Cayman Islands Travel Guide

Cayman Islands — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

The mode of life on the Cayman Islands is a blend of local traditions and of US and British patterns of behavior. Handshaking is the usual greeting. Because of the large number of people with a similar surname (such as Ebanks and Bodden), a person may be introduced by his first name (such as Mr Tom or Mr Jim). Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. It is normal to prescribe the required mode of dress on invitations. Beachwear is best confined to the beach to avoid offense. Topless bathing is prohibited.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Cayman Airways (KX) (www.caymanairways.com).

Departure Tax

CI$20 or US$25. Travelers under 12 years of age and transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours are exempt.

Main Airports

Grand Cayman (GCM) (Owen Roberts International Airport) is 2km (1 mile) east of George Town. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the center (journey time - 10 minutes), operating from 0600 to 2300, for a fare of about US$1030.

Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, bars, restaurants, cafés, VIP lounge, and tourist information.

Cayman Brac (CYB) (Gerard Smith Airport) is 3km (2 miless) from the main tourist accommodation in the southwest. To/from the airport: Taxis can be arranged to meet flights. Facilities: Duty-free shop, bar and car hire.

Departure Tax
CI$20 or US$25, usually included in the price of an airline ticket. Travelers under 12 years of age and transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours are exempt.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Grand Cayman is one of the most popular Caribbean ports and a busy port of call for leading international cruise lines operating from North America, Mexico and Europe.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into the Cayman Islands by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits, 4L of wine or 1 case (up to 8l) of beer.

Prohibited Imports

Live plants and cuttings, beef, and raw fruit and vegetables.

Visitors should be aware that the importation of sea turtle products is strictly prohibited by any countries that have signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (1978), including the USA, Canada and the UK.

Prohibited Exports

The export of lobster, conch or conch meat is prohibited (unless in transit). There are also a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the islands; it is best to check prior to travel.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Grand Cayman is connected to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman by internal flights run by Cayman Airways (www.caymanairways.com) and the charter company Island Air (www.islandaircayman.info).

Getting Around By Road

A good road network connects the coastal towns of all three islands. Traffic drives on the left.

Bus: Public minibuses (tel: 945 5100) operate from George Town to West Bay (approximately every 15 minutes), to Bodden Town (every 30 minutes) and to East End and North Side (every hour). The main bus terminal is located next to the public library on Edward Street, George Town. Services normally run from 0600 every day until 2300 (or 0000 at weekends), although those to North Side and East End stop earlier. Routes are color coded, with colors marked on the front and rear of the buses. Public buses have blue license plates and standard fares are displayed inside.

Mopeds, scooters and bicycles: Available for hire on all three islands. Motorcyclists Riders are required by law to wear a helmet at all times. On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, most hotels have bicycles available for complimentary guest use.

Taxi: There are taxis operating on Grand Cayman from all resorts, the cruise dock at George Town and the international airport. They offer a fixed rate per vehicle or per person to all points on the island. A sign with current rates is posted at the cruise ship dock in George Town. Taxis in Cayman Brac are limited, and best pre-booked.

Car hire: In Grand Cayman, most major car-hire companies are represented at the airport or in George Town. Private limousine services are available for special events and airport transfers. Cars can also be hired on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Regulations: Drivers must be over 21 years of age. Strictly enforced speed limits are generally 40-48kph (25-30mph) in built-up areas, 64kph (40mph) outside these, and - on Grand Cayman - 80kph (50mph) in rural areas east of Bodden Town. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Full insurance is required and must be arranged with the car-hire company; some companies will not insure drivers under 25.

Documentation: A temporary local driving license is required, which will be issued from the police station or car-hire agency at a nominal charge on presentation of a valid license from the traveler's country of origin.