The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), but the U.S. dollar, with a fixed rate of exchange, is widely used and accepted everywhere. You will, however, invariably receive your change in Caymanian currency. The CI$ rate is freely convertible and tied to the US$ at the midrate of CI$1 = US$1.20. Plenty of banks exchange currency, and all have ATMs.
Banks are usually open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Your hotel may also exchange currency, but check to see that its rate is equivalent to the bank rate. Be sure to exchange any leftover Cayman dollars before you leave, because it's almost impossible to convert them at the same rate outside the islands.
The American Express office is in the Elizabethan Square complex opposite Barclays Bank on Shedden Road. Phone 345-949-8755.
Taxes
There is no local sales tax, but visitors pay a 10% Tourism Accommodation Tax where applicable.
Tipping
Tip 15% in hotels and restaurants if a service charge has not been added to the bill. Most hotels and many restaurants automatically add a service charge of 10%-15%, but some do not—if you're not sure, ask. Do tip your dive master or dive instructor—about 10% is standard.
