Every May the streets of Grand Cayman burst into life, as the famous Cayman Carnival Batabano takes place, with thousands of people gathering to watch the traditional Caribbean parade. There are many resources to turn to for advice on living in the Cayman Islands, but here is our list to get you moving (pun intended! A very small section of settlers consists of Spanish citizens and members of the Jamaican Patwa community. Around 50,000 people live on the Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands. Comfort Suites: Low season: $144/night. I have the middle level of coverage, which includes prescriptions and two annual dental visits. Finding suitableaccommodationthat meets both budget and taste may be challenging. It is extremely easy to travel from the Florida to the Cayman Islands. Its interesting to hear about the challenging parts of island living since it sounds so dreamy on the surface! The islands are called Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Let's stay updated! See the Best Resorts in the Caymans. The islands' population is a bit over 60,000, which is dwarfed by Miami's 463,000 residents. Recruitment agencies will be able to advise expats on their prospects, potential salary and suitability. Almost 50% of the population lives in George Town . Online shopping is a luxury youll lose. Cayman International School students head back to the classroom, Indian head massages and ear candling at Eclipze Hair Design & Day Spa. This just goes to show you that children only need a pool of water and slide to be happy. We took the islands of Koh Tao, Thailand and Maui, Hawaii into consideration for this one, but Grand Cayman won out by sheer number of children conceived and born here. Our game was located all the way out at East End and that drive is a brutal 35 minute drive. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. We also breakdown the cost of living in Cayman, which is one of the most expensive places in the world to live. Density. You can move to Asia to make your money go further, or if you want to live in the EU, you could get a Golden Visa in Portugal. The Best and Worst of Living in the Cayman Islands 5 Things NOBODY Tells You About Living in GRAND CAYMAN Feel free to browse our website for more content on the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. A majority of the citizens, expat in Cayman Islands and settlers in the territory have come here from the United Kingdom, the United States, Jamaica, and Canada, and they so predominantly speak English. The current population of Cayman Islands is 69,203 based on projections of the latest United Nations data. And if you are interested in information on the pros and cons of living in Grenada, feel free to click on the link below to read another article on this blog. Life of an "Expat" "I can't find my shoes," says Mike Minichiello, fumbling around on the phone at home on Grand Cayman as the wind whistles. Moving is never easy, but planning in advance can ease the stress of all the things you need to tackle. You shouldnt expect bargains when shopping for Cayman Island real estate, but you can expect value. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. The island is susceptible to storms and hurricanes. They consist of three islands that are usually identified as being a tax haven. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. As the islands havea tax-free earnings policy, tax is added to everyday items, which makes them eye-wateringly expensive. As a general rule, the pros of living in Cayman Islands are easy access to international cities, beautiful beaches and the Cayman Kind experience. Subscribe for unlimited access. But there is another catch: As one of the Caribbeans poshest, most developed islands, Grand Cayman, has every sundry you could want, from champagne and caviar to Bud Light and Ball Park hot dogs you just cant find it all at the same store. The government and Ministry of Agriculture is putting more emphasis on the sector so hopefully this should make certain crops previously imported to be available at a lower cost. This is truly the nature and essence of Cayman Kind. The Cayman Islands have one of the highest standards of living throughout the world and the highest in the Caribbean. Combined with the Cayman Islands tax-friendliness, this stability has enticed a number of banks and Fortune 500 companies to establish bases there, which testifies to the Islands reputation as a haven for business and wealth. I would say a car would be necessary, but only one. This is definitely a positive and a more relaxing quality of life. Then youre met at the airport on Grand Cayman. According to the 2021 census, only 2,163 people lived on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, bringing the total population to 69,656,[4] The dive industry stretches the widest arms to welcome Americans, followed closely by finance. Sophie and Domino always preferred hitting up Margaritaville and their water slide. Living in the Cayman Islands | Cayman Resident In this article, we'll go over the Andorran residence permit options available to you if you're We live in a time of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The most obvious reason why many people turn down Cayman Islands residency is the price tag. It is also quite commonplace to hear some residents converse in Spanish as many citizens have relocated from Latin America to work and live on Grand Cayman. American Expats in the Cayman Islands - Find Jobs, Events & other Expats [19] In the 2008 census, the number of Hindus increased to 510 (1% of the total population). The 17 Safest Islands in the Caribbean in 2023 | Travellers No related content found. Connect with our financial advisor in the Cayman Islands for expats wealth management and financial advise. Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos. Heres what a local says you can expect. The 76-square-mile Grand Cayman boasts the Caribbeans highest per capita income, and it ranks among the regions safest islands. The weather in the Cayman Islands can be characterised by the dry and wet seasons and by warm temperatures throughout the year. This time, money and providing for our offspring was a necessity. When deciding whether or not to get a second residency, one issue you should always consider is whether you will eventually be able to obtain citizenship in that county. In order for the business to qualify, it must prove that it hires at least 30% Caymanian employees (with some exceptions). Colombo, located on Sri Lanka's west coast, is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Locals go out of their way to ensure that visitors are respected and can enjoy a peaceful stay on the island. But how easy is it to find work there? Demographics of the Cayman Islands - Wikipedia This process allows visitors to bypass long immigration lines on arrival to Cayman. In Cayman, everyone is made to feel like a part of the culture and it is amazing that despite differences everyone lives together in harmony. Nadine and I loved working there and the school had a true feeling of family in the school culture with professionals that had unique global views. Forget that massive Caribbean Sea just right over teeming with fish and fun waves, Ill take the water slide. Working and playing with almost everyone, even that crazy Canuck Coach Greg and Yankee Jayson. Dont limit yourself; let Nomad Capitalists unbiased approach help you find the best option. Living in The Bahamas as an Expat: Cost of Living - Bahamas Guides Below is a list of our top 10 most attractive Cayman Island cities for foreigners to reside in (in no particular order): Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman Camana Bay, Grand Cayman South Sound, Grand Cayman Prospect & Red Bay, Grand Cayman George Town, Grand Cayman Savannah & Lower Valley, Grand Cayman Cayman Brac Little Cayman Cayman Islands Expat Tax Determining the best place to live in The Bahamas will depend very much on your priorities for moving here. As a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands offer residents and citizens political, economic, and legal stability that can be difficult to find in similar jurisdictions. There is already a well-established ex-pat community in Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos. Even for the six- and seven-figure entrepreneurs who I work with, a cool million or more dollars for a residence permit is a bit much especially when prospects for major returns on your investments are low. Welcome to our ultimate guide for obtaining a French residence permit in 2023. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. The Cayman Islands is a visually stunning country with beautiful island landscapes. There is also a pre clearance service that is offered by Cayman Airways that allows US citizens to be pre-screened at Miami before boarding the flight. #2 Everything! Puppy passports are required through the department of agriculture for moving to the Cayman Islands with your pet. Plus, the cop that pulled me over was issuing a ticket to another person and just walked out into the middle of the road to pull me over. Its a protected little cove south of downtown George Town. It was blood streaming from my face and to top it off, I was called for the foul! Last updated 09 March, 2023. Not everything in Cayman was hunky dory while we lived there so here is my shorter Worst list. So close to the USA yet so different in many ways. With a melting pot of several nationalities on the island, there isnt a wide selection of different authentic restaurants such as Indian, Chinese and Korean. The official language of the Cayman Islands is English. Best Caribbean islands to live on for the U.S. expats - IEyeNews The Cayman Islands are highly developed and offer world-class healthcare, education, and other services. When you will out your application for your Cayman Islands Residency Certificate, you will pay a $1,220 application fee as well as a $6,100 activation fee for your residence permit. One Cayman dollar is USD$1.20 and Canadian $1.60 The Cayman dollar is managed by its central bank called Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. If you're planning a trip to Mexico but worried about safety, understanding that not all areas are Weve advised our clients on more than 100 citizenship options, from often-overlooked ancestry programs, to fast-tracked investment options, and even exclusive programs for HNWIs. Its like the Machu Picchu of the Caribbean, but this site also allows you to pet the stingrays. Create your account and join our expat community! What Are The Legal Requirements For Foreign Employees? Most individuals begin work from 8am in the morning and end at around 4 or 4 30 pm in the afternoon. The legal system in the Cayman Islands is also strong and stable. ): Tanesha Simpson is a Senior Administrative Assistant supporting members of the executive team in the real estate division at Dart. Summary of cost of living in Grand Cayman Family of four estimated monthly costs: CI$6,838 Single person estimated monthly costs: CI$4,035 Grand Cayman is the most expensive city in Latin America (1 out of 31) Grand Cayman is the most expensive city in the World (1 out of 234) What salary will you need in Grand Cayman ? It's also a perfect place to move with your family or just for vacation. American-style two-pin plugs are standard. Categories. Each of the islands provide visitors and hopeful residents with unique opportunities for Cayman Islands living: Grand Cayman has become famous for beach resorts, scuba diving and snorkeling. Cost of living in Grand Cayman is 65% more expensive than in Dubai. Expat parents will also have no issues finding qualified medical professionals when their children are unwell, as the quality of healthcare in the Cayman Islands is excellent. In the Cayman Islands, you can obtain British Overseas Territories Citizenship if you acquire permanent residency first. But what a great school though. GlobalGayz Caribbean Cayman Islands Gay Life in Cayman Islands; Yesterday and Today. The main benefits of the module are : Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. Living in the Cayman Islands as an expat The country encompasses three islands, made up of the Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The Cayman Islands (3 in number) have been a British possession since the 1670s and were a dependency of Jamaica until July 1959 and are now a British overseas territory. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. We create and implement bespoke, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their assets, become global citizens and maximize their freedom. If youre interested in learning more about getting a tax-friendly second residency, check out these articles: Theres a reason why getting Cayman Islands residency is so expensive its worth it. Cost Of Living In Cayman Islands part 2 - Adam Fayed Most Grand Cayman real estate properties for rent are fully furnished and include modern conveniences like high-speed internet, central air-conditioning, and kitchens appointed with stainless steel appliances. To qualify and maintain your permit, you must intend to reside in the Islands for at least 90 days per year. South Asians, mainly Filipinos and Indians, as well as Caymanians of South Asian descent, make up 8.1%, and the remaining 2.6% belong to various ethnic groups.[12]. If you want to live near the beach or in the city, you need to be prepared to pay a premium. You must also maintain a Cayman Islands bank account with roughly $500,000 in it, and you must also invest $1,200,000 in the country if you wish to live in Grand Cayman. Government, as of today, 1 May, has banned the importation of vehicles that are over seven years old. Once youre here on a permanent work visa, youre allowed one shipment duty-free. 1. $5 for an imperial gallon of gas. Fast food meal: CI$9/8/US$11. No wonder so many expats opt for . Anytime I went for a run, bike ride, or just driving at a safe speed (see #3A) along the southwest coast of Grand Cayman, I would stop there and walk out onto the dock being present. Cayman Islands About the Cayman Islands The islands' climate is a tropical marine, and temperatures are between 30C in the summer and 25C in the winter. Both offer lower housing cost than the Grand Cayman. Prices of things on the island are expensive because almost everything is imported. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. The 8 Best Places To Live In Costa Rica For Expats | Expatra After the first year, she was deadly bored. 15 Easy Second Residency Programs Anyone Can Get, 10 Factors to Consider with Any Second Residency, How to Get a French Residence Permit: The Ultimate Guide, How to Get Colombian Residency and Citizenship in 2023, How to Get Chile Residency: The Ultimate Guide, Why Getting A Second Passport Is The Perfect Plan B. However, while becoming a resident of the Cayman Islands isnt too difficult, it is expensive. Mate, I have no idea who this bloody John White is! Even better, they also let kids go down to the shore and throw fish in the air to feed the frigate birds swooping in for a free meal. Its mild climate, beautiful beaches, innovative tech sector, and slower pace of life make Portugal one of the best places to live overseas. Like the residency program for Persons of Independent Means, the Certificate of Direct Investment is a temporary permit that is good for 25 years, and you may include spouses and dependents on your application. Don Foster's Dive Cayman Islands, +1 345 945-5132, toll-free: +1-800-833-4837. With a brief respite from unpacking boxes and moving back to the good ol United States, I asked everyone at the table to reflect on the best and worst parts of living in the Cayman Islands for the last three years. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Global Citizen & Most Popular on our YouTube channel. Tanesha has lived, worked and played in the Cayman Islands for over 30 years. The Cayman Islands also hosts a growing Jewish community. The largest numbers of expatriates living in the Cayman Islands hail from Jamaica (11,703), the United Kingdom (1,708), the Philippines (4,119), and India (1,218). Here are a few things that you don't get de-briefed about before picking up your life and moving it to a caribbean island.You can send a financial thank-you . The islands are a British Overseas Territory. Clearly, island living is not . Belm is a charming district that is home to many of the city's most iconic tourist attractions, including the 16th-century Torre de Belm. A luxury tourist destination, tourism is a lucrative business in the Cayman Islands, accounting for around 70% of its GDP. Working and living in Grand Cayman - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums There are no major traffic jams and long hours of commute to get from one place to another. Drive around the bend of any corner and BAM! As always, whether Cayman Islands residency is a good choice for you will depend on your needs and circumstances. In addition, if you are looking for specialty items such as you are above average height you will find it hard to find suitable clothes on the island. However, you must still invest 50% of that amount in real estate, and the bank deposit requirement is the same as for Grand Cayman. Car parts as well are a major issue and at times these need to be ordered from abroad. How (And Why) to Retire in the Cayman Islands - Caribbean Journal The islands are tax havens, and more than 90,000 businesses are registered here. Government bans importation of vehicles over 7 years old $9 for a small carton of strawberries. In order to establish Cayman Islands residency as a person of independent means, then you need to prove that you have an annual income of about $150,000 derived from outside of the Cayman Islands. Im surprised at how fresh things are. Living on a small island means that nothing is ever very far away. Interviews with various international schools in San Francisco at the ISS job fair in February of 2013 led us to finally accept an offer as Elementary Counselor and IB Spanish teacher at Cayman International School. At our apartment complex, we had mangos, coconuts, chickens and eggs within reach. Where to Stay in Cayman on a Budget. The port of St. George is in Grenada, one of the best Caribbean islands for expats. I shipped a ton of stuff from Hawaii, Mikutowicz said. Expats shouldtherefore try to negotiate a living allowance into their employment contracts. El Centro is rich in culture and history. With almost twice as many companies as people and known to be a majoroffshore tax haven, the Cayman Islands is a popular destination that offers an excellent quality of life for expats who can afford it. The main reason why the Cayman Islands get so much attention in offshore circles is the countrys tax-friendly policies. Based on a year of sales . Islanders' accents retain elements passed down from English, Scottish, and Welsh settlers (among others) in a language variety known as Cayman Creole. #3B This one isnt quite the worst, but Ill include it for shit and giggles. All rights reserved. Even if you live outside of the city, you will still have a comfortable drive to work daily. The UN estimates the July 1, 2023 population at 69,310. Most of Poblado is categorized as estratos 5 and 6, so it's also the most expensive commune in the city.It's considered the Manhattan of Medelln because it's the most cosmopolitan and luxurious area in town and the most desirable location for expats and Colombians alike. Five stitches later, I looked tough, Nadine knows the truth. The island life is tempting, but there might be better choices out there. Care must be taken when driving especially when driving from minor roads into major roads. Grand Cayman is known for its beach resorts, and scuba diving and snorkelling sites. Cayman Brac is a popular location to get started. Whatever you earn, you take it home. Another bit of advice, dont call them The Caymans, locals really dont like that too much and you sound like a tourist. I'm a Father, Husband, Traveler, Coach, Language Teacher. Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands | Culture, History, & People | Britannica I am a structural engineer from London and I am planning to move to the Cayman Islands in a few months time. The Best and Worst of Living in the Cayman Islands - e-Learning Feeds, Belgium, Beer, and Bikes - Globetrotting Around the World, Cycling Belgium - Globetrotting Around the World. How To Move To The Caymans - Expat Focus 6. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. On a whole, the pros of living in the Cayman Islands are having a strong currency, no personal income tax and the beautiful Cayman Kind Experience. Many citizens are deeply religious, regularly going to church, however, the number of Caymanians who identify as non-religious has skyrocketed since the 2010 census, with around 25% professing no religion or a denomination not widespread. The islands are the outcroppings of a submarine mountain range that extends northeastward from Belize to Cuba. Read on, as scuba instructor and owner of Divetech, a full-service scuba operator, Joanna Mikutowicz, answers common questions about living in the Cayman Islands. Our three years came and went faster than any planned educational reform in New Mexico could possibly take place. Pros And Cons Of Living In The Algarve As An Expatriate Sure, Amazon and Gap will deliver to the Cayman Islands, but its as cost-effective as mailing a bathtub. There wasnt an Uber type service when we were there. Although Cayman is a very welcoming community to join, there are always a few insider tips worth knowing when starting out somewhere new that can make the whole settling in process a lot easier. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign, circumnavigated the globe together in 2006 and 2007, Birthday parties on island is a national competition, Best and Worst of Living in the Cayman Islands. Like other residency applications in the Cayman Islands, applying for permanent residency is fairly straightforward. Check out the cost of living for both a couple without children and a family of four, plus details on average rent costs, monthly expenses and the cost of health care, groceries and more. Nadine mentions Smith Cove. Caymanians of Jamaican origin speak in their own vernacular (see Jamaican Creole and Jamaican English). Why I spent three years living in the Cayman Islands Thanks Caryn. The islands are called Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Free range green iguanas and chickens roam the island uninhibited without a care in the world. In Cayman, everyone is made to feel like a part of the culture and it is amazing that despite differences everyone lives together in harmony. I guess I should have warned my buddy Suva about driving in the left lane too. 5 Amazing Reasons to Live as Expat in Cayman Islands This is up from 9.3% during the last census. Discover the best International bank to manage your money securely. If your eventual goal is to obtain Cayman Islands citizenship, then you should apply for Cayman Islands residency as a Person of Independent Means. While there are more specialized services available when compared to other Caribbean island, access to specialty items is quite limited. 6 of the Best Places to Retire in the Caribbean | Oyster.com How to do Grand Cayman on a Budget - Happily in Pursuit I have to say I am rather impressed not only with your article regarding the time you spent as a family on the Cayman Islands but also your whole blog! Located between the twoAmericas in the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands is a tropical paradise that isan overseas territory of the United Kingdom and increasingly an expat hotspot. With its central location in Camana Bay, it makes drop-offs and pick-ups a seamless part of life for those parents living and working in and around the George Town and Seven Mile Beach area. Premier Wayne Panton said the new restriction is the first of . The city has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The Pros & Cons of Expat Island Life - Island Diaries by Kate Hi, Conch Fritters Inside those big pink shells that your parents brought back from their trip to an island when you were kid that now sit on a book shelf holding up a 1985 Encyclopedia series is where this food originates. Transport and driving: Drive on the left-hand side. Nassau, on the island of New Providence, offers the only real selection when it comes to shopping, banks and other amenities. That's a pity, we are almost done with your registration, Anthony Kavanagh's New One-Man Show "HAPPY" in Mauritius, How the presence of expats affects real estate prices around the world. One of the most popular night attractions is Bioluminescent Bay tour which occurs at night. All the while, a massive storm had moved in from the west and it was a downpour. If you ever head that way and need some advice on where to go, Ill help you out! Mont Kiara is a great location for families who wish to enrol their children in international schools. An expat answers questions about day-to-day living in the Cayman Islands. The good news is that there are jobs available, particularly if you have a background in finance, specifically the investment and insurance sectors. [16] Ports are closed on Sundays and Christian holidays. Tagalog is spoken by about 5% of inhabitants most of whom are Filipino residents on work permits. While getting Cayman Islands residency is certainly not cheap, it can be worthwhile for the right person. The island has a large expat population of around 15,000 people (125 different nationalities). Since 1997, every resident of the territory has been required to hold at least a basic level of private sector health insurance, paid for on a 50/50 basis by both themselves and their employer. She ended . [20] The 2010 Census showed the number of Hindus decreasing to 454 (0.8% of the total Cayman Islands population).[21].