USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82

USD To GBP: 0.76214

USD To CAD: 1.27998

USD To CNH: 6.3209

Grand Cayman is a great place to visit with kids. You will enjoy the island more if you rent a car, because many of the most enjoyable activities for kids are outside George Town. Either bring your own car-seat or ask your rental car agency to provide one. Treat driving in Cayman the same way you would at home. There are many roundabouts which need not phase you if you remember to always give way to traffic on your right. 

Top of the list is the new attraction Boatswains Beach. This is a whole day affair, and you should plan accordingly. Visit Cayman Street and see traditional Cayman toys being made, and try some local food. Enjoy the fun of snorkeling in the saltwater lagoon with beautiful tropical fish. Take a swim in the freshwater lagoon and play in the waterfall. While in West Bay, visit Hell and take pictures with the brightly costumed Devil, whose name is "Mr Ivan." Send postcards home postmarked Hell, or bring your own postcards and have them stamped Hell Post Office. 

Just off Seven Mile Beach is the Butterfly Farm. This is a small attraction, but young kids love it. Right next to the Butterfly Farm is a kids indoor playroom called Smyles. This is safe, supervised fun, and you can leave your little one for an hour of so while you do something on your own. Right next to Smyles is a Baskin Robbins, ice cream is a must in the tropics. Or you can cross the street and have Italian Gelato. 

When you are ready to take another day trip, head towards North Side. This is a sleepy little village, home to famous Rum Point Club. Drive towards Rum Point Club and the Kaibo. Before you get to the Kaibo there is a road on your left leading to "The Hut". Drive along this until you reach Mr Willie's Farm. depending on the season you can buy fresh fruits like mangoes, and you can see the sows and the piglets, and any other animals Mr Willie happens to have around. You can also see the Cayman Whistling ducks, which are protected. 

Leaving Mr Willie's continue on to the Kaibo, on Water Cay Road. At the end of this road is a clean, well-kept park with picnic tables and benches. You can swim in the shallow water, or search for shells. If you have kids 10 years and over you might choose to go on a kayak tour of the mangroves. Go back to the main road, and continue on to Rum Point Club where you can lie in hammocks (with any luck the little ones might have a nap), swim, snorkel, and have lunch or cold drinks. 

If you aren't too tired by now, on the way back stop at the Botannic Park and see the Blue Iguanas. You can find out more about the program to protect Cayman's rare iguanas, and the location of all the painted iguanas throughout the island. Now when you spot these brightly painted iguanas (there is one near the Post Office in Central George Town) you will know why they are there. 

On another day, you head east from George Town towards East End. East End was the district hardest hit by Hurricane Ivan, but the people are making a valiant effort to recover. This is the most scenic route in Cayman. Your are driving right along the coast, and continue until you reach the Reef Resort. On your way, you might be lucky and see people selling coconut water, which is a real treat. The Reef is a very special spot for walks, snorkling or just playing in the sand. 

The National Trust of the Cayman Islands is located on South Church Street just along from the harbour. Go in and see what they have going on, they have great kids programs, including Movie Night. 

Many visitors enjoy the Cayman Humane Society's Book Loft. This is a second hand bookstore with lots of great children's books, and a wide selection of reading material for adults. All money earned goes to feed and shelter the islands stray cats and dogs. Donations of cash, or books are gratefully accepted. There are always puppies and kittens to see, and some people enjoy a nose-around of the Thrift Shop as well. 

Opposite the cruise ship landing is the Cayman Craft market, where Caymanians sell handmade jewellry and trinkets. Look for the little white tents near the Paradise Bar and Grill. 

The Cayman Islands is full of natural wonders for kids to enjoy and learn from. The people are friendly, and the islanders love kids, so relax and enjoy! 

This article was taken directly from tripadvisor, to view the original article click here 

USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82

USD To GBP: 0.76214

USD To CAD: 1.27998

USD To CNH: 6.3209

The Drive-by Media would have us all believe that our economic system is fatally flawed and the sky is about to fall. Senior economists at many financial institutions continue to point out that while the financial markets are having difficulties, it is not being caused by economic weakness.

See this report from First Trust Advisors L.P..

USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82

USD To GBP: 0.76214

USD To CAD: 1.27998

USD To CNH: 6.3209

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: Imagine a dream wedding on a Caribbean Island where the sun, the wind, the sea and fish are the guests at the occasion. The romance of the moment and the vows are the lifetime treasure while getting married on the Grand Cayman Island. Grand Old House, the premier fine dining restaurant on Grand Cayman, is the perfect wedding planner and organizer of dream weddings on the island. Grand Old House takes the burden from the shoulders of the bride and the groom and plans every step of the great event through their dedicated wedding coordinator and team. Weddings in Grand Old House are planned to the last detail. 

Wedding planner, Desiree Evans and her team, thinks of everything and plans every moment for the couple. From legal documentation to the arrangement of the marriage official, wedding cake, music and the romance of the moment are taken care of. 

A choice of wedding packages awaits the marrying couple. They can choose whether they want to have a simple beach wedding, Grand Old House Traditional wedding or would like to have The Grand Old House Exclusive Wedding. At the Grand Old House, wedding packages start at just $595. It's just too good to be true. 

The couple has just to step off the cruise ship or airplane and walk into Grand Old House where all the arrangements are already in place. The only next step is to say 'I do', cut the cake and spend the quiet time enjoying the sun, the sea and loving togetherness. 

To learn more about the Grand Cayman Island wedding planners at the Grand Old House visit: http://grandoldhouse.com/weddings.html 

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USD to KYD Exchange Value: 0.82

USD To GBP: 0.76214

USD To CAD: 1.27998

USD To CNH: 6.3209

These were fairly accurate at the time of writing and are designed to be a rough guideline only. These are some approximate guide figures as to how much it would cost to live on the Cayman Islands in CI$ per month. 

1 bed apartment: $800 - $1,500 

2 bed/2 bath apartment: $1,200 - $5,000 

3 bed: $2,000 - $5,000 

TV: $70 - (depends on package of channels) Internet: Over $100 for high speed. 

Water: $30 - $120 upwards depending on consumption 

Electricity: $80 - $250 (for a 1-bed apartment, more if you run the AC) upwards. Obviously a 2 bed or a house will be depending on the AC system and insulation etc. Ecay tip Always ask to see a previous electric bill before taking a lease on a property 

Telephone: how long is a piece of string? C&W have a great package called Net Speak that allows inexpensive calls over the Internet. 

We now have several telecomms providers offering mobile, Internet and data services, and C&W, Digicel and Telecayman offer land lines or the equivalent. 

Medical Insurance: $90 upwards depending on the coverage - (bare minimum - very limited benefits) 

PO Box rental: from $75/year depending on size 

Food: $500 (for a family of three) obviously this varies depending on your lifestyle. Imported British products for example are extremely expensive but local Caymanian and Caribbean products are reasonably priced. 

Car: $4000 + insurance (starting at $500) + car tax ($180) (for a very basic vehicle!) 

One has to be Caymanian to secure a place at a government school, so private schooling is the only thing available to non Caymanian. There is a great choice of schools and prices start at $4,000 - $9,000 per year 

Prices for basic items (January 2006) 

Item/Services Approximate 

Price (CI$) 

5lb bag white potatoes $2.69 

3lb bag yellow onions $1.49 

1lb jumbo slicing tomatoes $3.89 

1lb Red Delicious apples $1.49 

1lb fresh cabbage $0.69 

5lb bag sweet oranges $3.29 

Jumbo seeded red grapes $2.29/lb 

Beef loin T-bone steak $10.99/lb 

Salmon fillets $6.99/lb 

Boneless/skinless chicken breasts $5.49/lb 

Uncooked bone-in turkey breast $1.59 

Honey Ham $4.99/lb 

8 oz sliced bacon $2.99 

Pork loin chops $2.59/lb 

#2 lobster tails $14.99/lb 

Salad shrimp $6.99/lb 

Lender bagels $1.89 

Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat bread $2.09/loaf 

2lb Pillsbury All Purpose Flour $1.35/bag 

Dozen large eggs $1.25 

Kraft 8oz Strong Cheddar Cheese $2.99 

64oz Tropicana Orange Juice $4.45 

12-pack 12oz Pepsi etc $5.95 

10.5oz pizza $2.25 

18oz Kellogg's Corn Flakes $3.79 

Paper Towels $0.69/roll 

Soft 'n Gentle 24 Roll Bath Tissue 

63oz Gain powder detergent $7.49 

Milk $5.29/gallon 

7oz (200g) Nescafe Classic $5.99 

** Please note that prices vary on a weekly basis depending on availability ** 

Gas $3.29/gallon 

Beer $32.00/case 

Cigarettes $30.00/200 

Postal Rates 

Postcards (to US) $0.20 

Postcards (to UK/Europe) $0.25 

Letters per half ounce (to US) $0.30 

Letters per half ounce (to UK/Europe) $0.40 

Greetings cards (to US) $0.60 

Greetings cards (to UK/Europe) $0.80 

Cost of Living in Grand Cayman 

The cost of living in the Cayman Islands will often vary depending on a number of factors, including choice of accommodation, entertainment and lifestyle. The summary below highlights the average range of costs. All items are in Cayman Islands dollars which is equivalent to US$1.25. 

Accommodation costs in Cayman Islands 

A large selection of apartments and condos are available for long term rental. Accommodation cost vary dramatically with location (proximity to George Town, Seven mile beachfront, canal, waterfront), condition of the premises and facilities (pool, dock, tennis court). The rental costs for a reasonable apartment/condo are as follows: 

1 bedroom - 2 bedroom 

Seven mile Beach or canal $1,500 + $3,000 + 

Off the beach $1,200 + $1,800 + 

Average monthly electricity charge (including air conditioning) for 1 to 2 bedrooms ranges from $100 to $250. However, some may be more if they do not have good insulation. We would recommend monitoring your consumption for the first month so you do not get any nasty surprises when your bill comes in. Average monthly water charge range from $50 to $100. If you are renting a house with a pool, you should expect far higher water bills than stated above. Security deposits are required for electricity and water services and apartment/property size. Electricity $100 to $500 and water roughly $200. 

Our business directory has contact details for: 

* Utilities 

* Telecommunications 

Cable costs in Cayman Islands 

Generally the cost of cable (approximately $75 per month) is included in monthly rental charge. Weststar now offers some great upgrade packages should you wish to get more movies or sports channels etc. 

Telecommunication costs in Cayman Islands 

Basic monthly connection with voicemail is approximately $15. Long distance charges range from $0.50 to $0.90 per minute within the Caribbean, $0.60 to $1.20 per minute to the US & Canada and $0.80 to $1.60 per minute for the rest of the world. Security deposit for new phone service ranges from $100 to $350, dependent upon payment method. 

Please note that these amounts quoted are rough. Check out the Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory to get information on Cayman Islands Telecommunication Companies. Since the advent of telecoms competition rates have plummeted and some good deals are now available from: Telecayman, Digicel and Westtel. 

Vehicle costs in Cayman Islands 

The cost of a basic mid-size used car can range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on size and age. Insurance premiums generally range from $500 to $1,500 per year. Some discounts are available and it is worthwhile to arrange a reference letter from a previous insurer. Check out the Ecay Business Directory for a full list of Insurance Providers in the Cayman Islands. 

A three year driver's license cost $65. Vehicle registration can be purchased for either a six-month period or a full year. The annual inspection and registration fees are approximately $200. 

Food Costs in Cayman Islands 

There are number of large grocery stores on the Island which offer a wide selection of fresh and packaged goods. Food costs are relatively expensive as the majority of items are imported. The average cost for groceries for one month can range from $450 to $1,000 depending on the size of your family and your dietary preferences. 

Health Insurance costs in Cayman Islands 

Health insurance is mandatory. Your company will arrange basic group health cover with a local recognized insurer and will contribute half of the monthly health insurance premium for employees and their families. Employee contributions are made by way of salary deduction. Some pre-existing conditions are specifically excluded from coverage by local insurers. 

Exchange Rate in Cayman Islands 

The currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Island Dollar (denoted CI$). The CI$ is exchanged to the US dollar at the following rates: 

US$1.00=CI$.80 (cash), US$1.00 = CI$.82 (check) 

Our business directory has contact details for: 

* Electronics 

* Furniture 

* Home & Garden 

* Linens 

* Shopping 

Housing costs in Cayman Islands 

Rented accommodation is relatively easy to find, and generally annual leases are available, although less so between November and February (the tourist season). Monthly rental costs can vary considerably depending upon the nature (furnished or unfurnished), location, and size of the accommodation. The following is a general guide: 

Modern fully furnished one-bedroom apartment: 

* On the beach CI$1,500-2,500 

* Off the beach CI$750-1,200 

Modern fully furnished two-bedroom apartment: 

* On the beach CI$2,000-3,000 

* Off the beach CI$1,200-1,800 

Two- or three-bedroom fully furnished houses: 

* Off the beach CI$1,500-3,000 

Generally deposits of one month's rent are required for apartments. Also, telephone, water, and electricity deposits are approximately CI$750 in total. 

Household Goods costs in Cayman Islands 

All household goods can be purchased locally. Many landlords provide a full range of crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, and linen in furnished accommodations although quality can vary considerably. The electric current is 110 volts AC. 

If you are looking to buy in the Cayman Islands do not hesitate to contact us here at Coldwell Banker where we are happy to assist you in all aspects of your property needs click here to send us your queries 

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