Shopping
First understand the exchange rate. Cayman dollars are known as CI, US dollars are known as US. The exchange rate is $1.00 CI = $1.25 US, or $1.00 US = $0.80 CI. No need to go to a currency exchange to get CI dollars. Everyone accepts US cash. Most, but not all businesses offer their prices in CI dollars. When in doubt ask. Most businesses will give you your change in CI. Try to minimize the amount of CI you accumulate, as you will find a higher exchange rate when you try to convert it back to US. So spend your CI dollars on island where practical instead of getting them exchanged for US at the end of your trip because local Cayman banks and most businesses will charge you an additional 4% to go back to US dollars. In that case you’re actually experiencing an exchange rate of $1.00 CI = $1.19 US, or $1.00 US = $0.84 CI.
Most retail stores and supermarkets are closed on Sundays in the Cayman Islands. If you arrive late Saturday or Sunday, you may want to use a Grocery shopping service. Gas stations/convenience and drug stores are open on Sundays to buy snacks, drinks and some food items.
Stores in George Town are busy on cruise ship days, and the busiest cruise ship days are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so the best time to avoid crowds is to shop on Friday and Saturday. When shopping in Georgetown the prices get lower the further from the port you go.
One thing you can always be assured of is you will pay no sales tax in the Cayman Islands. If you see a product listed at $2.10, when you go to checkout, you can expect to hand the cashier exactly two dollars and a dime and be on your way.
Each US citizen (including children) can bring up to $800.00 of goods and duty-free. The amounts are collective so a family of three would have a $2,400 duty allowance. Local products such an arts, crafts, and Tortuga rum cakes are entirely duty-free and can bring back unlimited quantities in addition to your duty allowance.
Best Travel Guide & Cayman Discounts
click on image to print page
Camana Bay Farmers & Artisans Market
Experience local flavour at the Local Harvest Market every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Market […]
Cayman Spirits Company (Seven Fathoms Rum)
Passengers Love this Rum! It is the only rum made on the island and is aged for a […]
Island Plaza Duty Free Shopping Mall
he Island Plaza Duty Free Shopping Mall in Georgetown has been a passenger favorite for years. Many folks […]
Kirk Freeport – Cardinall Avenue
Whether you’ve just come off a cruise ship or you’ve flown down to visit the Cayman Islands, one of […]
Silver Thatch Watersports Dive Shop
Silver Thatch Watersports Dive Shop is the latest addition to Silver Thatch Watersports. They are located at 846 Frank […]
