Cayman Islands Overview

The Cayman Islands are unique among the Caribbean islands. Island Hideaways' Cayman villa guests will find a quiet and restful destination which boasts the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. The Cayman Islands are well known as one of the top diving and fishing destinations in the world. Enjoy your time in the Cayman Islands and everything they have to offer.

The first settlers of the Cayman Islands were pirates and shipwrecked sailors. These animated pirates and sailors were calmed with the arrival of Scottish fishermen who formed the quiet settlement that has grown to The Cayman Islands of today. Once a dependency of Jamaica, The Cayman Islands opted to remain a British Crown Colony when Jamaica voted for independence in 1962.

Capital

George Town, Grand Cayman

Language

English is the official language. You will hear it spoken with a "brogue" reminiscent of Scotland as well as a slight Jamaican lilt.

Politics

The Cayman Islands are a British Dependent Territory with a Governor who is appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Population

33,600; about one third of the population lives in the George Town district. Residents enjoy a high standard of living and unemployment is very low.

Industry

Banking, tourism and insurance are the leading industries.

Entry Requirements

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (passport) and a return or through ticket. Visits are limited to 6 months and there is a U.S.$10 departure tax. Firearms, spearguns and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. Live plants, raw fruits and vegetables are tightly restricted. Do not purchase turtle products. You cannot bring turtle products into the U.S.

Money

The Cayman Islands are one of the few places in the Caribbean where the basic unit of exchange (in this case the Cayman Island Dollar) is worth more than the U.S. Dollar. The Cayman Island Dollar has a fixed exchange rate of CI$1.00 equals US$1.25. (CI$.80 = US$1.00) Because U.S. currency is so widely accepted, many prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. This can be very confusing - just be sure of the currency quoted when you are negotiating.

Tipping

Many restaurants will automatically add a 15% service gratuity to your bill; be sure to inquire if you are not sure if the tip has been included.

Natural Symbols

The National Trust has named three natural symbols of The Cayman Islands: the Cayman parrot is the national bird, the wild banana orchid is the national flower, and the silver thatch palm is the national tree. Look for a new issue of stamps commemorating this event.

Communications

Worldwide direct dialing system, telex and fax services. The area code for The Caymans is 345. 

Electricity:
110 Volts/60 Cycles AC

Time

Eastern Standard Time year round

Cayman Islands Guide

About Cayman Islands

Cayman villa guests will find a quiet and restful destination which boasts the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. more

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