. The central post office is in downtown George Town and there are several other post offices throughout the islands. You can buy stamps and use post boxes at any of these locations as well as some grocery stores. A number of courier services are also available on Grand Cayman.

Health services

There are two hospitals in Grand Cayman - George Town Hospital and Chrissie Tomlinson Hospital. Cayman Brac is serviced by Faith Hospital. All hospitals are well equipped to deal with most medical emergencies. The emergency number is 911.

Drugs

Cayman authorities have a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal drugs. Anyone found with illegal drugs will be arrested and taken to court.