Money and duty free for Cayman Islands
Currency and Money
Currency information
Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD; symbol CI$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
The Cayman Islands Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of CI$1 = US$1.2 although bank charges for currency exchange may result in minor fluctuations.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs accepting Visa, MasterCard and cards with Cirrus affiliation are located at banks on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Take care to inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad, before you travel.
ATM
ATMs are widespread and most cardholders shouldn't have too much trouble withdrawing cash. Grand Cayman has the most extensive network of ATMs. Fees for foreign currency transactions may be charged; these vary from bank to bank so ask yours before travelling.
Travellers cheques
Readily accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1630. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings. Hours may be shorter on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Currency restrictions
A maximum amount of Cayman Islands $15,000 can be brought into the Cayman Islands in cash form. As a visitor, there are no restrictions on how much you leave the Cayman Islands with, although if you have substantial amounts of money you may wish to make a disclosure notifying Customs to show all is above board.
Currency exchange
US Dollars circulate freely and are the best currency to exchange.
Cayman Islands duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Cayman Islands by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or 4L of wine or 1 case of beer (up to 8L).
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include illegal drugs, obscene publications or articles, any goods or items depicting or referring to marijuana, counterfeit money, gambling devices, turtles, turtle meat and turtle products, firearms and ammunition (unless licensed by the Commissioner of Police), bows, pellet guns and catapults, and spear guns.
Restricted imports include plants, fruit, vegetables and meat, which require an import permit.
Banned Exports
Lobster, conch or conch meat (unless in transit), and turtles, turtle meat and turtle products.
