Two currencies, one simple rule: the Cayman dollar is worth more than the US dollar. Read a price tag wrong and dinner costs a fifth more than you thought.
The Cayman dollar is pegged at 1 KYD to 1.20 USD, and US dollars are accepted absolutely everywhere. The catch is reading prices: a menu showing CI$50 means about US$60. Check which currency a price is quoted in before you order, and expect change to arrive in Cayman dollars.
Cards are standard almost everywhere, including taxis increasingly, though a little cash helps at beach shacks and roadside fruit stands. Restaurants commonly add a service charge of around 15 percent to the bill; check before adding a tip on top. Where no service is added, 15 to 18 percent is the norm. There is no sales tax and no VAT anywhere in the islands, which is exactly why the George Town duty free strip does such serious business in watches and stones.
Cayman is not a budget destination, but it rewards planning. A casual lunch runs US$15 to 25, a waterfront dinner main US$30 to 50, a boat trip to Stingray City US$60 to 90 per person, and public beaches, including all of Seven Mile Beach, cost nothing at all.
Yes, everywhere. The fixed rate is 1 Cayman dollar to 1.20 US dollars. Expect change in Cayman dollars, and check which currency a price tag shows.
No. There is no sales tax and no VAT, which makes jewellery, watches and spirits in George Town genuinely duty free.
Many restaurants add about 15 percent service automatically. If it is not on the bill, 15 to 18 percent is standard. Round up for taxis and beach service.
Ready-made George Town shore plans with honest timings, everything walkable from the tender.