Original Post:
Came across this today on YouTube. Interesting watch if you are considering moving to Cayman and are not an accountant or lawyer. It also highlights missing friends and family. We ourselves are really getting a big dose of this reality now, having a new baby that everyone in our two families wants to spend time with but can't. This part in the video was very touching and something that cannot be ignored in your decision.
One very important thing to remember is that utilities (electricity, water, internet, phone) will run you 300 - 700 CI a month. For most countries this is a lot more than people are used to. Also always negotiate for the price, it does not hurt to ask and people are not insulted.
There are three grocery stores on seven mile beach, Kirks, Fosters and Cost-u-Less. Most frugal expats will hit all three in a given week. The price differences for the same items in the three stores vary greatly so it is completely worth it to visit all three!
***SPOILER ALERT***
ReplyDeleteJust saw these guys yesterday at Kirks. Wish we had had more time to chat with them.
Hello! I love your blog :) Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am IN LOVE with Cayman Islands. I went for the first time in February and returned again in April because I knew I wanted to find a job. I met a business owner of a pretty well established company on the island and he promised me a job. When I got home, he took about a month to finally give me an offer but he did. He told me what my salary would be and when I'd start - September. He isn't the best at communication and I've been told that he might be on "island time", The only problem is, I'm flying to Portugal for a family trip August 11th and was hoping to fly into Miami then Cayman so I wouldn't have to return home (Toronto). How do I ensure he is getting the paper work ready and actually getting my work visa together? This would be my first time working abroad on a work visa, I have worked in Brazil but I am dual citizenship so I didn't have to rely on a work visa to get there. Just wondering if you have any suggestions or tips in ensuring this offer doesn't fall through.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much in advance.
Hi Daniela, glad you like the blog :) Now as for your work permit situation. The CAyman Islands work permit process is quite an intensive one. In order for him to get your work permit sorted he would need you to fill out a work permit application, submit the medical questionnaire, as well as lab results. You would need to get chest x-rays done if it is your first time. Now he may be getting you a temporary work permit (3 months) where you don't need all this stuff right away. Some people here are definitely on island time so things can take a while. There really is no way to guarantee he is submitting your paper work. Sorry I could not be more helpful.
DeleteCongratulations on your baby! That's always so exciting. You're definitely right in saying that missing people is a huge deal when living abroad. Do you think it's worth it? I mean, you get to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world (that picture is gorgeous!), but I can definitely see where that would wear you down after a while. Thoughts?
DeleteAzure Realty Limited
Thanks! Whether or not it is worth it really depends on the individual. Some of us cannot bear to be away from our loved ones others seem to do ok. I, for example, come from a small family and even when I lived in the same city as my mom we would mostly talk on the phone, so that has not changed. My husband who has a large family missed them quite a bit. You need to be adaptable and build a network here. During my pregnancy I set up a private Facebook group for pregnant ladies in Cayman that were all due around the same time as my baby. We meet up and share experiences which helps with life. It is easy to build a network here but you must put yourself out there.
DeleteI lived on Cayman for 2 years, then left. Let me offer my 2 cents. I'll preface my post by saying I enjoyed the 2 years overall. Unique experience. Had some fun. Then why leave? REASON 1 - Expats connect socially only with other expats for the most part. Your universe will be very small. Result is lack of variety and plenty of gossip. At first, its hey, every where I go, I know nearly everyone - great! It becomes, hey, every where I go, I know nearly everyone - oh God not all the same people AGAIN! Claustrophobic. REASON 2 - The weather. The weather is great October 15 to April 15. But its incredibly humid, insect-filled, rainy and just plain tough to endure April 15 through October 15. To live in a place where the weather stinks 1/2 the year was not paradise to me. REASON 3 - My career. I am an accountant. In Cayman I had a solid job with some good perks. But I worked at a small organization - and in Cayman, virtually all companies are small. Everyone above me was a lifer. And even if by chance an opening above me occurred, there is great pressure in Cayman to promote Caymanians - even when their quals are not quite what they should be. In summary, I had a snowball's chance in blank of growing. The idea of accepting a dead end - a comfortable one, but a dead end nevertheless - did not appeal. I'll note, leaving Cayman, I had to pay my dues for a couple years to position myself to move up. And I have moved up.
DeleteSUMMARY - To each their own. My point is missing-back-home was not a big deal. What Cayman in reality is caused me to burn out on it, and want to leave. If you are a city person, think carefully about the realities of living in a cliquey small town.
Hello! I'm in the process of signing a short term contact with an employer on Grand Cayman and I'm wondering how difficult it would be for my boyfriend to move as well. He has a job that allows him to work from anywhere in the world-- is it feasible for him to move with me? I realize immigration isn't your expertise, but you have first-hand knowledge and I want a realistic idea of what it would be like.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your blog is fantastic!
Hi Alissa,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new job :)
Every expat on the island needs a work permit to work and live on the island. Without a valid work permit your boyfriend will not be able to stay very long. If you were married he could stay on as your dependent. There are other options besides working for a company here but they all take a bit of effort so not really worth it if you only stay temporarily. Hope that helps.
Hello :)
ReplyDeleteIm considering applying for a teaching job in Grand Cayman and moving there as a single parent. The employer will pay for my health care and 25% towards the cost for my son. I am told the cost of living is quite high and accommodation is at my expense. I must further consider the cost of his education at a reduced rate of around 500 cayman dollars. My salary would be between 37, 000 - 47,000 dependent on experience. Could you give me idea of the types of accommodation and standard of living I would be looking at.
I really appreciate any time taken to consider these points.
Nicki, Budget USD$1,500 for rent+util for a decent unit for a mother and young son (one bedroom). Add another couple hundred if you will want a second bedroom. Budget initial outlay of US$10,000 for a decent car, and operating/insurance of USD$250 per month (its hot, maintenance happens). Groceries for two people are easily US$500 a month on expensive Cayman. We have not talked entertainment and other incidentals. We have also not talked about the cost of flying to and from the island regularly (most expats want to get off the rock at least three times per year).
DeleteHi DK
ReplyDeleteMy name is Joyce, I am a marketing executive at expatfinder.com which is a leading expat information and services website.
I saw on your blog that you are and expat. I wish to interview you to further share some of your tips. The questions are mainly about the housing, the daily life etc.
It just takes 5 minutes (or more depending if you have lots to say :)
Of course, if you accept we can add a link to your blog or some of your website.
If you are interested to participate at this project, please send me an email at interview@expatfinder.com.