More information on Grand Cayman

The standard of living in the Cayman Islands is generally high and is regarded as one of the best in the Caribbean region. In common with other offshore locations, most products are imported, the cost of living in Cayman is higher than in the United States due to freight and import expenses.

Accommodation

Rented accommodation is relatively easy to find and annual leases are available although this may be more difficult during the tourist season (November to February). Costs vary depending on the nature (furnished or unfurnished), location and size of the property under consideration.

Security deposits of one month's rent are generally required for apartments and telephone and electricity deposits are approximately CI$750 in total. You can find out more about accommodation on this link.

Transport

The public transportation system does exist in the form of taxis and buses but most people in Grand Cayman will use a car or, increasingly, the use of motor bikes or scooters (as in Bermuda) to get around.

The private used-vehicle market is very good and cars can be acquired for as little as US$2,000. A good-value vehicle can be picked up for US$6-8,000. Many employers will provide some sort of bridging loan to help new starters with such initial set-up costs (don't forget that you can sell the vehicle at the end of your time on the Island and recover much of this outlay).

New residents are allowed to drive using their domestic licences for a maximum of three months from date of arrival. Within this period, a local driving licence must be obtained by taking a written and practical driving test. Vehicles must also be properly licensed and proof of insurance is required along with a vehicle inspection certificate for licensing purposes.

Immigration

There are no visa requirements for holders of British, US or Canadian passports but visitors must hold return airline tickets in order to be able to stay on the Island. It should be noted that unmarried partners will need to locate suitable employment to be granted resident status as they will be treated as a separate individual for Immigration purposes. While visitor extensions are sometimes granted, they may be asked to leave the island after one month and then return on a new visitor permit.

In order to gain employment in the Cayman Islands, non-Caymanians are required to hold a work permit which is usually granted for one to three years. The fee is borne by the office. All applications in this regard are considered by the Immigration Board and must be approved prior to arrival on the Islands.

In practice, expatriate spouses are generally able to obtain work permits if they are qualified or experienced in areas where opportunities are most common. These are; in the financial sector, administrative or secretarial, positions in banking, insurance management, legal and accounting firms and the offshore financial industry generally; working for Government (no work permit required), teaching and nursing; and working in the hospitality industry, restaurant, bar, hotel and watersports.

Medical care

A local Government hospital provides modern medical facilities and is staffed with well qualified doctors and nursing staff. Government and private dental facilities are also available on the Island. There are also several private medical clinics and opticians.

Dress code

A variety of clothing for both men and women can be bought locally although the selection will not be as wide as on the mainland. Prices will be higher than in the UK or North America. Standard office attire for men is medium or lightweight trousers, long or short sleeve shirts and tie. Because of the favourable climate, jackets or suits are not normally required except for special occasions.

Entertainment

The beaches and open water provide excellent opportunities for a range of enjoyable activities including diving, snorkeling, swimming, sailing and fishing. Used equipment is usually available at reasonable prices. (For example, during the off-season, a full set of dive equipment may be obtained for approximately CI$500).

The following sporting clubs are also well established on the Island: South Sound Squash Club, Cayman Squash Racquets Association, Cayman Islands Rugby Club, British Sub Aqua Branch, Grand Cayman Yacht Club, a Football League Association, Cricket Association, Cayman Islands Tennis Club, Badminton Club, Ball Hockey Association and Darts League. The Island also has two golf courses.

A recently renovated air-conditioned double-screen cinema shows recently released films and many hotels provide evening entertainment such as live bands, comedians, and karaoke shows. There are also a number of nightclubs on the Island to cater to the late night crowd.

The Islands have radio stations which broadcast a mixed variety of music and programmes of local and international interest. Local wireless cable television service is available at a rate of CI$45 per month plus installation charge. Most condos provide either satellite TV or subscribe to the local cable service which provide a wide choice of channels including HBO, ESPN, CNN, US networks etc. Video rentals are available from Blockbuster Video and use the US VHS format, which is not compatible with the UK format.

Click here for more pictures of the Cayman Islands.