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. We have "city water" at the Castle/GH which means it was made through Reverse osmosis and is the same water that all the hotels/restaurants use (no one gets sick on the water here).
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 15 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 UNTIL DEC 31, 2006. AFTER THEN
EVERYONE NEEDS A PASSPORT. Adults also need a photo-ID if
relying on a birth certificate in 2006. 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.