Visitors Centre

WHEN IN CAYMAN:
As a visitor to our islands, you will find it helpful to know certain facts about Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.  In order to make your stay more enjoyable, we ask that you read and comply with our laws and just a few rules of local etiquette.  We thank you and welcome you to the Cayman Islands!

OUR PEOPLE:
Our population of just over 40,000 is descended from the first British, Irish, Scottish and African settlers of our Islands. With over half our people being of mixed origin, you will find virtually no racial bias or social stratification.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS:
Sir Turtle, the pegged-legged turtle pirate, is a conglomerate symbol of A)  turtles, which for a long time provided much of the food and livelihood on our islands; and B)  the pirates who once used our islands as their Caribbean hideout, as well as the shipwrecked sailors, buccaneers and army deserters who made our Islands their home.

CURRENCY:
The relationship of the Cayman and US dollar is a constant one; the US dollar equals 80 Caymanian cents.  The Cayman dollar, like other dollars, is available in various denominations, and has 1, 5, 10 and 25-cents coins.

BANKING:
You may use US dollars in all Cayman establishments. However, should you need a bank, ours are open from 9AM through 3PM Monday-Thursday and from 9:00am - 4:30pm on Fridays.  Automated Teller Machines are available at several major banks.

ROAD SAFETY LAWS:
Renting a car is the best way to see our Islands.  Remember though, we are a British Crown Colony and we drive on the LEFT side of the road!  You must be 21 to drive a rental car and 25 to rent a car on your own.  A temporary local permit (US$7.50) is required. Pedestrians are asked to stay on sidewalks or roadsides, and to use our crosswalks for safety.

TIPPING ETIQUETTE:
While many of our hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10-15% service charge, some do not.  Please examine your check and feel free to reward those who serve you with any added tip you feel appropriate.

CONSERVATION LAWS:
We welcome you to look at, photograph and admire our many natural wonders.  Many of them, however, are endangered species and Cayman is dedicated to keeping them alive.  Our strict Marine Conservation Laws prohibit the taking or disturbing of any marine life while in scuba gear or while in areas designated Marine Parks or Replenishment zones. In general, we ask that you respect and do not harm Cayman's flora and fauna, whether marine or terrestrial, and do not remove it from its natural setting.  The possession or use of spear guns by visitors anywhere in Cayman waters is illegal. Littering is also prohibited throughout the Islands and carries a CI$500 fine.

TIME STANDARDS:
The Cayman Islands remains on Eastern Standard Time all year round.  If you have your watch on Daylight Savings time, be sure to reset it while you're here.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
While we pride ourselves on having a low rate of crime, we must remind our visitors to please lock their doors and keep their valuables in a secure place.  Do not leave purses, wallets, cameras, jewelry, passports or any valuables out in the open, unattended at the beach, in your rental vehicle or other public places.  Shopping is "trouble-free" in the Cayman Islands and can be done in the comfort of a wide variety of local boutiques, souvenir shops, fine jewelry and duty free stores and small art galleries.  Cayman Islands law strictly prohibits begging, selling and soliciting any kind of individuals on the street or on the beach.  Please report any violations of this to the police.

OUR SINCERE ADVICE:
The Cayman Islands has very strict laws prohibiting the use of any illegal substances including marijuana (or ganja as it is called locally).  Large fines and prison terms are given to those who are in possession of or who import any controlled.

OUR DRESS REGULATIONS:
Cayman Islands law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sun-bathing.  In accordance with local customs, we also request that you put on a shirt, dress or beach cover-ups as you leave the beach and go to public places outside your resort.

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