No issues elsewhere, but in Cayman Islands, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
Cayman Islands ATMs can reject foreign cards, though not as badly as some Caribbean destinations. I had better luck with CIBC FirstCaribbean ATMs, while a smaller machine in Savannah refused my debit entirely. Most tourist shops take Visa, but I was caught off guard when a dive shop near West Bay refused cards. Cash is handy-budget 100 KYD daily if you’re eating at mid-range restaurants and doing activities. US dollars are fine in taxis and souvenir shops, but you’ll often get KYD in change.
My Mastercard worked inconsistently in the Cayman Islands. Banks like Butterfield had no issues, but one Cayman National ATM declined it multiple times. US dollars are widely accepted in stores and restaurants, but sometimes at a poor rate. I recommend withdrawing KYD for better value. For budgeting, around 90-110 KYD per day covers meals, groceries, and excursions like Stingray City. Some budget accommodations even asked for cash on arrival. Carry at least some KYD to avoid awkward moments when your card gets declined unexpectedly.
Yes, cards sometimes get declined in the Cayman Islands, but not everywhere. I found my Chase Visa worked fine in George Town at ScotiaBank ATMs, but failed in a local shop in East End. Larger supermarkets like Foster’s accepted cards without issues, but snorkeling tour operators sometimes wanted cash deposits. Always good to have at least 100 KYD cash per day. Taxis also prefer cash. While rejection isn’t constant, don’t risk relying only on cards if you plan on exploring outside tourist hubs.
In Cayman Islands, I faced occasional card rejection, though less than in some Caribbean countries. ATMs at Butterfield Bank and Cayman National Bank in George Town usually worked fine, but I had issues in smaller districts like Bodden Town. Stores in Seven Mile Beach area mostly took Visa and Mastercard, but family-run eateries asked for cash. Withdraw Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) early-plan about 80-100 KYD daily if eating out and doing tours. US dollars are accepted widely, but you may get change in KYD, so plan accordingly.