Living in the Cayman Islands

Fast Facts

• Composition: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman


• Capital: George Town, in southwest Grand Cayman


• Population: Approximately 52,466


• Weather: Averages of 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 31.1c year round


• Main Industries: Tourism, Financial Services


• Language: English


• Political Status: Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom (i.e. British dependency)


• Nationalities: Over 92 different nationalities are represented in Cayman. The majority of the population is Caymanian, Jamaican, British, American, Canadian, Philippine, and South American.


• Size:
  Grand Cayman: area-76sq. miles; length-22 miles; average width 4 miles.
  Cayman Brac: area-15sq. miles; length-12miles; average width-1.5miles.
  Little Cayman: area 10sq.miles; length-10 miles; average width-just over 1 mile.


• Location:
  Grand Cayman: Western Caribbean, about 150 miles south of Cuba, 480 miles southwest of Miami, 180 miles northwest of Jamaica.
  Cayman Brac: 89 miles northwest of Grand Cayman.
  Little Cayman: 5 miles west of Cayman Brac.

Cost of living
The cost of living is generally higher than in the United States or the United Kingdom, as most commodities are imported and have to bear the cost of freight and insurance, plus customs duty if payable. There are no direct taxes such as income tax, company or corporation tax, inheritance tax, capital gains or gift tax in the Cayman Islands.

Banking
There are a number of major banks present on the Island offering regular banking services, including online banking. The Cayman Islands dollar is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of CI$1 = US$1.20. The major credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, supermarkets, and shops.

Due to regular shipping services there are a range of food items, household goods, clothing, and other items available at supermarkets and retailers on Grand Cayman. A newcomer could buy locally all that is needed to establish a home.

Entry and Immigration
Cayman Islands legislation requires that all persons of non-Caymanian status who are engaged in any form of employment must hold a valid work permit. For professional staff most work permits are issued for the period of two years.

Casual visitors are not permitted to take up or solicit employment whilst on the Island.

A valid work permit will allow the holder and approved dependants to live and remain in the Cayman Islands for an extended period. Dependants however must obtain their own work permit in order to work. Common Law partners do not qualify as dependants under the law.

Health Care
In addition to the main Government Hospitals managed by the Health Services Authority, there are a number of quality medical centers, facilities, and reputable physicians and specialists on the Island.

Health Insurance coverage is mandated in the Cayman Islands for all eligible employed persons over the age of 18.

Schooling
There are a number of Government and Private primary and secondary schools on the Island offering a curriculum which follows either the American or British schooling systems. There are also two colleges, a law school, and a medical school offering tertiary educational opportunities on Island. Children of expatriate residents (e.g. work permit holders) are required to attend private institutions.

Accommodation
There is a large supply of rental units available on the Islands with the costs mainly driven by location. On average you can expect to pay between US$1,000 and US$1,500 for a typical one-bedroom apartment and between US$1,500 and US$2,600 for a typical two-bedroom apartment. In almost all cases you will also be required to make a security deposit of two months rent, the first and last month.

Most rental units are available turnkey and are fully furnished, with dishes, linens and other household accessories.

Utilities
Electricity supply in the Islands is 110 volts/60hz, as in North America. The cost will depend on the amount used in particular for air conditioning. An average bill would be approximately US$200 per month. The average water bill for a two-person household is US$60. Depending on rental agreements, deposits for electricity and water may be required from the tenant.

The local telephone company Cable & Wireless will require a deposit of US$425. However, if their Direct Debit facility is used, the deposit is reduced to US$120.

There is a charge for cable or satellite TV although many rental agreements include these charges in the monthly rental.

Vehicles
Traffic drives on the left and traffic rules follow the British pattern.

Vehicles will vary in cost depending on the type of vehicle and where you choose to purchase the vehicle (i.e. dealers, private, ex-rentals). You can expect to spend between US$5,000 and US$6,000 on a used vehicle in good condition.

Insurance is mandated for all drivers and costs will vary depending on the type of coverage taken out, i.e. third party or fully comprehensive. A reasonable expectation in this regard is US$300 a year. Registration fees for a new vehicle will cost around US$285 (includes new plates, annual licence, etc.) whilst the annual vehicle licensing and inspection cost for used cars is approximately US$225.

You will be required to obtain a Cayman Islands Driving Licence, the fee for which will be no more than US$104 (pro-rated by date of birth)

Social/Recreational Activities
Socially, there are many things to do in the Cayman Islands from community and church to sports and recreation. The Cayman Islands also boasts a wide variety of eating establishments and restaurants, from coffee houses to elegant dining.

There are over 11 annual races every year including Marathon’s, Triathlons and Community events.

The related links on this page contain reference materials and information about the Cayman Islands. We hope that these links may assist you in your search for information about this jurisdiction.