We leave for Grand Cayman in 3 weeks and have a few last minute questions.

- We want a rental car, but are wondering if we should book it online now or just rent it on the spot when we land. Which is a better deal price-wise?

- Should we bring cash, travelers checks, or plan on using our credit cards and ATM cards the most? Will we use US Dollars or should we convert to CI Dollars?

- Can we bring snacks (granola bars, crackers, etc.) in our checked luggage? Just wondering if that would save us some money instead of going to the grocery store on the island when we arrive, but not sure if you can bring food through customs.

Thanks in advance We are getting so excited!

Do plan on reserving a car online. You won't get any break just showing up. Andy's (www.andys.ky) is a good choice.

Don't bring TC. I usually bring a small amount of cash and rely on ATMs and CCs. You can withdraw Cayman cash from any ATM. You can pay in US, but will usually get change in CI. Remember the conversion: $1.00 US = $.80 CI and $1.00 CI = $1.25 US.

It's okay to bring snacks in your checked luggage, just be reasonable with the amount. The grocery stores are well-stocked, but a bit more expensive than you might be used to.

Have a great time!

Thank you CaymanSue.

And of course, I have "one more" question.

Is there a nice place we can get massages? I think the Hilton and Ritz have spas, but wondering if there are any other options (especially one that has massage tables right on the beach).

Thanks!

i hesitate as frankly i would take caymansue's advice about GC over mine any day. however it is my understanding that one is permitted to bring a full sized cooler of food if so inclined. (we like to rent houses so this is something we do) my luggage always includes coffee/tea, pb& j, tuna, ass't sugar, mustard, etc packs, and especially some seasonings if you plan to cook (you know - to get a tsp of something you have to buy and $8.00 jar). we have found the groceries everywhere we've been, to have pretty much what ever you want - including mexico, even though we had a time figuring out what some things were as no one in our group had a good grasp of spanish.
have a wonderful trip.

There is no Hilton in GC, so don't look there for a spa. The Westin and the Ritz have them, but there is also a "Spa to Go" business that will come to you. You can GOOGLE or just wait until you get to the island.
Have a good time!

Virginia,
You can bring a large cooler of food with you, that's true. Just don't include perishables, since we can no longer count on the airlines to actually get our luggage there when we arrive.
Sue

Lots of great spas in Cayman, as already noted...

I honestly wouldn't bring snacks etc, way too much hassle. The supermarkets here have excellent choice and quality of food. Sure, with import duties and shipping to the island prices are higher than in the US, but how much are you going to spend on groceries on a vacation anyway ? If prices are (say) 30% higher and you would spend (say) $200 in a week.. then $60 is the difference...I wouldn't bother with schlepping a sealed cooler

sue - you gave me a good laugh. i am the queen of lost luggage. the cooler has failed to arrive with me on several occasions. however it shows up the next day and remarkably all inside is still frozen.
also i have learned to pack toothbrush, bathing suit and snorkel gear in my carryon. the essentials.

Thanks everyone.

Bringing a cooler sounds like too much of a hassle. If anything we might just stick some granola bars and spices in our luggage.

Opps... no Hilton. I must have been thinking of the Westin ?

In response to the lost luggage comments: are you speaking specifically about on Grand Cayman or just in general? I've never lost my luggage (knock on wood!), but just in case I like the idea of the toothbrush and swimsuit in the carry-on

When we went to the island in January, our checked bags didn't make the flight. I had to go back to the airport the next day to get them. That's when I was happy not to have a cooler full of fillets! It has happened to friends.
I do agree about bringing spices and perhaps a bunch of single-serving mustard, etc., and a ziploc with your fav coffee.

I travel often to Grand Cayman, and I may bring granola bars...but ALL USA groceries readily available at prices OK if bought at major grocery stores, NOT the gas station shops (expensive...except GREAT meat paddies you REALLY want to try!)
I pack a small rolling carry-on with my essentials...snorkle/mask, zip locked small toiletries, swimsuit, ...but actually not had luggage lost or late even once!!
US cash taken everywhere, as is trav. checks (fees at ATMs pretty high...I take more trav. checks and do use credit card (visa/mc a lot).
Auto rentals ahead of time do offer the deals...drive on the left is doable just "Stay left...stay left..." bring drivers lisence of course.
If looking for reasonable fun shopping, try Pure Art on south church St. for Cayman collectables, souvenirs, art/prints!
Enjoy...Cayman is lovley if enjoyed at slow pace and explored and appreciated.

Just a quick note that there is only one place on the entire island that I have been too that gave me US cash back. I was surprised actually and sort of wanted the CI.

When totals are run up in tourist shops and cafes, etc., I generally always ask if the total is in US or CI. Hagen Daas in Bayshore Mall quotes US prices (guess I have been going there too often!!!)

Also keep an eye on the restaurant bill and double-check whether service charges are included....a few times I have double tipped (not the worst thing to happen of course) because I didn't look at the bottom of the bill first.

Have a great holiday! The weather is perfect down here right now!!!

Thanks again for all the responses!

The countdown has begun and I'm starting to actually pack. Should we bring pants and long sleeve? Just wondering if we can get away w/ one pair and maybe a pull over. Thinking the rest will be shorts and tanks. Also, do we need rain coats? I figured I can squeeze my umbrella in my suitcase, but hate to pack a jacket.

Also, should we book a snorkel trip or a kayak trip ahead of time or should we just wait until we are down there? We did book a car.

Thanks again! Can't wait

re my luggage: nope it seems to be pretty much anywhere i go. i am very clear with labeling. i ask twice about the correct tag when checking in. and yet...
things have always shown up eventually though. twice with the cooler and it's been undisturbed and contents still frozen.
i should mention that i normally travel with a girlfriend. she checks in right with me. they do not loose her things!
checked the weather for you. i'd skip the long sleeves & pants altogether unless you need to dress for dinner. the lows should be in the mid 70's. if you have light weight rollable rainwear i'd pack that. here's the site: http://www.wunderground.com/history/...Cayman+Islands
i'd book snorkeling from the island lest you book a windy day.

Pack your umbrella, you might need it for 5-10 minutes...but it hasn't rained here in two weeks and I don't think it will rain anytime soon either.

I am, right now, wearing khakis and a t-shirt and seriously contemplated finding my shorts (and it's 8 p.m. here). The weather has been heating up the past few weeks - with slight breezes and a few clouds the last few days. Expect, and pack, for hot weather. Jacket definitely not required.