This blog starts a weekly series of posts on getting to know the Cayman Islands. Why should you visit? Why should you invest in real estate in the Cayman Islands? Why and how could you move to the Cayman Islands? Over the next few weeks, we'll try to give you the basic information and links to answer those questions.
Many thanks to Cayman Islands for its resources.
Where are the Cayman Islands? In the western Caribbean, the 3 islands of the Caymans, a British Overseas Territory, are 480 miles south of Miami, 150 miles south of Cuba, and 180 miles NW of Jamaica. The islands are Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, which cover about 100 sq miles.
What currency is used in the Caymans? The Cayman Islands has its own currency, first issued in 1972, whose basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 and coins valued at 25 cents, 10, 5 and 1 cent. The CI dollar has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar of CI$1.00 equals US$1.25. Or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. There is no need for visitors to exchange their US dollars into local currency. The US dollar is accepted throughout the islands at a rate of CI 80 cents. Major credit cards and travellers checks are widely accepted.
What time zone is used in the Cayman Islands? The Caymans are in the same zone as EST, or 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight savings is not observed.
What language is most widely used in the Cayman Islands? The main language is English. There are other minor languages as well, such as Spanish, and many uses of Caribbean slang words.
What medical services are available in the Caymans? The government of the Cayman Islands' Health Services Complex is located in George Town, Grand Cayman. It boasts modern equipment and facilities, in addition to an increased number of highly trained personnel. A 24 hour hyperbaric decompression chamber is available for divers and an air ambulance service for other emergencies. is also a private hospital - Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial - in George Town, as well as a number of other private facilities that offer a variety of professional medical services. In Cayman Brac, there is a government hospital - Faith Hospital.
When is the best time to visit the Caymans? The Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends officially on November 30. However, the Caribbean is a large region and most storms have shown a tendency to veer to the Northwest (towards the US Mainland) long before reaching the far Western Caribbean area. Consequently, the Cayman Islands have often been spared the full wrath of devastating hurricanes. The summer or "rainy" season runs generally from mid-May through October, and the average temperature in the winter is 75 F and 85 F in the summer.
Will my cell phone work in the Cayman Islands? As with the other Caribbean Islands, you'll need a SIM card for your GSM worldphone.
Is there internet service in the Caymans? There are several providers, WiFi hot spots, and internet cafes on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
You can see from these basic facts that the Cayman Islands are modern, comfortable, and ready for your visit. Check our blog next week for a post on the history of the Caymans.