Cayman Islands

[Monkeysmom]

We are contemplating moving to Cayman Islands from UK. Is anybody living there? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Have some friends who moved their 4/5 years ago. We visited them in their first year. He's with a large accountancy practice, so I think the opportunity is always there for them to move back. But with a 2 hour commute into London each day when they were here, I think the lifestyle would take some beating. Having said that it is a small island (Grand Cayman), and things we take for granted are not easily available. And it's v. v. expensive!!

Agree wholeheartedly with fairyjay - the Caymans are seriously expensive places to live. We had some friends who lived and worked there for about 8 years. They loved the life style and scenery, etc, but found it very expensive and after a while got a bit bored with it!!! Hard to believe I know, but they came back to blighty. They love it here now too. I don't think you pay any tax either. Very beautiful place - can't bring any of the shells back (off the beach) though which was a bit disappointing.

Friends of ours also live in the Caymans, wonderful lifestyle but they had to come home for 6 months or rather the mum and 2 girls had to as there home was obliterated by the hurricane a few years ago.

I live in Grand Cayman - have been here a year now (with DH's job). There are pluses about living here, but lots of cons too - it is VERY expensive (e.g. the rent for our 2bed/2bath apartment is $5000 US per month!), it is very hot and humid (not pleasant to be out in much - especially with young children - in fact we spend more time inside than we did in the UK), it is very small - not much to do, difficult to buy what you want/need, and there is a lot of hostility from locals towards expats. Pluses are the fact that there is no direct taxation (although living costs are so high that it almost cancels out any financial benefit in being here), and of course it's great for diving/sailing etc. How long are you thinking of coming for Monkeysmom? Be aware that the government has introduced a controversial "rollover" policy which means that (with very few exceptions) all expats must leave once they have been here 7 years. If at all possible visit before you make a decision to move here permanently - it is not everyone's cup of tea. If I am honest, I am looking forward to returning to the UK! Not sure when that will be yet, but hopefully not too much longer!!!