Car Rental

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You will probably want to rent a car for at least part of your stay in the Cayman Islands and will find just about every type of vehicle. Available are compact, small, mid-size and full-size cars, SUVs, vans, minivans, Jeeps, luxury cars, etc. Some companies also rent scooters and bicycles. In order to rent a motor vehicle you will have to be at least 21 years old. Always ensure that you are covered for accidents under the insurance policy for the vehicle that you will be driving.

According to the Cayman Islands Traffic Law, “persons from countries stated under the Geneva Convention are allowed to drive in other listed countries, on a current valid foreign driver’s licence of the same vehicle group. That is: a visitor to the Cayman Islands can drive on their foreign licence without purchasing a separate permit, as long as their licence is valid and they are qualified to drive the same vehicle type at home. Visitors who do not have a domestic licence from a Convention country – or an international driver’s permit – must pass a written and road test before they are allowed to drive in the Islands.”

Foreign drivers are advised to be particularly careful when driving in the Cayman Islands, and especially so if not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. The Cayman Islands are no different than anywhere else when it comes to driving habits and we certainly have our share of bad drivers. We also have many overly courteous drivers who will seemingly stop for no reason to let you into traffic, even if there is no other vehicle behind them.

Seat belts or other appropriate restraints (car seats, booster seats) are required for drivers and passengers and you can download a copy of the Cayman Islands regulations here. The regulations state that children “shall wear an adult seat belt or (be secured in) a child restraint” and goes on to define a child as someone under the age of fourteen. In the interest of your child’s safety, it is recommended to drive with them sitting in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age. Visit safekids.org for more information about protecting your child in a motor vehicle.

Grand Cayman has a growing number of roundabouts and these can be particularly tricky to negotiate if you are not used to them. Here are some tips for driving on our roundabouts:

  1. When entering a roundabout, always give way to traffic already on it
  2. Always give way to traffic coming from your right
  3. Always use your indicators; right if you’re continuing around and left if you’re exiting
  4. Never assume what other drivers on the roundabout are doing, especially if they are not using their indicators.

You may contact the car rental companies listed below to check rates and availability for your travel dates. Also be sure to ask about any available discounts as these are not always posted:

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