Question: What is the weather like on the Islands?

Answer: As a guide, our range of temperature through winter and summer are as follows:

Winter - November to April
72°F to 86°F during the day.
64°F to 72°F at night
Water temperature ranges between 78°F and 82°F

Summer - May to October
85°F to 90°F during the day.
73°F to 85°F at night
Water temperature ranges between 82°F to 86°F
Relative humidity varies from 68% to 92%.

Question: What are the requirements for getting married in the Cayman Islands?

Answer: Visitors to the Cayman Islands can get married on the day they arrive.

Although it is possible to obtain a special license the same day, visitors are advised to make arrangements in advance. The application for this license can be obtained from: -

Chief Secretary's Office,
4th Floor, (Room 406) Government Administration Building,
George Town, Grand Cayman
Phone: (345) 949-7900.

Couples must arrange for a Cayman Islands Marriage Officer before applying for the license.

The fee for this license is CI$150 plus a CI$10 stamp duty (US$200 total). Other requirements include proper documentation proving: -
i) citizenship and age (passport or birth certificate)
ii) marital status (proof of legal divorce decree or death certificate if spouse has died, if applicable)
iii) Immigration pink slip showing legal entry into the Cayman Islands, or
iv) documentation proving visitors is a passenger on a cruise ship. The minimum legal age for getting married without parental consent is 18.

Question: What does it take to purchase property in the Cayman Islands?

Answer: Once you have focused on the property you like, your Real Estate Sales agent will advise you on how to present your offer. You will be required to produce a ten percent deposit within a week of going to contract. Closing periods usually range from 30 to 90 days. The only major closing cost being stamp duty of 5 - 9%, which is paid to Government within 45 days of closing to transfer your title. It is quite normal for much of the actual transaction to take place by phone, fax and courier. There is usually no need for you to return for closing.

Question: Are there any restrictions to foreigners purchasing property?

Answer: There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. Ownership can be taken in a variety of ways, including a corporation, which does not reveal actual ownership.

Question: What about taxes?

Answer: Cayman has no taxes: no sales tax, no income tax, no capital gains tax, no property tax and no inheritance tax.

Question: Do I need a Visa to enter the Cayman Islands?

Answer: If you are American, British, Canadian, a citizen of another Commonwealth country or a national of any of the following you will not require a Visa:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Irish Republic, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, San Merino, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & Venezuela

Question: Where can I find Internet or email access on the Islands?

Answer: Access is available at the following places on Grand Cayman:
Pirates Den Restaurant at tel: (345) 949-7144, fax: (345) 949-9093 or email: pdspub@candw.ky
Chelsea's Sports Bar & Billiards at tel: (345) 949-8042

Café Del Sol at tel: (345) 946-2233, fax: (345) 946-8233 or email: coffee@cafedelsol.ky
Cable & Wireless (CI) Ltd. at tel: (345) 949-7800 or fax: (345) 949- 5472
There is currently no public access available on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman

Question: Is there Public transportation?

Answer: There is a daily bus service, which runs from 6 am until midnight depending on the route and the day of travel. The bus fare varies, depending on the route - CI$1.50 to CI$3.00 per person.

Question: Do you have your own currency?

Answer: Yes we do! The basic unit is the CI 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.

Question: As a permanent resident, can I own shares and/or operate in a business in Cayman?

Answer: A permanent resident can invest in a local company and receive dividends, although must not participate in the day-to-day management of the company without a work permit.
As far as profit is concerned, any investor can own a principle residence and rent it out, without needing a Trade and Business license.

Question: What belongings can I bring to the Cayman Islands and will I have to pay duty on them?

Answer: Any items deemed legal under Cayman Law may be imported. Generally a 20% duty is paid on all imported items based on the landed cost of the items including freight and insurance. Vehicles are assessed between 27 1/2% and 40% depending on the blue book value. Duty on personal household items including clothing and furniture (not vehicles) may be waived as long as the items are over six months old.

Question: Where can I send my children to school?

Answer: There are a number of private schools on the island where Permanent Residents and Work Permit Holders will be required to send their children. The schools offer good North American and British based education