Advice
To Make Your trip More Enjoyable in Grand Cayman:
1. Grand Cayman is a casual to “smart-casual” island, therefore leave your necktie at home! You might bring a jacket for a fancy dinner (but you’ll probably take it off). In Winter the evenings can get cool…so it is wise for ladies to take a light sweater out to dinner.
2.
Purchase the majority of your groceries and liquor on the way out of the
airport area. In addition to the Foster’s supermarket/liquors across from the
south runway, there is a beautiful pastel-colored, gingerbread-styled shopping
center surrounding Hurley’s Super-
Market (Grand Harbor) just 5 minutes (2 miles) from the airport (on your way
to Northside). It is on the left side of Crewe Road and has a Liquor store,
Blockbuster video, Pharmacy and Art store too. Everything is closed on
Sundays..so do your shopping on Saturday!
3.
The island accepts US$ just about everywhere. The quoted rate is usually
US$1.25 = CI$1.00. (or US$10.00 gets you CI$8.00).
4.
Phone jacks and electrical outlets are U.S. standard (110 volt).
5.
You can trust the water. It is either filtered rainwater or pumped out
of limestone aquifers and filtered through “reverse-osmosis”. We also
provide bottled water at the house, although the tap water is just fine
(filtered rainwater or purchased R.O.).
6.
For the more popular restaurants, reservations are recommended
(especially for the Hyatt restaurant at Rum Point, Portofino’s and the
Lighthouse restaurant in the Winter).
7.
Most restaurants automatically include a service charge (gratuity), so
be careful not to “tip” on the “tip”.
The island is expensive enough!
8.
Things not to forget:
a.
Everything in Grand Cayman is Imported ($$!)
The island has no taxes but those on imports, hotel stays and property. The
Island charges 20% duty on everything that comes in. That is on top of
the high shipping cost. Anything you think you will need that is expensive
(cameras, film, sunglasses, etc.) try to bring it with you. Friends of mine
bring beer! (US$40.00/case!!)
b.
Sunscreen. Absolutely, if you are fair-skinned. Hats are a must also.
c.
“Wading shoes” (stretchy nylon slip-ons with a hard rubber sole). These will protect
your feet should you step on a sharp shell, piece of coral, or sea urchin while
swimming/kayaking.
d.
Long distance calling card!…some carriers will offer rates as low as 30
cents/min. if you arrange it prior to leaving the states. Cable &
Wireless is the local monopoly, and you can use such cards only at certain
payphones. Calls from hotels/guest houses must be made by 1-800-CALL-USA.:
however I have decided to allow guests to just use my (cheaper) home phone
and deduct the charges from their damage deposit. Cable & Wireless can
link your US domestic cell phone to work in Cayman! 800-744-2000. (www.candw.ky).
e.
Passports ; or an “original” (notarized) Birth certificate. Adults also need
a photo-ID if relying on a birth certificate.
If you are taking step-children out of the country, you may need written
authorization from your ex-spouse….check with your attorney.
f.
Valid Drivers License (if you are renting a car).
g.
Underwater mask that fits. Fins/snorkel are also recommended, but can be
rented at Red Sail Sports (Rum Point) or Ocean Frontiers (East End).
h.
Special food/prescriptions/baby formula.
While there are many pharmacies on the island, they are going to be at
least 40 minutes from the North Side of the island.
I.
Small bottle of bug spray. Some
restaurants are outside; and if there is no breeze, bugs may be bothersome right
at dusk.
One caveat: I have my house listed with two travel agencies that have the right to “Instant Booking” on my calendar. If a (Sat. to Sat.) week is shown available, they can grab it. So if you get close to booking the week, and would be upset if it rented away..please call me so I can protect you for a day or so. It happens more often than you think...so I want to be certain you know ahead of time.