Living in George Town as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expat families moving to George Town will require a work permit or a residential certificate issued by the Immigration Department. Work permits cost around $687 USD per year, while residential certificates cost around $2,100 USD. Expat families will also need to obtain health insurance and a residency card, which costs around $140 USD per year. Expat spouses and children under the age of 18 can apply for a street permit that will allow them to live in George Town with the primary visa holder.

Language resources

English is the official language of the Cayman Islands, so expats will not face any language barriers in George Town. Local schools offer English as a first language curriculum, so expat children can easily integrate into the education system. English-language resources such as local newspapers, magazines, and online publications are also readily available. However, expats who wish to learn the local Creole dialect, known as Caymanian, can find language schools such as Perfect Placement and Absolute Language School and Jazzye's Language School.

Housing

Accommodation expenses in George Town vary widely depending on location, size, and amenities. Rental prices range from $1,200 to $3,500 per month for a shared house, $1,500 to $4,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, $2,000 to $5,00 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, and $4,000 to $8,000 per month for a three-plus bedroom house. Renters should also budget for utilities, which can cost an additional $150 to $300 per month. House or apartment hunting is best done in person, as most communal spaces like grocery stores and cafes are clustered together in small pockets within the city. Visit real estate agencies such as Sotheby's International Realty Cayman Islands and RE/MAX Cayman Islands VIP Property, to find the ideal accommodation.

Groceries

The cost of groceries in George Town is generally higher than in other Caribbean islands, but still justifiable in comparison to other international locations. Expats can find a variety of fresh produce, meat, and dairy products at local supermarkets such as Foster's Food Fair and Kirk Home Center. Midweek and end-of-week special offers on perishables tend to be a lot cheaper. Some expats prefer to visit local food markets such as the Public Market and the Farmers Market, which offer organic, locally grown produce at lower prices. Cooking at home is a lot more affordable than dining out, so expats can budget around $300 to $400 USD per month for a family of four on groceries.

Transportation

The cost of transportation in George Town is relatively low. A one-way bus ticket costs around $2.50 USD, and a weekly pass costs around $19 USD. Taxis are also affordable, with fares ranging from $10 to $20 USD for short city trips. Expats can also save money by purchasing a long-term taxi voucher, which costs around $120 USD for 50 trips. Car and motorbike rentals typically cost around $50 USD per week and $35 USD per day respectively. The cost of car insurance is also affordable, with rates ranging from $800 USD to $1,500 USD per year for a standard policy.

George Town enjoys a tropical climate with year-round temperatures averaging 27°C (81°F). The even distribution of rainfall ensures that the city remains green and lush all year round. There are two main seasons: the dry season from December to April, and the wet season from May to November. Hurricanes are rare but can occur from June to November.

George Town is the beating heart of the Cayman Islands' economy, which is heavily centered around finance. Almost half of the export earnings come from the finance sector, which is why it attracts a high number of expats. Other key industries include tourism, maritime services, and construction. George Town is home to several international banks and financial institutions, including the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Expats can find employment in areas such as data analysis, IT, marketing, human resources, and customer service. The Cayman Islands has a low unemployment rate, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.

George Town offers excellent healthcare services to its residents and expats. The public healthcare system, the Health Services Authority (HSA), provides affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare through its Cayman Islands Hospital, the George Town Primary Health Care Centre, and the Faith Hospital. The Cayman Islands also has several private healthcare facilities, including St. Lawrence Skills Centre, King's Centre Speciality Hospital, and Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including specialist care for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

George Town has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and ferries. The public bus service, operated by Cayman Islands Motorworks, covers all major areas of the city and the surrounding islands. The buses run from 6am until 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Taxis are readily available and offer a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. There are also several ferry services that connect George Town with the nearby islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The ferry services operate Monday to Saturday, with multiple departures throughout the day. Visitors and expats can also rent a car or a scooter to explore the city and its surroundings, although driving is on the left-hand side of the road, just like in the UK.

George Town is a safe and secure city, with low crime rates. It has a highly efficient police force that ensures law and order. Expat families will also be pleased to note that the city has a well-established emergency response system, with both local and international hospitals and medical centers. Expat communities are friendly and welcoming, and there is a strong sense of community spirit amongst the residents.