When visiting anywhere, sometimes it’s best to know someone or research where you are going.
Some of us prefer researching and discovering things and places on our own, but if you can afford to hire a concierge- which makes things a little bit easier, because you know you’ll be getting quality information and VIP Service- you won’t feel like you are speaking a whole other language because people are looking at you funny because you ask stupid questions. Or think that just because Grand Cayman is owned by the queen- making the island a British Colony does not mean you need an electricity converter.
A good concierge will let you know that the only converter or CONVERSION RATHER, you’ll need is the US dollar vs. KYD dollar USD$1= KYD $0.80.
YES, we have our own currency in the Cayman Islands and its stronger than the US Dollar. Thank you for your $2 tip, you just gave your server somewhere about $1.60 which he will either save for his weekend trip for Miami Shopping or it’ll stay in his pocket and will be happy when he finds it again when he finally does his laundry! Some places give you a choice to include your own gratuity or they add it to the final bill. The accepted rate is 15%. Your concierge can help you locate the nearest ATM machine or bank if its easier for you to convert your money to the local currency which can be referred to as CI or KYD.
With that said don’t be surprised when you get your bill. A lot of people are confused because the prices are in KYD but pay in USD. Here’s a secret- (Caymanians (KAY-MAN-ians) get confused too when going to the US because we see a price; so by the time we get to the counter in Walmart or Target and are happy because we THINK we just spent under our budget only to remember the US has additional charge for tax!
In Grand Cayman, we have no direct tax- whatever you see on the price tag is the price- and that price is normally a little high because all of our goods are imported. Locals hate to say that we don’t have any local resources, but hey, what can I say, we don’t have a Coca-Cola Company here, so we have to thank all the mass distributers and importing companies that make the Cayman Islands so livable. Once you are here for about a week, you’ll see how great it is, easy to get around, and the food is great! If you can’t find what you’re looking for your concierge can definitely find an alternative and soon you’ll be searching for that back home.
The very best part about having a concierge is that we (AT BKM LIMITED) know that you’re used to working with your US dollar—so we’ll convert everything for you for your pre-booked reservations including private chefs, activities and your boat rental (the reason you came to this website!) You just let us know what you want to achieve on your vacation to Grand Cayman and we’ll make sure it happens!
Also note that prices will differ depending on what season you are on the island—we only have 2 seasons in Grand Cayman, high season and low season!
Lastly, please don’t say YEAH MON- that’s a Jamaican ting; just say YEA BOBO (not boo boo- But Boh-Boh) and you’ll fit right it!
Written by a Born and Raised Caymanian and Concierge of BKM Limited: Latrese Haylock
Cayman Boat Concierge A BKM Company
Visit us at www.bkmlimited.com to learn more about our concierge services and let us know how we can help you plan your perfect vacation
