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
- Duty starts at CI$10.50 per litre of spirits and is CI$27 per nine litre case of wine.
- Duty on cigarettes CI$10.50 per carton, 100% duty on cigars.
- 27.5% to 40% on the value.
Pets
Some dogs and other animals are restricted from entering the Cayman Islands. There are very specific rules set up to make sure that rabies is kept out of Cayman (the Cayman Islands is a rabies free country). Please see the Pets chapter for a detailed outline on how to import your pets: Importing Pets
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 (see the Settling In chapter for a picture of the wall socket). If your appliances run on 220v and they do not have dual capability, they will not work in Cayman and you should buy what you need once you get here. Some small electronic items (mobile phones, laptops and digital cameras) can be run and charged using a travel adapter.
Kitchen Appliances
Most rental apartments come with major appliances like washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and stove. Do not bring these with you!
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 computers 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. (See the Health chapter)
Clothing
The perception is that there are not a lot of shopping options on Grand Cayman. The reality is that there is a reasonable selection but certainly not as much as a large city and the prices will likely be a little more than what you are used to. 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. Cayman does not change much throughout the four seasons; the winters are cool with low humidity and the summers are hot and have frequent tropical downpours. Generally the dress code is tidy and casual but there are quite a few black-tie functions, mostly for fundraising purposes, at which you will want to wear your dinner jacket and women will want a long elegant cocktail or evening dress. There are several really nice boutiques on Island where you can find designer, formal wear and occasionally bridal wear.
Guns
The Cayman Islands has very strict laws on the possession of guns. If you are found to possess a gun in the Cayman Islands, which has not got a Fire Arms Permit specifically authorised by the Commissioner of Police, it is illegal, and there is a minimum of 10 years imprisonment attached with its discovery. However, it is possible to import a gun (or your gun collection in some cases) but you need to write to the Commissioner of Police, PO Box 909, Grand Cayman KY1-1103, stating what calibre of weapon it is, what purpose you would import it for and how you would store it. Please note that any gun with a rim over .22 will almost certainly not be given a licence. Every gun must be stored in a locked box and the Cayman Islands Customs Department will check to ensure that this is enforced. There is an active gun club on the Island. You can contact Stuart Bostock at The Security Centre for more information on (345) 949 0004.
Cayman Duty
The personal and household effects of a person entering to take up employment or residency for a period in excess of 12 months are admitted duty free. (Although they must be imported within six months of arrival otherwise duty will be applied.) These include a reasonable quantity of wearing apparel and instruments and tools of trade. Household effects must have been in use and ownership for at least six months. If not, duty can range from 10-25% depending on the commodity. It is advisable to keep the receipts for anything bought in the last six months. You must show proof of residency, the work permit stamp in your passport or a valid work permit ID card. Take your passport with you - without a stamp for permanent residence or a one year work permit your household items will not be imported at nil duty value. Please note that motor vehicles are never duty free - see the Transportation chapter.
Most mail-order items are subject to a 20% duty. All dutiable gifts sent by family and friends which Customs value at over CI$50 will be charged a 20% duty fee. Books, cameras, musical instruments, leather bags and watches are duty free. A complete list of dutiable items can be found on www.caymanislandscustoms.com.
To move forward to the 'Preparing to Move' chapter (which gives tips on what to consider before you sign your contract) click on the follwoing link: Preparing to Move to Cayman
To move back to the 'Cost of Living' chapter: Cayman Islands Cost of Living Scenarios
