Cayman FAQ's

Fact: Cruise ship passengers from the US are required to have a passport.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure that you know whether or not you’ll need a passport, and give yourself plenty of time to get one.

Fact: The Cayman Islands has its own money.

And it’s pretty, too! On the back of all notes there is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to reflect our bond to Britain, as well as the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms and Motto. The basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1, and coins valued at 25 cents, 10, 5 and 1 cent. Since the Cayman dollar is tied to the US dollar (the exchange rate is fixed at CI$1.00 = US$1.25), US cash and travellers checks are accepted everywhere in the Cayman Islands. American travellers take note – remember that the CI bill is 25 dollars not merely 20. So if you leave a $25 bill to cover a $17 bill, you are actually leaving an $8 tip, not a $3 tip.

Fact: There are two decompression chambers in the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman government owns and operates two hospitals – the main Cayman Islands Hospital located in George Town, Grand Cayman, and Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, and both have privately run decompression chambers to treat dive related emergencies. In addition, there are a number of government district clinics, including one on Little Cayman. The Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital is a private facility also located in George Town.

Fact: There are no nude beaches in these islands.

Sorry, but Cayman Islands Law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. So there are no nude beaches and, in fact, many business places also request that you wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.

Fact: Tipping follows the American custom.

The customary rate is 15% for restaurants, dive services, salons, etc. Some restaurants automatically add the tip, so be sure to check your bill carefully or you might be tipping double.