What is the best currency to use in the Cayman Islands?

The best currency to use in the Cayman Islands is the United States Dollar (USD). If you are a tourist, then you can pay for everything with USD.

 

Which currency do they use in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands has a dual-currency economy.

This means that both the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) and the United States Dollar (USD) are accepted everywhere.

picture of seven mile beach

The reason why the Cayman Islands is a dual-currency economy is because there are lots of tourists from the US. It makes sense to accept both KYD and USD as most visitors from the United States are bringing USD.

All shops, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and businesses accept both KYD and USD in the Cayman Islands.

picture of the KYD and USD bills together

The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is pegged to the United States Dollar (USD). $1 USD = $0.83 KYD. If the USD inflates, then the KYD also inflates at the same rate since the KYD is pegged to the USD.

 

What is the best currency to take to Grand Cayman?

If you are a tourist, and you already have United States Dollars (USD), then you should bring USD to Grand Cayman.

You do not need to convert your USD to the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) because every business already accepts USD in the Cayman Islands.

picture of USD and KYD dollar bills together

 

Are US dollars accepted in Grand Cayman?

Yes, US dollars are accepted in Grand Cayman.

All businesses, shops, restaurants and vendors accept US dollars in the Cayman Islands. If you are a tourist visiting Grand Cayman, then you can use USD everywhere.

picture of benches near water at sunset at south coast bar and grill

 

How much money should you bring to Grand Cayman?

The answer to this question depends on how you plan to spend your vacation.

If you want to eat three meals a day at restaurants, then you can expect to pay around $25 USD per meal per person.

picture of people eating lunch at rum point

If you plan to rent an AirBNB, and to cook your own meals, then you will save a considerable amount of money.

Most tours and excursions cost around $100 USD per person.

 

How much cash can you bring to Grand Cayman?

You can bring up to $10,000.00 USD in cash to the Cayman Islands without needing to declare it.

picture of officers standing in cayman airport customs area

If you are entering the Cayman Islands with $10,000.00 USD cash or more, then you need to declare the amount in writing to an officer at the airport.

Source – https://cbc.gov.ky/

 

Final thoughts

The Cayman Islands is a dual-currency economy.

All businesses accept both USD and the local KYD currency.

If you are a tourist visiting Grand Cayman, then you do not need to convert your USD to KYD. All businesses will accept your existing USD cash and cards.

If you are looking for things to do during your vacation, then check out our article where we review the top 25 things to do in Grand Cayman.