Given the cost of shipping your personal effects to Cayman, it is important to carefully consider what to bring and what not to bring with you, particularly if you do not know in what type of house or apartment you will be living in.
Here are some basic guidelines to assist you in deciding what to bring to Cayman:
Clothing
In Grand Cayman there is a reasonable selection of clothing stores, but certainly not as many as in a large city and the prices will likely be more expensive than you are used to. Bring a reasonable amount of warm weather appropriate clothes and shoes with you. You may need a light sweater if you will be working in an air conditioned building or when we are hit with a cold front. Bring a raincoat for the rainy season.
Computers, Smart Phones & Tablets
Laptops, smartphones and tablets/iPads are dutiable if they were recently purchased overseas.
You will find a good selection of electronics stores in the Cayman Islands.
Appliances & Entertainment Systems
Cayman runs on the same electricity system as the US (110/115v), but uses a 3-pin plug. However, the US 2-pin plug will work. 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
Entertainment Systems – You will probably pay duty if you import one, especially if it looks new, so have your receipts on hand. The prices may be higher than some countries (the US for example), but not more than you would pay by buying the equipment there and then paying duty on it here.
Importing Food
Small quantities of meat and seafood can be imported if it is for personal use only.
Cooked or frozen seafood of up to 20lbs is allowed for personal consumption, providing that there is proof of purchase and/or inspection.
Small quantities of meats (up to 11lbs) are allowed provided the original packaging is intact and the packaging bears the inspection mark/icon from the competent government authority in the country of export. To read more, visit https://doa.gov.ky/faqs/.
You can also bring in coffee and herbs for personal use, if they are sealed in their original packaging.
Fresh fruits and vegetables require an import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture, regardless of the quantity.
Furniture, Lighting and Appliances
Rented condos and homes generally come with all the basic furnishing, lights and appliances needed.
If you’re buying a house or apartment, they will also usually be fully furnished, unless they are newly built. Bring personal accessories and smaller items, like framed photographs and other personal mementoes, to help your new house feel like your own. Any larger pieces of furniture can be shipped from home later. There are some fantastic furniture and homeware stores in Cayman. See the Shopping chapter for more information.
When moving to the Cayman Islands, we recommend you think carefully before selling good quality pieces of furniture or those with sentimental value, as it is unlikely you will be able to replace them in Cayman. If you intend on buying new furniture overseas, you’ll have to pay for the shipping plus 22% import duty.
Firearms and Other Weapons
It is possible to import a firearm or your firearm collection to the island; however, the Cayman Islands has very strict laws on the possession of unregistered firearms. It is illegal to possess a firearm without a Firearms Licence authorised by the Commissioner of Police. Punishment for this offense is severe, with a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, or 10 years with a guilty plea. To import, the applicant must complete a Firearms Licence and Import form, which can be obtained from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). In addition to providing various supporting documents, the applicant will be required to declare that their firearm will be stored in a locked box or safe bolted to the wall and floor. The RCIPS reserves the right to inspect the safe, firearm and ammunition at any time.
You can also import a bow and arrow or your bow and arrow collection, but the same procedures for importing and storing a firearm must be followed.
The use of spear guns is also regulated. It is illegal to possess, use and import a spear gun without a licence from the Marine Conservation Board.
Kitchen Appliances
Most rental apartments come with appliances such as a washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and oven. A fully furnished apartment should also come with a toaster, kettle and coffee maker, but if they don’t, then local home centres, such as A. L. Thompson’s stock these items. Check with your landlord beforehand to find out what is included.
If you are importing home appliances, please note that they must all meet American Standards according to the International Code Council (ICC) and must be UL listed (Listed and Labelled for the North American market) or Customs will not allow you to clear them. Similar rules apply to building materials as the Cayman Islands have very strict local building regulations which take into account seismic activity and hurricanes. You can check the Planning website for their ‘Codes’. Also see the Building in Cayman section for more information.
Medication
Be sure to pack at least a month’s supply of medication that needs to be taken daily while you sort out your on-Island healthcare. The pharmacies in the Cayman Islands stock most medicines although they may be sold under a different brand name. Ask your General Practitioner for the generic names of prescription drugs.
Television
Cayman uses the American NTSC system. The British PAL system will not work here. The majority of apartments or homes will come with a television and either cable or satellite feed. Many residents watch subscription based TV services such as Netflix or Amazon TV through their television.
Wine
Individuals can bring a maximum of four litres of wine in their luggage. If you want to import your wine collection from home you must bring it in through a company that has a liquor licence. Regardless of the value of your wine on the open market, the Cayman Islands Government charges the following duty per litre of wine: CI$10.80 for Champagne, CI$7.80 for sparkling wine, CI$3.60 for table wine and CI$5.25 for dessert wine.
