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USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82
USD To GBP: 0.76214
USD To CAD: 1.27998
USD To CNH: 6.3209

Grand Cayman is a great place to visit with kids. You will enjoy the island more if you rent a car, because many of the most enjoyable activities for kids are outside George Town. Either bring your own car-seat or ask your rental car agency to provide one. Treat driving in Cayman the same way you would at home. There are many roundabouts which need not phase you if you remember to always give way to traffic on your right. 

 

Top of the list is the new attraction Boatswains Beach. This is a whole day affair, and you should plan accordingly. Visit Cayman Street and see traditional Cayman toys being made, and try some local food. Enjoy the fun of snorkeling in the saltwater lagoon with beautiful tropical fish. Take a swim in the freshwater lagoon and play in the waterfall. While in West Bay, visit Hell and take pictures with the brightly costumed Devil, whose name is "Mr Ivan." Send postcards home postmarked Hell, or bring your own postcards and have them stamped Hell Post Office. 

 

Just off Seven Mile Beach is the Butterfly Farm. This is a small attraction, but young kids love it. Right next to the Butterfly Farm is a kids indoor playroom called Smyles. This is safe, supervised fun, and you can leave your little one for an hour of so while you do something on your own. Right next to Smyles is a Baskin Robbins, ice cream is a must in the tropics. Or you can cross the street and have Italian Gelato. 

 

When you are ready to take another day trip, head towards North Side. This is a sleepy little village, home to famous Rum Point Club. Drive towards Rum Point Club and the Kaibo. Before you get to the Kaibo there is a road on your left leading to "The Hut". Drive along this until you reach Mr Willie's Farm. depending on the season you can buy fresh fruits like mangoes, and you can see the sows and the piglets, and any other animals Mr Willie happens to have around. You can also see the Cayman Whistling ducks, which are protected. 

 

Leaving Mr Willie's continue on to the Kaibo, on Water Cay Road. At the end of this road is a clean, well-kept park with picnic tables and benches. You can swim in the shallow water, or search for shells. If you have kids 10 years and over you might choose to go on a kayak tour of the mangroves. Go back to the main road, and continue on to Rum Point Club where you can lie in hammocks (with any luck the little ones might have a nap), swim, snorkel, and have lunch or cold drinks. 

 

If you aren't too tired by now, on the way back stop at the Botannic Park and see the Blue Iguanas. You can find out more about the program to protect Cayman's rare iguanas, and the location of all the painted iguanas throughout the island. Now when you spot these brightly painted iguanas (there is one near the Post Office in Central George Town) you will know why they are there. 

 

On another day, you head east from George Town towards East End. East End was the district hardest hit by Hurricane Ivan, but the people are making a valiant effort to recover. This is the most scenic route in Cayman. Your are driving right along the coast, and continue until you reach the Reef Resort. On your way, you might be lucky and see people selling coconut water, which is a real treat. The Reef is a very special spot for walks, snorkling or just playing in the sand. 

 

The National Trust of the Cayman Islands is located on South Church Street just along from the harbour. Go in and see what they have going on, they have great kids programs, including Movie Night. 

 

Many visitors enjoy the Cayman Humane Society's Book Loft. This is a second hand bookstore with lots of great children's books, and a wide selection of reading material for adults. All money earned goes to feed and shelter the islands stray cats and dogs. Donations of cash, or books are gratefully accepted. There are always puppies and kittens to see, and some people enjoy a nose-around of the Thrift Shop as well. 

 

Opposite the cruise ship landing is the Cayman Craft market, where Caymanians sell handmade jewellry and trinkets. Look for the little white tents near the Paradise Bar and Grill. 

 

The Cayman Islands is full of natural wonders for kids to enjoy and learn from. The people are friendly, and the islanders love kids, so relax and enjoy! 

 

This article was taken directly from tripadvisor, to view the original article click here 


USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82
USD To GBP: 0.76214
USD To CAD: 1.27998
USD To CNH: 6.3209

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: Imagine a dream wedding on a Caribbean Island where the sun, the wind, the sea and fish are the guests at the occasion. The romance of the moment and the vows are the lifetime treasure while getting married on the Grand Cayman Island. Grand Old House, the premier fine dining restaurant on Grand Cayman, is the perfect wedding planner and organizer of dream weddings on the island. Grand Old House takes the burden from the shoulders of the bride and the groom and plans every step of the great event through their dedicated wedding coordinator and team. Weddings in Grand Old House are planned to the last detail. 

Wedding planner, Desiree Evans and her team, thinks of everything and plans every moment for the couple. From legal documentation to the arrangement of the marriage official, wedding cake, music and the romance of the moment are taken care of. 

A choice of wedding packages awaits the marrying couple. They can choose whether they want to have a simple beach wedding, Grand Old House Traditional wedding or would like to have The Grand Old House Exclusive Wedding. At the Grand Old House, wedding packages start at just $595. It's just too good to be true. 

The couple has just to step off the cruise ship or airplane and walk into Grand Old House where all the arrangements are already in place. The only next step is to say 'I do', cut the cake and spend the quiet time enjoying the sun, the sea and loving togetherness. 

To learn more about the Grand Cayman Island wedding planners at the Grand Old House visit: http://grandoldhouse.com/weddings.html 

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USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82
USD To GBP: 0.76214
USD To CAD: 1.27998
USD To CNH: 6.3209

These were fairly accurate at the time of writing and are designed to be a rough guideline only. These are some approximate guide figures as to how much it would cost to live on the Cayman Islands in CI$ per month. 

 

1 bed apartment: $800 - $1,500 

2 bed/2 bath apartment: $1,200 - $5,000 

3 bed: $2,000 - $5,000 

 

TV: $70 - (depends on package of channels) Internet: Over $100 for high speed. 

 

Water: $30 - $120 upwards depending on consumption 

 

Electricity: $80 - $250 (for a 1-bed apartment, more if you run the AC) upwards. Obviously a 2 bed or a house will be depending on the AC system and insulation etc. Ecay tip Always ask to see a previous electric bill before taking a lease on a property 

 

Telephone: how long is a piece of string? C&W have a great package called Net Speak that allows inexpensive calls over the Internet. 

We now have several telecomms providers offering mobile, Internet and data services, and C&W, Digicel and Telecayman offer land lines or the equivalent. 

 

Medical Insurance: $90 upwards depending on the coverage - (bare minimum - very limited benefits) 

 

PO Box rental: from $75/year depending on size 

 

Food: $500 (for a family of three) obviously this varies depending on your lifestyle. Imported British products for example are extremely expensive but local Caymanian and Caribbean products are reasonably priced. 

 

Car: $4000 + insurance (starting at $500) + car tax ($180) (for a very basic vehicle!) 

One has to be Caymanian to secure a place at a government school, so private schooling is the only thing available to non Caymanian. There is a great choice of schools and prices start at $4,000 - $9,000 per year 

 

Prices for basic items (January 2006) 

 

Item/Services Approximate 

Price (CI$) 

5lb bag white potatoes $2.69 

3lb bag yellow onions $1.49 

1lb jumbo slicing tomatoes $3.89 

1lb Red Delicious apples $1.49 

1lb fresh cabbage $0.69 

5lb bag sweet oranges $3.29 

Jumbo seeded red grapes $2.29/lb 

 

Beef loin T-bone steak $10.99/lb 

Salmon fillets $6.99/lb 

Boneless/skinless chicken breasts $5.49/lb 

Uncooked bone-in turkey breast $1.59 

Honey Ham $4.99/lb 

8 oz sliced bacon $2.99 

Pork loin chops $2.59/lb 

 

#2 lobster tails $14.99/lb 

Salad shrimp $6.99/lb 

 

Lender bagels $1.89 

Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat bread $2.09/loaf 

2lb Pillsbury All Purpose Flour $1.35/bag 

Dozen large eggs $1.25 

 

Kraft 8oz Strong Cheddar Cheese $2.99 

64oz Tropicana Orange Juice $4.45 

12-pack 12oz Pepsi etc $5.95 

10.5oz pizza $2.25 

18oz Kellogg's Corn Flakes $3.79 

Paper Towels $0.69/roll 

Soft 'n Gentle 24 Roll Bath Tissue 

 

63oz Gain powder detergent $7.49 

 

Milk $5.29/gallon 

7oz (200g) Nescafe Classic $5.99 

** Please note that prices vary on a weekly basis depending on availability ** 

 

Gas $3.29/gallon 

 

Beer $32.00/case 

Cigarettes $30.00/200 

Postal Rates 

Postcards (to US) $0.20 

Postcards (to UK/Europe) $0.25 

Letters per half ounce (to US) $0.30 

Letters per half ounce (to UK/Europe) $0.40 

Greetings cards (to US) $0.60 

Greetings cards (to UK/Europe) $0.80 

Cost of Living in Grand Cayman 

 

The cost of living in the Cayman Islands will often vary depending on a number of factors, including choice of accommodation, entertainment and lifestyle. The summary below highlights the average range of costs. All items are in Cayman Islands dollars which is equivalent to US$1.25. 

 

Accommodation costs in Cayman Islands 

 

 

A large selection of apartments and condos are available for long term rental. Accommodation cost vary dramatically with location (proximity to George Town, Seven mile beachfront, canal, waterfront), condition of the premises and facilities (pool, dock, tennis court). The rental costs for a reasonable apartment/condo are as follows: 

 

 

1 bedroom - 2 bedroom 

Seven mile Beach or canal $1,500 + $3,000 + 

Off the beach $1,200 + $1,800 + 

 

Average monthly electricity charge (including air conditioning) for 1 to 2 bedrooms ranges from $100 to $250. However, some may be more if they do not have good insulation. We would recommend monitoring your consumption for the first month so you do not get any nasty surprises when your bill comes in. Average monthly water charge range from $50 to $100. If you are renting a house with a pool, you should expect far higher water bills than stated above. Security deposits are required for electricity and water services and apartment/property size. Electricity $100 to $500 and water roughly $200. 

Our business directory has contact details for: 

 

* Utilities 

* Telecommunications 

 

Cable costs in Cayman Islands 

 

Generally the cost of cable (approximately $75 per month) is included in monthly rental charge. Weststar now offers some great upgrade packages should you wish to get more movies or sports channels etc. 

Telecommunication costs in Cayman Islands 

 

Basic monthly connection with voicemail is approximately $15. Long distance charges range from $0.50 to $0.90 per minute within the Caribbean, $0.60 to $1.20 per minute to the US & Canada and $0.80 to $1.60 per minute for the rest of the world. Security deposit for new phone service ranges from $100 to $350, dependent upon payment method. 

Please note that these amounts quoted are rough. Check out the Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory to get information on Cayman Islands Telecommunication Companies. Since the advent of telecoms competition rates have plummeted and some good deals are now available from: Telecayman, Digicel and Westtel. 

Vehicle costs in Cayman Islands 

 

The cost of a basic mid-size used car can range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on size and age. Insurance premiums generally range from $500 to $1,500 per year. Some discounts are available and it is worthwhile to arrange a reference letter from a previous insurer. Check out the Ecay Business Directory for a full list of Insurance Providers in the Cayman Islands. 

A three year driver's license cost $65. Vehicle registration can be purchased for either a six-month period or a full year. The annual inspection and registration fees are approximately $200. 

Food Costs in Cayman Islands 

 

There are number of large grocery stores on the Island which offer a wide selection of fresh and packaged goods. Food costs are relatively expensive as the majority of items are imported. The average cost for groceries for one month can range from $450 to $1,000 depending on the size of your family and your dietary preferences. 

 

Health Insurance costs in Cayman Islands 

 

Health insurance is mandatory. Your company will arrange basic group health cover with a local recognized insurer and will contribute half of the monthly health insurance premium for employees and their families. Employee contributions are made by way of salary deduction. Some pre-existing conditions are specifically excluded from coverage by local insurers. 

 

Exchange Rate in Cayman Islands 

 

The currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Island Dollar (denoted CI$). The CI$ is exchanged to the US dollar at the following rates: 

US$1.00=CI$.80 (cash), US$1.00 = CI$.82 (check) 

Our business directory has contact details for: 

 

* Electronics 

* Furniture 

* Home & Garden 

* Linens 

* Shopping 

 

Housing costs in Cayman Islands 

 

Rented accommodation is relatively easy to find, and generally annual leases are available, although less so between November and February (the tourist season). Monthly rental costs can vary considerably depending upon the nature (furnished or unfurnished), location, and size of the accommodation. The following is a general guide: 

 

Modern fully furnished one-bedroom apartment: 

 

* On the beach CI$1,500-2,500 

* Off the beach CI$750-1,200 

 

Modern fully furnished two-bedroom apartment: 

 

* On the beach CI$2,000-3,000 

* Off the beach CI$1,200-1,800 

 

Two- or three-bedroom fully furnished houses: 

 

* Off the beach CI$1,500-3,000 

 

Generally deposits of one month's rent are required for apartments. Also, telephone, water, and electricity deposits are approximately CI$750 in total. 

Household Goods costs in Cayman Islands 

 

All household goods can be purchased locally. Many landlords provide a full range of crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, and linen in furnished accommodations although quality can vary considerably. The electric current is 110 volts AC. 

 

If you are looking to buy in the Cayman Islands do not hesitate to contact us here at Coldwell Banker where we are happy to assist you in all aspects of your property needs click here to send us your queries 

 

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USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82
USD To GBP: 0.76214
USD To CAD: 1.27998
USD To CNH: 6.3209

The Drive-by Media would have us all believe that our economic system is fatally flawed and the sky is about to fall. Senior economists at many financial institutions continue to point out that while the financial markets are having difficulties, it is not being caused by economic weakness.

See this report from First Trust Advisors L.P..


USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82
USD To GBP: 0.76214
USD To CAD: 1.27998
USD To CNH: 6.3209

The Cayman Islands has always had an active real estate market. This article provides a brief overview of the legal and practical aspects of buying and selling real estate in the Cayman Islands. However, it is not intended to deal exhaustively with all aspects of the subject and proper legal advice should always be obtained before entering in to any real estate transaction. 

The Land Registry System 

As an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, the Cayman Islands enjoys a political stability which may not be present in other locations in the Caribbean. To protect ownership interests in land, there is a Land Registry System maintained by the Government of the Cayman Islands and governed by the provisions of the Registered Land Law (1995 Revision) (the "Law"). 

The Law creates a Land Register which contains a record for each parcel of land in the Cayman Islands, indicating ownership interests, mortgages and charges against the land, easements and restrictions, and other legal and equitable interests in land. Thus, a search of the Land Registry pertaining to a particular parcel will reveal the necessary information to allow a buyer or mortgagee to enter into a transaction with respect to that parcel. When a purchaser enters into a contract to buy property the risk of an intervening interest being registered can be eliminated by filing what is commonly known as a "Search and Stay". This essentially "freezes" the title and prevents any other interests from being registered against the parcel during the priority period until it is transferred to the purchaser. In this way, the purchaser can be certain he or she will obtain the property encumbered only by interests they were aware of at the time of entering into the transaction. 

Once a person is registered as the proprietor of a parcel of land, that ownership is absolute and protected by the Law. In the event an error is made by the Registrar in registration of a transfer or any other interest, any person who suffers a loss as a result of such an error is entitled to be indemnified by the Government of the Cayman Islands. The result is a Land Registry System that provides owners, lenders and others with full and complete protection of their proper interests and rights in land. 

Another feature of the Land Registry System is the ability to obtain a registered and secure leasehold interest in land. Any parcel of land or portion thereof can be dealt with by way of a lease, and leases can be registered on the system as other interests are, protecting both landlord and tenant. 

Strata Titles Registration Law (1996 Revision) ("STRL") 

Many properties in the Cayman Islands are multiple unit complexes divided into individually owned condominium or "strata" units. The STRL is the statute that governs the registration of "strata plans" and creates strata, or condominium, corporations similar to those in existence in many other jurisdictions. A strata plan consists of two elements being the individual units with separate titles, and the grounds, common areas, amenities (pools, tennis courts, etc.), collectively known as the "common property". The strata corporation holds the title to and manages the common property. Maintenance fees are collected from the individual unit owners and applied to maintaining all of the common property. The individual unit owners hold title to their units in the same way as the owner of any other parcel of land, and the Land Register maintains the same type of records for these strata units. 

Stamp Duty 

Although there are no income or property taxes levied in the Cayman Islands, the government needs to take in revenue to pay for its programs and services. One of the ways that revenue is generated is by the imposition of stamp duty on the transfer of land. For property on Grand Cayman, which is where almost all the population of the Cayman Islands lives, there are generally two different rates of stamp duty. In the popular Seven Mile Beach area, the stamp duty payable on transferring land is 9% whilst on the rest of the island, the stamp duty is 7.5% of the fair value of the property, subject in each case to the concession noted below. 

Whilst the Cayman Islands enjoyed a brisk and expanding real estate market for many years, in recent times that market has been adversely affected by world economic conditions, by concerns over air travel and, most recently, by the effects of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. In an effort to stimulate activity the Cayman Islands government in 2001 announced a reduction in the stamp duty payable on real estate transfers to 5% throughout Grand Cayman. Given some of the very high property values in Grand Cayman, this can amount to a significant saving on some properties, and can make even the lower value transactions more attractive to purchasers. Although the reduction was originally to be a one year programme, expiring in November of 2002, the government extended the concession on several occasions and as of this date there is no expiry date on the concession and most consider that the 5% rate is the status quo at this time, although there is no guarantee the government will not look to increasing this duty as a revenue generating measure in the future. 

Real Estate Marketing 

There are a number of real estate agents operating in the Cayman Islands. Most of them are members of an association called the Cayman Islands Real Estate Board Association ("CIREBA"). While there is no legislation governing the activities of real estate agents, CIREBA has rules and regulations governing its members' activities. The rules contain a complaints and discipline process which is available to members of the public aggrieved by the actions of a realtor. Many of the agents are affiliated with the familiar international real estate firms. 

Legal Services 

Legal advice should always be obtained prior to entering into any property transaction. A lawyer will ensure that all necessary searches are conducted, all documents are prepared and executed properly according to the Law, and that at the time of completion the interests of the client will be fully protected. In the case of purchases of condominiums it is vital that a purchaser is fully aware of all liabilities they will be assuming in relation to the strata corporation, including commitments to major capital expenditure or repairs. Without proper attention to such details, a buyer or seller could be faced with unexpected and potentially disastrous results. An intervening and unexpected interest may appear on a buyer's title, seriously affecting the value of the real estate, or worse, a buyer may hand over the purchase price and receive a transfer that is improperly drafted or executed. Similarly, purchasers of condominiums may be exposed to liabilities to the strata corporation of which they were unaware. 

Completion generally occurs on an agreed possession date, and involves exchanging the Transfer of Land, and discharge of the seller's mortgage, if any, for the balance of the purchase price. For the purchaser, retaining a lawyer will help ensure that they will obtain a Transfer that will properly convey ownership of the property. For the seller, the lawyer can assist in verifiying that the purchaser has satisfied any contractual conditions and that any necessary mortgage discharge has been obtained and held in escrow for the bank pending completion. The lawyer will also prepare all the necessary transfer documents and ensure that the funds are properly paid to the vendor on completion.  

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