Grand Cayman FAQ

Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Grand Cayman!

Airlines

Happily there are many options for getting to Grand Cayman!

Only an hour’s flight from Miami, other non-stop flights originate in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Tampa, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale. British Airways flies direct from London with a short stop in Nassau. The national carrier is Cayman Airways but other airlines serving Grand Cayman are American, Delta, Northwest, Air Canada, Spirit, Jamaican Airlines, British Airways and more. All flights to Grand Cayman arrive at Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM).

We recommend reconfirming your flights at least 48 hours before your departure date. The following are the phone numbers of incoming airlines to Grand Cayman:

Air Canada: 1-800-744-1112
American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300
British Airways: 1-345-949-8274
Cayman Airways: 1-345-949-2311
Delta Airlines: 1-800-221-1212
US Airways: 1-800-622-1015

Getting Around

Most visitors to the island rent a car, but beware as you must drive on the left side of the road like they do in the UK. Don’t let this deter you – the only way to really see the island at your leisure is with a car. The speed limit on West Bay Road which runs up and down Seven Mile Beach is a maximum 40 mph. A visit to Cayman nearly always includes a visit to Rum Point which is about a 45 minute drive, but consider stopping halfway at the Queen Elizabeth Botanical Park. Several major car rental agencies operate on the island, including Hertz, Avis, & Budget, and several local companies, including Andy’s & Coconut Car Rentals.

Currency

US dollars are accepted everywhere in the Cayman Islands. The local currency, commonly referred to as CI (cee-eye), is at a constant exchange rate with the US dollar. One dollar US = 80 cents CI. If US currency is used for payment, change is likely to be given in CI. Cayman currency consists of: 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, and 25 cent coins. Paper currency is in the form of $1 (blue), $5 (green), $10 (red), $25 (brown), $50 (blue), and $100 (orange) bills.

Mastercard, Visa & American Express are accepted nearly everywhere. In addition there are ATM machines all over the island. Since nearly everything on Cayman is imported, you will find prices higher than at home, but there are no sales or VAT taxes, so whatever the price, that’s what you pay.

Climate

The Cayman Islands enjoy a perfect tropical climate with an average year-round temperature during the summer and 75 degrees during the winter. The water temperature averages 78 in the winter and up to 86 degrees in the summer.

What to Bring

In general, light summer clothes should keep you comfortable. You might need a light sweater when dining seaside on a breezy winter evening, but otherwise, cold snaps are quite uncommon and rarely last more than a day or two. Swimwear is common on the beach and poolside, but shopping and indoor dining require shirts and shoes as a minimum. The island has become more and more casual and ties are no longer required for dining out, but you will find the majority of people making an effort with their appearance when visiting some of our nicer restaurants. Slacks for the men and dresses or skirts for the ladies is a nice touch. The power is what is in the US, 110v standard prongs. It is likely that your cellphone will work on Grand Cayman, but check with your carrier before you come as to International roaming, access and applicable charges. Many guests bring their laptop computers and digital devices, and are welcome to connect through the free high-speed wifi available in each of our condominiums.

Electricity

The Cayman Islands’ electricity is the same as in the US, which is 110 volts, 60 cycles. Visitors from countries other than the US may need to use adapters. Electricity is generated by diesel generators which is a costly method when compared with many communities. Please help us conserve energy whenever possible!

Customs & Immigration

Customs Department : 949-2473 or 949-4579

Call for general information and questions regarding purchases and gifts to be brought into or taken out of the country.

Immigration Office: 949-8344

For questions and information regarding documentation required and for any extensions of stay, you must contact the Immigration Office. To remain in this country legally if you have extended your trip, you must have your Visa (pink slip) changed.