TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(KYD)
Caymanian Dollar |
| Electrical |
120 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 1 |
Customs,
Firearms, and Currency Regulations
Customs
formalities are generally simple in the Caribbean. As a rule,
one carton of cigarettes and one quart of liquor are permitted
duty free into the islands. Most countries tax additional quantities
at a high rate. In general, tourists are permitted to enter with
other commodities required for personal use. If you wish to bring
firearms into any country, inquire at the country's embassy or
consulate about the permit required. As noted above, some countries
in the Caribbean impose a stiff prison term for importing illegal
firearms.
Currency regulations vary. Inquire about them when you check
on entry requirements. In some countries, you must declare all
currency and are not allowed to take out more money than you
brought in. Other countries limit the amount of their own currency
that can be brought in or taken out.
Check with your travel agent about extra fees and taxes that
may be overlooked in the tourist literature. Examples are hotel
taxes, obligatory restaurant gratuities, and airport departure
taxes.
When you convert your money to local currency, retain receipts.
You will need to show them if you wish to reconvert money upon
departure. It is usually advantageous to reconvert local currency
before departure. Although U.S. currency is used along with local
currency, in some places there may be an advantage to using local
currency.
Health
Review
your health insurance policy. U.S. medical insurance is often
not valid outside the United States. Medicare/Medicaid
does not provide payment for medical services obtained outside
the U.S. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining
insurance to cover evacuation in the event of an accident or
serious illness. Considering air evacuation to the United States
can easily cost $15,000 if you are not insured, insurance to
cover a medical evacuation is relatively inexpensive. There are
short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed
for travelers. Ask your travel agent about them or look for ads
in travel publications.
If you need medical attention during your trip, your hotel may
be able to recommend the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor,
or you can obtain a list of local medical services from the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate. In a medical emergency, a U.S. consul
can help you locate medical treatment.
The most prevalent health hazard in the Caribbean is one you
can avoid -- overexposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and bring
a shirt to wear over your bathing suit, especially if you plan
to snorkel.
