vel2011

Hi there,

I have been offered a job in Grand Cayman to start in late 2012 and would really appreciate some advice.

I would be going for 18 mths - 2 years. My main objectives are to earn a much higher tax free salary than available in London, experience living on an island in the sun for a year or two and hopefully save some cash.

My main concern is that I am 27 and single, and worry that Cayman life is far more suited to couples and families.

Is anyone able to give me any further info on life in Cayman for a single guiy in late 20's - is there a large number of single 20 somethings who like to go out and socialise / party alot, or am I risking leaving London for a rather boring life in that respect?

Also, in terms of start up costs, apart from buying a car and paying a deposit on an apartment to rent, are there any other major start-up costs I should be aware of?

Thanks.

Gordon Barlow

(I'm a brand-new Member - check out my profile and blog.)

You should have no concerns about your social life. Grand Cayman has a very active singles scene. Drunk-driving is severely punished, so you may not want to live too far from the action. Your employer will usually arrange a place to stay when you first arrive; there are plenty of flats to rent.

Good used cars from Japan are available from about CI$3000, or maybe $4000. (My wife and I bought Toyota Windoms for about $4000 each - 14 years old, but in wonderful shape. You did say you were looking to save money, right?) Deposits may be required for utilities and all the usual things; you may want to join sports clubs. Your employer will pay you net of compulsory pensions and medical insurance contributions.

That's pretty much all you need to know.

vel2011

Thanks Gordon.

I've done alot of research and I think I'm close to signing the contract!

I'll be working for a big accountancy firm so they pay my travel out, apartment and hire car for first few weeks etc. And it is a very attractive tax free salary!

I plan to use ecayonline.com to find a cheap car and some fun people to share an apartment with in George Town / SMB once I go in October - are there any particular areas you recommend living if like me you plan to be close to the action and out and about meeting people as much as possible?

My only concern as mentioned before was that it is a very quiet, couples orientated place and that it's a big risk for a single 27 yo commiting to moving from a big city like London for 2 years - so it;s good to hear that I am likely to meet lots of people in a similar situation to me!

Gordon Barlow

The only other piece of advice I will offer is this: keep all your options open. I went from Australia to England to work in 1963, and never went back except to visit. Cayman was my fifth expat-home and my third tax-haven. By the time I arrived here in 1978, aged 38, I was married with a young child, and the options had closed down. At that point people usually do settle down, but it's not something one should do before experiencing the big wide world.

So you won't be seeing me at any of the hot-spots you go to, but I'll be wishing you well all the same!

<snip>

koalakim

Hi

Can't add much other than look upon it as a great experience, 2 years will fly by! We've been in Oz for over 5 now and it's gone in a flash.

I had friends who lived in Cayman for 4 years, I think they left about 12 years ago now and we visited them a few times whilst they were out there.

They loved it, downsides were island life but the odd trip to Miami used to cure that, things unless they have changed were very expensive to live. They had hoped with a tax free salary to save but cost of living soon ate that up (and two kids ) and they did have two hurricanes in their time there. Upside it that it's nice and warm, great snorkelling and diving and just a great place "to be" for a while.

Most of their friends were couples/families but with kids I guess you gravitate towards others but they had a mix of expat and local friends but I'm sure there will be others like yourself, it seemed very sociable place.

F you go have lots of fun!

dami

Hi! I have been searching on Google to get some information about the island as well, and found your topic here. I am wondering about the same more or less, and decided to register and write you, no matter I am not from England, but from another country in Europe. Anyway, this would be a great challenge for everyone who is brave enough to leave everything just like that and start over again from the beginning... Try to get to know as many people as you can (depence of your time on the island), and so I will eventually also do soon. Wish you all the best, and not to worry! Your life will change, and this can be only good for you

Many greetings!

zoeoverthrow

Hi vel2011 ,

I am in a similar position, having just been offered a job in Grand Cayman starting in January 2013. I'm 98% convinced I will accept, however I too am concerned that Grand Cayman may be more suited to young familes. Being a 30 year old single girl I will be looking to meet and socialise with other young singles in Grand Cayman. I have looked on http://www.caymannewresident.com/ which is very helpful and there are lots of societies where you can meet people.

Anyway perhaps we should stay in touch as it sounds like we will be in similar positions both moving there alone at similar times?..

Good luck with the move!

Zoe

ESTM

Vel2011 have you decided if your going out or not?

Im going out end of September and am in the same boat as you, only thing is ive signed my contract.

Zoeoverthrow have you decided to go aswell, we should keep in touch

zoeoverthrow

Hey ESTM,

Yes I have now accepted the job so am going out at the end of december/ start of january! Exciting times!! We should stay in touch. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Thanks,

Zoe

vel2011

Hey Zoe and ESTM,

Yes I am going! Contract signed, start work at beginning of October but fling out mid September. Maybe we should start an email thread between us and get in touch in Cayman. The more like minded people you can meet early on the better in my opinion!

zoeoverthrow

Sounds good! Its quite daunting going out there and knowing very few people! MY email is <<snip>>. Out of interest where abouts in London do you live now? I also live in London, am hoping the transition from the capital of England to Island life isn't too much of a shock!!

vel2011

Hi Zoe - think you need to send a private message with email address. I live west - Ladbroke Grove.

Dusit

Hi Folks,
Well I am pretty much in the same boat with the exception I arrived on the island 2 days ago. Through my employer I have a place to stay for the first month but I then need to find a place. I am hoping to live along the west bay road (SMB). It seems to be where all the happening pubs and restaurants are. It is however the most expensive pace to live, especially if me you wud like an ocean view.

Anyway, while I am far from an expert, if yo have any question I can help with. Please ask and I will try find out for u.

John

ESTM

Hi Dusit

How are you finding it so far, have you settled in alright in the short time?

I come out on Friday 21st September

Dusit

Hi ESTM,
All good so far. Its a bit too early to give a proper judgement. The only thing I will say is that is is very hot. Its ok when wear shorts and t-shirts but if you need to wear slacks and shirt to work ...... wow. I find it unbearable. Just make sure u bring plenty of appropriate clothes with u cos as far as I can see there is no where on the island that sells office clothes. I believe you have to go to miami for that. On the plus side is I believe that sept is the hostest time of the year.

Apart from that all I have been doing is setting up bank account, getting driving licence and stuff like tht. Read the new residence website for great info on all f this.

Next thing on my list is to get an apartment. I am use to living on my own but I'm thinking I will share this time as it might be a good way to meet people. I am viewing a few places today so will get an idea of what places are like. I am lucky though that my employer has put me up for the first month so there is no panic.

Have you sorted a place to stay yet? check out ecaytrade.com if you havn't. you'll get an idea of whats out there.