An Expat Guide To Living In Cayman

Due to its relaxed finance laws, lack of corporate taxes and picturesque beauty, the Cayman Islands is one of the most thriving offshore business centers for expatriate workers in the world. With a population of roughly 55,000 and a relatively strong currency, the average Caymanian resident enjoys a high living standard, due partially to business brought in by the guest worker population who hail mostly from the United States, Canada and the U.K. There are currently over 20,000 valid work permits in circulation, making this small island nation one of the most expat-heavy economies globally per capita.

Adjusting to expatriate living in a Caribbean nation can be an intimidating experience, particularly when arriving from a cold, highly-taxed jurisdiction with stringent regulations. The Caymanian lifestyle, however, is significantly laid back compared to most places, making for a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with attractive working conditions. Below is a comprehensive expat guide to living in Cayman, complete with everything you need to know to about adapting to the islander experience!

Cost Of Living

A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,100 KYD (around $1,300 USD) per month on average, making Cayman real estate rental prices amongst the highest in the Caribbean/Mid-Atlantic region (excepting Bermuda). For contrast, a full 3-bedroom house complete with yard is approximately $2,200 KYD (around $2,700 USD). Expats in high-paying fields such as finance and reinsurance typically have no problem with these rates, whereas they are somewhat more intimidating to foreign workers in labour and service industry positions. The cheapest rent in Grand Cayman can be found in the Bodden Town and West Bay areas, whereas the most expensive properties lie on Seven Mile Beach and Snug Harbor.

Grocery bills are considerably higher than most countries given that the majority of foodstuffs must be imported. A expat couple living together can expect to spend anywhere from $600-950 KYD per month on food depending on lifestyle, with a half gallon of milk running at $8 USD and a loaf of bread at $3. Certain items are cheaper than others depending on local availability, but given Cayman’s lack of agricultural space, most things remain expensive.

Immigration & Work Permits

Despite its dependency on and generally favourable attitude towards expatriate workers, part of the Caymanian Government’s responsibility is to ensure that foreigners don’t take any jobs that an equally qualified local could have done instead. For this reason, there are immigration policies in place that limit the fields of work in which guest workers are allowed to perform and the consecutive time they’re allowed to spend in the country.

There is a maximum term limit of seven years for expats in any industry (with only a few rare exceptions). All prospective foreign workers are required to pass a health screening and criminal background check before being allowed into the country, and initial permits can be rejected for any reason at the Immigration Department’s discretion. Cayman’s work permit policy is such that after seven years you can reapply for another work permit providing that you leave the islands and wait one year before applying for the second. This is a controversial subject to those Caymanians who view it as a loophole that allows foreigners to stay indefinitely.

Transportation

Caymanians drive on the left, which can be difficult to adjust to for expatriates from the United States or Canada (Britons will feel right at home). Though you are allowed to import a personal car from abroad, the duty rates on such goods are so high (up to 40%) that you’re almost be better off simply purchasing a new or used vehicle upon arrival.

The small size of Grand Cayman is such that you can typically drive from one end to the other in just over an hour. The maximum speed limit on busy, open roads is 50mph, whereas it’s about 30mph in busier, more populated areas.

Private cars, mopeds and bicycles are all available for rent, but are more difficult to secure during the busy tourist season. Those wishing to rent must have a valid driver’s license from their country of origin.

There are taxis available island wide, but they’re harder to find outside of the George Town area, particularly at night. There is also decent public transportation with all main roads well-lit and smoothly paved.

Weather & Temperature

Cayman is known for its gorgeous weather year-round, offering a warmy, balmy escape for guest workers originating from cold climates. Below are the average highs and lows by month in both farenheit and celcius:

  Month                            High                                 Low

Though there is an official annual hurricane season from June to November, the last major storm to hit the islands was Hurricane Ivan in 2004, costing the Government about 3.5 billion dollars in damaged infrastructure repairs. There is occasional flooding during the rainy season (May - October), and given Cayman’s mid-Caribbean geography, these months can also be uncomfortably humid. November to April is known as the dry season, though droughts are rare.

Entertainment

Expats will never be at a loss for what to do in the Cayman Islands, as there is a vibrant entertainment culture with lots of options for both locals and visitors. Due to the dominance of the nation’s hospitality industry, foreigners are treated well and made to feel at home, whether tourists or workers.

Caymanians are a fun-loving people with loads of go-to destinations and traditional events for all discerning tastes and interests. Be warned, however: many of the entertainment options either directly or indirectly revolve around alcohol, so if you’re not a drinker, you may have to get creative with your fun-seeking!

Bars & Clubs - Whether you want to relax with a pint, enjoy some good wine or dance the night away, Cayman offers tons of options for expatriates who love the nightlife! From the touristy laid-backness of Margaritaville to the high-energy dance vibe of O Bar, there’s a venue for everyone! Find out more about the Cayman nightlife scene here.

Cayman Turtle Farm - Originally built as a habitat to save the Green Sea Turtle from extinction, this is arguably the most popular attraction in Grand Cayman, attracting over half a million guests per year. A must-see for visitors and locals alike, it's essentially a miniature zoo complete with a bird aviary, touch pools and educational information. There’s also a gigantic swimming pool on site. Learn more about it here.

Seven Mile Beach - Dotted with resorts, fine dining establishments and a crystal clear ocean backdrop, this is one of the most bustling hubs of commerce and entertainment in the Cayman islands. The beach itself is only about five and a half miles long, but it been recognized as one of the best in the Caribbean by one publication. Take a stroll down SMB and discover something new!

Pirates Week - Initially created as a way to attract more tourists during the country’s off-season in the 1970s, Pirates Week has steadily grown into one of Cayman’s most fun and beloved annual traditions. Enjoyed equally by locals and guest workers, it unites people of all creeds, ages and backgrounds to celebrate the Cayman way of life. Featuring pirate-themed events (don’t worry, no real pirates!), open air street festivals, food, drink and local culture, there’s just too much going on for this 11-day extravaganza to explain in one paragraph.

Flowers Sea Swim - This is an annual open-water swim that attracts international attention for being one of the best events of its kind in the world. With nearly one thousand participants on average and over $100,000 worth of prizes to be won, there’s great incentive to get involved. Also, 100% of registration proceeds go to a local charity that helps to feed hungry school children.

Safety

Cayman is a relatively safe place compared to other Caribbean destinations, partially due to its high standard of living and strict penalties on gun crime. Though there was a surge of gang-related activity during 2011, it was dealt with swiftly by the local police force and crime levels have been reduced to previous levels.

On the whole, Caymanians are more socially conservative than their North American and U.K. counterparts, and are typically not as open-minded about homosexuality and LGBT issues. For this reason, even casual public displays of affection between same-sex partners are not recommended, particularly around older residents.

Overall, incoming expatriates can expect a high standard of safety when moving to the Cayman Islands. Though there is some tension between the expat population and locals who feel they’re being deprived of jobs, both demographics acknowledge their economic dependence on each other and have learned to peacefully coexist while sharing cultural knowledge and heritage.