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Living In the Cayman Islands In 2021

Living In the Cayman Islands In 2021 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Just like we explained recently in our guide to moving to the Cayman Islands as an expat, you still need to understand the living guide to this island. Of course, moving to the Cayman Islands is, for many, a lifelong ambition fulfilled. Not only is that, but an opportunity to live on the Caribbean Island.

Besides, you can enjoy fabulous beaches, balmy year-round weather, a high standard of living, a low crime rate, and a community of international residents who extend a Caymankind welcome. In fact, the locals are friendly, and you’ll have the opportunity to be welcomed excitingly when you just visit the country.

However, the Cayman Islands are one of the British overseas territories that have quietly become a major attraction among expats from all over the world as of today. The Cayman Islands are one of the biggest offshore tax havens, has only led more expatriates to want to settle down here for many years.

Have you been surfing the internet to know what living cost in Cayman entail? Do you wish to know more about living in Cayman today? If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, look no further, as you’ve landed on the right platform. A very small section of settlers here consists of Spanish locals and even members of the Jamaican Patwa community. So, it’s somewhere you’d want to try.

In this article, we will walk you through the guide to living in the Cayman Islands as an expat. Aside from this fact, we have compiled this article to explain the visa requirements to living in the Cayman Islands, the top ten tips to relocate to this country, and many other things, to mention a few. Would you like to know more? If that sounds like a yes, read further to see what we have for you.

Top 10 Tips to Moving to the Cayman Islands

We all know that moving to a new country is never an easy task. Let alone doing everything on your own can be pretty challenging. That’s why; it’s quite essential to check different platforms or make research about the country before you catch a flight or get a visa. Here, we have compiled the tips to relocate to the Cayman Islands; check it out below.

1.    Renting or Buying a Property

One thing you need to worry about when moving to a new country is how to find suitable accommodation. Well, finding the right one can be quite difficult, as the supply of condos for rent on Seven Mile Beach has become limited due to the increasing number of expats and demand.

Although there are other areas such as South Sound, George Town, Prospect, and many others that have rental properties, but you’ll need an experienced realtor to help you find a suitable one. Therefore, if you’re looking to buy a house in the Cayman Islands, the process is relatively simple. On the other hand, you’ll need an experienced realtor that’d help you find a suitable one.

2.    Getting a Job in the Cayman Islands

If you haven’t gotten a job on the Islands, lots of works are available to English-speaking people. While it may be pretty difficult to apply for this job overseas due to the huge number of applications most businesses in the Cayman Islands receive, you’re better off keeping whatever job you have at hand now.

However, if you’re able to work remotely and apply for jobs whilst you’re on the islands to improve your chances of getting one, sites such as SteppingStones, Affinity Recruitment, and many others can be helpful. Therefore, we advise you to better get a job before traveling to the islands as an expat.

3.    Having a Monthly Budget

Always know that your first new month in a country can be quite expensive. And this same rule applies to the Cayman Islands. With rentals deposits, utilities, cars, and other deposits eating up huge chunks of your money, you may need to work out how much this will be for a month.

Now, you should consider what to expect, living conditions, and utilize spending on whatever that’d allow you to spend beyond your budget. Well, the cost of living in the Caymans has been likened to London. So, keep in mind the cost of living in London to have a glance at what you’d live on in Cayman.

4.    Taking you Own Car

You’d think that living on an island that’s only 22 miles long and 4 miles wide would eliminate the need for a car, right? Unfortunately, due to the humidity in the summer months, having a car is essential if you probably choose to avoid heatstroke.

In fact, taxis are very pricey in the Cayman Islands, and buying a car in this territory can be quite difficult as well. So, you’re best off bringing your own car with you. Not only is that, but you can either come over with it or have it imported.

5.    Sorting Out your Legal Documents

Most times, moving to a country where the security measures are high can be very daunting to cope as an expat. That being said, moving to the Cayman Islands without the proper documentation in place is a terrible idea.

But the government services are quite efficient on the islands, but in order for you to process your residency in the country, you’ll need original or notarized copies of the following documents.

  • Your University and other professional designations
  • Birth certificate and marriage license
  • Driving record from your current car insurance company
  • Appropriate bank references and records from credit companies
  • Criminal records check in your home country

In addition to this fact, advanced planning to make sure you have all these documents is advantageous. However, certain documents should be left until just before you leave.  Some of these documents include; bank references and your criminal record checks. And this is solely because; these documents need to be as recent as possible.

6.    Opening a Bank Account

One thing you need to know after moving to a new country is the opening of a bank account. And of course, you know that you can’t use your home-country local bank account to receive money in the new destination’s currency.  With that being said, you should set up a bank account in the Cayman Islands as soon as you arrive in the country. This will help you establish accounts for your telecommunications.

Most times, all banks require two forms of photo ID, a bank reference as said earlier in the article, a personal reference, verification of employment and salary, and many others. Some of the banks to choose from include; Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, Butterfield, FirstCaribbean, and many others, to mention a few.

7.    Getting Healthcare Insurance

Aside from opening a bank account, getting the best healthcare insurance is also another thing to consider. Besides, you should know that every resident is legally required to have healthcare insurance. Moreover, the government mandates that employers pay for their employees ‘insurance, but they can deduct up to 50 percent from their salary.

But be rest assured that the standards of healthcare on the island are particularly excellent. Meanwhile, you should know that there are actually four hospitals despite the islands’ relatively small size.

8.    Planning Ahead for Pets

Recently, we compiled a post about the countries to relocate with pets and its requirements. And since this article is geared towards people who are living or moving to the Cayman Islands on their own, you need to understand how pet works in this British territory.

Furthermore, the islands are a great place to have pets with plenty of outdoor space and a great network of veterinarians. Meanwhile, it has some downsides which might contribute to a difficult time relocating as an expat. That way, you need to plan at six months ahead before moving to your destination. Some of the things you need to consider include the following.

  • Have up-to-date vaccination and be fitted with a microchip
  • Ensure you have a rabies blood test
  • Make sure you have an official veterinary
  • Have tick and tapeworm treatments
  • Ensure you have an official veterinary health certificate

9.    Check for COVID-19 Restrictions

As much as we’d like to pretend that the Covid-19 pandemic is over, sadly, we still need to take precautions. And for the fact that there are a number of rules you may need to follow, such as choosing to be able to enter islands and having PCR tests along the way, it’s quite essential that you research about the territory and get a full breakdown of the regulations you have to follow.

10. Join a New Club or Community

This is the last on our list today. And for the fact that there are lots of different sports clubs to join, such as Gaelic football, hockey, rugby, and many others, to mention a few, staying in shape with this community can be helpful. Not only is that, but also a great way to meet new people in the country.

A Brief History of Cayman Islands you should know

Living in the Cayman Islands remained largely uninhabited until the 17th century, as research disclosed. In fact, a variety of people settled on the islands, including pirates, refugees from the Spanish inquisition, deserters from Oliver Cromwell’s army Jamaica, slaves, and shipwrecked sailors.

We can tell you that the majority of Caymanians are of African and British descent, with considerable interracial mixing. Afterward, Great Britain took formal control of the Cayman Islands, along with Jamaica, under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. Following several unsuccessful attempts, permanent settlement of the Islands began in the 1730s.

The Cayman Islands historically have been popular as a tax-exempt destination. And also, legend has it that Caymanians in 1788 rescued the crews of a Jamaican merchant ship convoy that had struck a reef at gun bay and that the Caymanians were rewarded with King George III’s promise never again to impose any tax.

And as of today, the Cayman Islands, initially administered as a dependency of Jamaica, became an independent colony in 1959. However, they now are a self-governing British Overseas Territory. So, you can travel to the Cayman Islands as you wish, but it’s quite essential to follow our guide to know more.

7 Interesting Things to do in the Cayman Islands

Well, there are many things to do or explore in the Cayman Islands. In fact, many expats will tell you that just sitting anywhere or under a palm tree or from a hotel balcony watching the waves hit the shore is good for them. But, more than anywhere else, you’’ enjoy your stay in Grand Cayman, a perfect spot for a true vacation. Are you planning to live in the Cayman Islands but don’t know where to explore? Check it out!

1.    Visiting the Rum Point

This is one of the first places to take into consideration. Also, we can tell you that there’s a lot of recreation here. Not only is that, but you’ll also see an open-air waterfront restaurant, gift shop, ample lounging space, and many others, to mention a few. Moreover, it’s busiest when cruise ships are in port at Grand Cayman.

2.    Cayman Turtle Centre

The Cayman Turtle Center, also known as the Cayman Turtle Farm, is another popular cruise excursion. Per Sarah, this changed dramatically after Hurricane Ivan. Still, before that, it was an intimate experience that allowed you to get close with turtles while also sharing information about their conservation. Now, the experience is more touristy.

3.    Starfish Point

This location is listed as a hidden gem in just about every Grand Cayman travel guide. In this cruise arena, you’ll definitely see a variety of Jet Ski and boat tours that stop here and absolutely pack during the day. This doesn’t mean we do not recommend it, but it has even made it to our top 5 list.

4.    Exploring the Mile Beach

Another place to put into consideration is Mile beach. Sublime Seven Mile Beach frequently graces lists of the best beaches in the Caribbean, known for good reasons. Not only is that, but fringed with casuarinas and coconut palms, this ravishing sweep of flour-soft sand and turquoise sea is the kind of place you dream about.

Despite its name, this mile beach is only about 5.5 miles, but even with cruise ship passengers flocking to its shores, this broad stretch of beach provides a peaceful patch of sand for everyone.

5.    Stingray City

If you’d love to experience part of the best places in the Cayman Islands, it’s no doubt that this is among the best. Anyone with a fear of stingrays will be cured after this trip. Besides, the stingray city is one of the most famous shallow water snorkels and dive sites in the Caribbean and one of Grand Cayman’s top tourist attractions.

In spite of that, custom-built boats zip out to a shallow sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear water where you can feed, kiss, and cuddle these satiny creatures. So, if you’re a little frightened to touch them, you can kneel on the sandy bottom and just watch in awe as these gentle creatures glide all around you.

6.    Diving in the Cayman Islands

Surrounded by reefs, the Cayman Islands are one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Best of all, we can tell you that many of the top sites lie only minutes from shore. And that’s why diving highlights include diverse coral formations, grottos, caverns, tunnels, steep walls, and the visibility is typically excellent. Also, off Grand Cayman, the stingray city is one of the most famous shallow dives in the world.

7.    Exploring the Atlantis Submarines

Atlantis submarines offer a chance for you to experience the underwater world without getting wet. Not only is that, but this 48-passenger submarine plunges to depths of 30 meters, where you can peer through the submarine’s large viewing windows at kaleidoscopic vistas. Aside from this fact, tropical fish, shallow reefs, underwater canyons, and even shipwrecks are just some of the sights to enjoy.

3 Reasons to Explore the Cayman Islands in 2021

We know how hard it is when it comes to traveling to a new country or deciding on a holiday. As of today, there are so many options to choose from and so many factors to think about. So, have you been wondering where to stay or what to do? Remember, you need to know exactly why you’d love to visit this country. In this section, we have compiled the reasons to explore the Cayman Islands. Check it out now!

Cayman Beaches

The Cayman beaches are one of the first things that’d tempt you to visit this British territory. This is solely because; it’s home to some of the best beaches in the world. And in fact, seven Mile Beach, as said earlier, is consistently voted one of the Traveller’s Choice awards. Here, you can experience the soft white sand and calm while it is the perfect place to enjoy your hours in Grand Cayman.

Weather and Nature

The average temperature in the Cayman Islands is certainly known to be 28°C. So, it is perfect for a spot of year-round sunshine, and January is the coolest month with temperatures around 25°C. Besides, the warm trade winds providing a gentle breeze could bless your day while living in the Cayman Islands.

However, there are several nature-based activities to enjoy in this British territory. These range from bird watching at the islands ‘sanctuaries to kayaking through mangroves. During this period, you can learn more about the different flora and fauna. Not only is that, but if you’re a naturalist, you’ll love the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park where the rare, indigenous Blue Iguana roams, and many others, to mention a few.

Food and Cayman Brac

Cayman Island is proud to be known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Moreover, it is also seen as the haven for foodie. In fact, you can enjoy fresh seafood, vibrant flavors, and a strong farm. Aside from enjoying Cayman’s food, a mere 30-minute flight from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac could grace your day. This is because; it has a lighthouse located at the end of the Bluff to provide spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in the Cayman Islands

Can I just move to the Cayman Islands without preparation?

We can tell you confidently that the answer is no! Moving to Cayman Island requires planning ahead and preparing for a new lifestyle. Besides, it’s an opportunity to live on a Caribbean island with fabulous beaches, a low crime rate, a standard of living different from your home country, and many others.

Is the Cayman Islands a good place to live?

As of the time of writing this article, we can tell you that the Cayman Islands is recognized for offering one of the highest living standards in the world. With that being said, modern infrastructure, well-appointed grocery stores, reliable utilities, and communications and quality residential properties all contribute to the ease of living in the Cayman Islands.

Can expats buy property in the Cayman Islands?

Of course, you can buy property in the Cayman Islands. Again, we can tell you that the process of buying property in the Cayman Islands is relatively straightforward. Here, the government guarantees the right of ownership of each parcel of land. Moreover, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of a single property, and there’s no income, capital gains, or even property tax.

How long can I live in the Cayman Islands?

After having been legally and ordinarily residents in the Islands for eight years, you may apply for permanent residence at any time before the end of nine years. This means; as long as you continue to be legally and ordinarily be a resident of this British Territory, you can live without disturbance from any uniform men or by any government agencies. So, be rest assured that living in Cayman is quite easy.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t expect a stressful life when relocating or living in the Cayman Islands. And for the fact that these Islands are known for their tropical climate, pleasurable way of life, and stunning beaches, the benefits of living in this territory cannot be overemphasized. So, make your trip now, and enjoy a wonderful moment in the Caribbean nation.

Adam Fayed

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Adam Fayed

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