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Exploring Cayman Islands

Travel Essentials

Here’s our list of Travel Essentials for the Cayman Islands: visas, money, language, tipping, keeping in touch, and more. Once you a book a holiday with us, we’ll provide additional information and tips specific to your trip.

Visas

UK, US, and most European passport holders do not need a visa to enter the Cayman Islands as a stay of 30 days is granted upon arrival. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from the Cayman Islands.

Currency

The Cayman Islands Dollar is the national currency and US Dollars are accepted throughout the islands. Credit cards are widely accepted. Banks and ATMs are available on all three islands although the options on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are limited.

Vaccinations & Health

At the time of writing, the Cayman Islands are free of Zika, malaria, and other mosquito-borne illnesses. We advise you to make a travel appointment with your local medical team for the most up-to-date and accurate information on these and other health concerns you may have. We recommend consulting the NHS Fit for Travel page as it has much more detail about immunizations.

Insurance

A policy to cover theft, loss, and medical issues is a must. Please visit our page on travel insurance for further information. It is a good idea to photocopy and scan all relevant documents – passport, travel insurance policy, etc. – and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals and digital versions in your smartphone.

Language

English is the official language of the Cayman Islands.

What to Wear

The sun is quite strong in the Cayman Islands so we recommend bringing along a good hat and plenty of sun cream. Casual island wear is acceptable nearly everywhere.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in the Cayman Islands although it’s certainly appreciated. Some restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, especially for larger parties. Be sure to check whether this is included before adding a tip. If guides, boat captains, dive guides, and other professionals provide exceptional service, a tip may be appropriate but, of course, the choice is yours.

Internet & Telephone

You will find WiFi in nearly every hotel, restaurant, tourist attraction, and shopping mall you visit. The country code for the Cayman Islands is 345. To dial the UK, dial +44 or 0044. If you feel the need for a local SIM card, they are available for purchase at the airport in Grand Cayman.

Time Difference

The Cayman Islands are 5 hours behind GMT during the winter and 6 hours behind when daylight savings time is in effect in the UK.

Electricity

The standard voltage is 120 and standard frequency is 60. Most electrical outlets are the U.S. flat two or three prong (types A and B) although you may encounter a few “universal” outlets and USB ports in some hotels.

Driving Licence

When hiring a car, you’ll need to show your home licence if it’s printed in English. If it’s printed in any other language, an International Driver’s Permit is required. 

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in the Cayman Islands although some find the taste displeasing. Bottled water is widely available. We encourage all travelers to the Cayman Islands to bring a reusable water bottle to minimize the use of disposable plastic bottles. Even if you prefer to drink bottled water, you may be able to fill your own bottle from a larger dispenser at your hotel or villa, cutting down on the amount of plastic waste. 

Grand Cayman
Glorious beaches, luxurious hotels, beautiful villas, incredible dining opportunities, blue iguanas, a bit of history and culture, a sandbar inhabited by stingrays, and an endless variety of ways to keep busy, Grand Cayman offers a beach holiday with something more than sand and sea.
Cayman Brac
Named for its breathtaking bluff, the Brac is an ideal destination for those seeking a beautiful setting with the option to get away from it all or keep busy.
Little Cayman
With a Robinson Crusoe feel, Little Cayman is the place to be if you want to get away from it all. Incredible diving, one small village, and not much else!

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