DECIDING WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT NOT TO BRING

It is always difficult deciding what to bring and what not to bring, particularly if you do not know in what type of house or apartment you will be living. Below are some basic guidelines to assist you in making these decisions. Remember that you must have your Permanent Residence or your one-year work permit stamped into your passport to qualify for duty being waived.

Furniture & Appliances

Although most rented homes have all the fittings and appliances needed to make a comfortable new ‘nest’ it is always nice to surround yourself with things from home. Bring pictures, pillows and mementos; these will make your new home feel more like your own. DO NOT BRING FURNITURE! Almost without exception every rental property comes furnished. If you are buying, most houses come fully furnished. We have a few very good furniture stores if you want the odd item of furniture.

Items With High Customs Duty

Alcohol - Duty starts at CI$10.50 per litre of spirits and is CI$27 per case of wine.

Tobacco products - Duty on cigarettes

CI$10.50 per carton, 100% duty on cigars.

Motor vehicles - 27.5% to 40% on the value.

Pets

Once you follow the instructions laid out in the pet section importing your pet is quite straightforward. Finding an apartment that will accept you with your pet is not so easy; very few landlords allow pets, but it is worth asking around.

Electrical Appliances

Cayman runs on the same electricity system as the US and Canada – 110/115v, but uses a 3-pin plug. However the US 2-pin plug will work in Cayman. If your appliances run on 220v and they do not have dual capability, you should buy what you need once you get here.

Kitchen Appliances

All rental apartments come with major appliances like washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and stove.

TV

Cayman uses the American NTSC system. The British PAL system will not work here. Many apartments will come with a television and either cable or satellite feed.

Entertainment Systems

You will probably pay duty if you import these, especially if they look new. You can buy stereo systems here at a reasonable price.

Computers

Laptops are dutiable if they are considered recently purchased. However, if you travel with it as part of your hand luggage you will most likely not be asked for proof of duty having been paid on its arrival in Cayman. Most people ship their own hard drives but buy a monitor once they reach Cayman.

Lamps & Light Fixtures

We don’t recommend you bring these as they are bulky, easily broken in transit and there are very good places to buy lamps in Cayman.

Medication

Most medicines are available on Grand Cayman, although they may be sold under another brand name. Ask your general practitioner for the generic names of drugs. We also have well-qualified pharmacists who can help you.

Clothing

The perception is that there are not a lot of shopping options on Grand Cayman. The reality is that there is actually a reasonable selection; however, prices will likely be more than what you are used to. The selection on the Island is less than what you would expect from a large city but you can find an outfit in a pinch. Your best bet is to bring a lot of clothes and shoes with you. Wool and cashmere can be too much when the temperature is 80 degrees. However, most places of business do get chilly from air conditioning so a light sweater would be useful.