Travel Tips
Useful Information for a Worry-Free Vacation
Climate
The Cayman Islands maintains a tropical climate with an average year-round temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) during the summer and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) during the winter. The ocean water temperature ranges from 75 to 85 degrees F (23-29 C).
Clothing
The dress codes and temperatures in Grand Cayman are very relaxed and warm so you’ll likely live in tank tops, t-shirts, and shorts while you’re here. However, pack a pair of pants in case it rains. For more dressy occasions, women should pack a few sundresses, and men bring along a few collared shirts. Also, pack a couple of pairs of sandals and walking shoes.
Country Code
The country code for the Cayman Islands is 345.
Currency, ATMs
The Cayman Islands dollar is the official currency of the Cayman Islands, although U.S. dollars are readily accepted everywhere. There are several banks with ATMs in George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman. Most banks will exchange Cayman dollars for U.S. dollars. The exchange rate fluctuates regularly. The closest ATM to Aqua Bay Club is ¾ miles away, situated in the Centennial Tower Building.
Most places in Grand Cayman accept credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.
Customs
Customs can be strict at times, so you’ll need to show a firmly booked hotel reservation and an ongoing or return ticket. Hard copy print-outs are recommended as some custom officials will not accept digital copies from your tablet or smartphone.
Department of Tourism
Operates an information bureau (tel. 345/949-2635), which is open daily from 11AM to 9PM at the airport.
Electricity
Electricity on the Cayman Islands is 110-volt AC (60 cycles), so adapters or transformers are not required for U.S. and Canadian appliances. If you’re traveling with appliances from Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, we suggest you bring adapters and transformers.
Embassies & Consulates
Although there are currently no foreign embassies or consulates on the Cayman Islands, there is an honorary consulate in the Grand Cayman for both U.S. and Canadian citizens. The U.S. Consular Agency is 5 miles away and the Canadian Honorary Consulate is 2.5 miles from Aqua Bay Club Condos Condos.
| U.S. Consular Agency—Cayman Islands Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM 150 Smith Road Smith Road Center, Unit 202B George Town, KY1-1010 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (345) 945-8173 (345) 945-8192 Fax [email protected] |
Canadian Honorary Consulate—Cayman Islands Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 AM to 1 PM Landmark Square, Suite 1F 64 Earth Close (Off West Bay Road just past the Strand) P.O. Box 30086 Grand Cayman KY1 – 1201 Cayman Islands (+345) 949 9400 (+345) Emergency: (613) 996-8885 Fax (+345) 949 9405 [email protected] www.jamaica.gc.ca |
Hospitals
On Grand Cayman, the George Town Hospital (tel. 345/949-8600; www.hsa.ky) is located south of George Town on Hospital Road (south of Smith Rd.). There is also the private Chrissy Tomlinson Hospital, both are a short distance away from Aqua Bay Club Condos Condos.
Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age is 18, however, it is illegal to have an open container on the beach.
Language
The Cayman Islands are part of British territory. The language spoken here is English.
Most airmail from the Cayman Islands takes between 2 to 7 days to arrive in the U.S. The Cayman Islands do not use postal or zip codes. The main post office in George Town rests at Edward Street and Cardinal Avenue (tel. 345/949-2474), between the Royal Bank of Canada and the Bank of Nova Scotia. There is also a post office right in the district of West Bay about a mile from Aqua Bay Club Condos Condos.
Pharmacies
Make sure you gather plenty of prescription medications before you travel. West Bay Pharmacy is ¾ miles away, the closest pharmacy to Aqua Bay Club Condos Condos, and is situated in the Centennial Tower Building. Other options include Fosters Food Fair Pharmacy in the Strand Shopping Centre on West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach and Cayman Drug in Kirk Freeport Centre, George Town.
Taxes
A government tourist tax of 13% is added to your hotel bill. There is no tax on goods and services.
Taxis
A 15-minute taxi ride from the Owen Roberts International Airport to Aqua Bay Club will cost approximately $30 USD for up to 3 persons, and $10 USD for each extra passenger.
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Tipping
Be aware that most restaurants add a 10% to 15% fee in lieu of a tip. Hotels also often add a 10% service charge to your bill. It is customary to give taxi drivers a 10% to 15% tip.
Water
For the most part, the tap water in the Cayman Islands is safe to drink. Ask the hotel just to be sure, or inquire if bottled water is available. Avoid drinking from a stream, river, or spring.