Need cash when I land, best place in Cayman Islands? Airport or places in the city?
When I visited Grand Cayman, I ignored the airport counters and just withdrew from a Butterfield ATM near Seven Mile Beach. Worked smoothly with my foreign debit card. Shops and restaurants took USD, but I noticed the rate was always rounded in their favor, so I preferred paying in KYD. Airport exchange desks were quoting really weak rates, so I was glad I didn’t bother. For anyone landing, I’d say: grab cash from an ATM once you’re in town.
Cayman Islands currency (KYD) is stronger than USD, and while USD is accepted, you’ll get less favorable conversions in shops. Airport exchange counters charge higher spreads. The simplest option is ATMs - Butterfield, RBC, and Cayman National all have machines at the airport and in town. Withdraw KYD directly, which locks in the bank rate. I’d carry some USD for emergencies, but ATMs are the smarter way to go. City banks also offer exchanges, but ATMs are faster and safer.
No need to stress about exchanging money at the airport in Grand Cayman - it’s not worth it. ATMs from Butterfield and Cayman National are reliable and all over the island, especially in George Town and Seven Mile Beach. I usually withdraw directly in KYD to avoid any conversion issues. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but some shops give you change at 0.80 KYD per 1 USD, so you lose out. For the best value, use ATMs once you’re in town.
At Owen Roberts airport in Grand Cayman there’s a counter, but the rates are poor. Cayman is well developed, and ATMs are everywhere. Butterfield Bank, Cayman National, and RBC Royal Bank ATMs all worked with my foreign card. Withdraw in KYD for the official rate instead of changing large amounts at arrivals. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, though you’ll usually get change in Cayman dollars, sometimes at a less favorable rate. I normally just use ATMs in George Town rather than wasting money at the airport counter.