Resources for expats in the Cayman Islands
If you are new to the Cayman Islands, you might initially feel lost, wondering where to start like I did. But don’t worry; I have some resources to help you out!
The Ultimate Guide
Cayman Resident is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know on the island. You can find information on transportation, health care professionals, immigration, local events, and anything helpful in settling in. You can also grab a free printed copy at nearby grocery stores and gas stations. If you want a comprehensive guide on what’s happening around the island, you can download their sister app, WhatsOnCayman. It is being updated in real-time, so you will surely be on top of everything!
Telecommunications
- Digicel
- MyDigicel App
If you need a local SIM card, there are only two options on the island: Flow and Digicel. I recommend getting a Digicel. They are more centered on making transactions convenient for users. Using their My Digicel App, you can top-up, send a credit, purchase a bundle, and more. For a pre-paid user like me, Digicel rates are the best value for money. They also have partner apps such as Sportsmax and Loop that you can access for free if you are subscribed to a plan. If you have a Flow sim card, you can switch to Digicel while keeping your mobile number!
Be in the know
- Cayman Compass
- Cayman Marl Road
To stay updated with the latest news on the island, Cayman Compass is your number-one news source. It is a digital newspaper that covers the latest happenings on the island. For more “sensational” topics, there’s Cayman Marl Road (CMR). While CMR is not You can submit your own “interesting stories” or street mishaps for public consumption. Be careful not to get caught doing something stupid on the road, as they might report you on their website! CMR also has a morning talk show called The Cold Hard Truth, hosted by Sandra Hill. It is in an open format so anyone can call in and voice their opinion on recent news and events.
Events and Ticketing
Get involved in community events by getting your tickets at EventPro. You can buy tickets in advance using your debit or credit card and get updates on upcoming events island-wide. A newer alternative to EventPro is TicketPlus. It works the same, but occasionally, you might see an event listed there that is not on EventPro.
Food delivery services
If you are feeling hungry and want to try out some of the best restaurants on the island, Let’s Eat is your go-to website. You can check the menu of most restaurants on the island and have your meals delivered. Choose from the menu, pay with your card, and track your delivery guy. It’s perfect for busy (or lazy) days. I only discovered Let’s Eat at the height of the pandemic in 2020. It has been my go-to online food delivery not only during the pandemic but until now. A new alternative to Let’s Eat is Bento. Bento is cheaper and faster, specifically when ordering in West Bay.
Online Shopping
- EcayTrade
- Facebook Marketplace
When I first arrived, one of the first things I noticed was that shopping here is so manual. Growing up in the densely populated and urban city of Manila, where most transactions are done cashless and online, this was quite a culture shock for me. It is good that there are platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and EcayTrade. If you love online shopping like I do, you would likely spend most of your time on these two platforms. You can buy pre-owned or brand-new items like electronics, furniture, used cars, shoes, clothing, etc. A quick tip: always negotiate the price, as sellers usually set the prices higher to accommodate buyers asking for a discount!
For skincare and beauty enthusiasts, here are my recommended online shops:
- Le Visage (Luxury cosmetics)
- The Beauty Wanderer (Korean/Japanese skincare)
- CayExpress (Drugstore products)
This is a useful source. I like an events app to see whatever is happening in the city and how to attend them. And an app on places to see inside the city is also good.
Isa A. Blogger