Social ConventionsThe mode of life on the Cayman Islands is a blend of local traditions and of US and British patterns of behavior. Handshaking is the usual greeting. Because of the large number of people with a similar surname (such as Ebanks and Bodden), a person may be introduced by his first name (such as Mr Tom or Mr Jim). Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. It is normal to prescribe the required mode of dress on invitations. Beachwear is best confined to the beach to avoid offence. Topless bathing is prohibited.
International Travel:Getting There by
AirThe national airline is
Cayman Airways (KX) (website:
www.caymanairways.com).
Departure TaxCI$20 or US$25. Travelers under 12 years of age and transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours are exempt.
Main AirportsGrand Cayman (GCM) (Owen Roberts International Airport) is 2km (1 mile) east of the city.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the center (journey time – 10 minutes), operating from 0600 to 2300, for a fare of about US$10. There is also an airport bus available that must be pre-booked.
Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, banks/bureaux de change, ATM, post office, car hire, bars, restaurants, cafes, VIP lounge, and tourist information.
Cayman Brac (CYB) (Gerard Smith Airport) is 8km (5 miles) from the town.
To/from the airport: Taxis meet all flights (journey time – 10 minutes).
Facilities: Duty-free shop, restaurant and car hire.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Grand Cayman is one of the most popular Caribbean ports and a busy port of call for leading international
cruise lines operating from North America, Mexico and Europe.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into the Cayman Islands by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco;
1l of alcoholic beverages (including wines).
Live plants and cuttings, beef, and raw fruit and vegetables.
Visitors should be aware that the importation of sea turtle products is strictly prohibited by any countries that have signed the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (1978),
including the USA, Canada and the UK.
The export of lobster, conch or conch meat is prohibited (unless in transit). There are also a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the islands; it is best to check prior to travel.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirGrand Cayman is connected to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman by internal flights run by
Cayman Airways (website:
www.caymanairways.com) and
Island Air (website:
www.islandaircayman.info).
Getting Around by RoadA good road network connects the coastal towns of all three main islands. Traffic drives on the left.
Bus: Public minibuses (tel: 945 5100) operate from George Town to West Bay (every 15 minutes), to Bodden Town (every 30 minutes) and to East End and North Side (every hour). The main bus terminal is located next to the public library, Edward Street, George Town. Services normally run between 0600-2300 (until 0000 at weekends for most routes). Routes are color coded (with colors marked on the front and rear of the buses). Public buses have blue license plates and standard fares are displayed inside.
Mopeds and scooters: Available for hire on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Riders are required by law to wear a helmet at all times.
Bicycles: Available for hire on all three islands. On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, most hotels have bicycles available for complimentary guest use.
Taxi: There are taxis operating from all resorts, the cruise dock at George Town and the international airports. They offer a fixed rate per vehicle or per person to all points on Grand Cayman. A sign with current rates is posted at the cruise ship dock in George Town.
Car hire: Most major car hire companies are represented in George Town. On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman only 4-wheel drive vehicles and jeeps are available. Private limousine services are available on Grand Cayman for special events and airport transfers.
Regulations: Drivers must be over 21 years of age. Strictly enforced speed limits are generally 40-48kph (25-30mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) in rural areas. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Full insurance is required and must be arranged with the car hire company; some companies will not insure drivers under 25.
Documentation: A temporary local driving license is required, which will be issued from the police station or car rental agency at a nominal charge on presentation of a valid license from the traveller’s country of origin.
NoteNoteCayman Brac to Little Cayman is 10 minutes by air.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from
George Town, Grand Cayman, to other major centers in the islands.
| Air | Road | Sea |
| Cayman Brac | 0.30 | - | - |
| Little Cayman | 0.45 | - | - |
| Rum Point | - | 0.45 | 1.15 |
| Cayman Kai | - | 0.45 | - |
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