Import duty: the 22% rule
The Cayman Islands charges import duty on most goods entering the country. The standard rate is 22% of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value. This applies to new and used household goods, furniture, electronics, and personal items. Some categories have different rates — vehicles are 29.5%, alcohol varies by type.
- Duty is calculated on CIF value — the cost of the item plus insurance plus freight charges.
- Used household goods still attract duty, though at a reduced assessed value.
- New residents may qualify for a one-time concession on personal effects if they can demonstrate they are genuinely relocating (not just shipping purchases).
- Vehicles: 29.5% duty on CIF value. A $30,000 car costs roughly $39,000 landed.
- Electronics, furniture, appliances: 22% standard rate. Sometimes cheaper to buy locally and avoid the duty + shipping cost.
- Alcohol: duty rates vary (roughly 50 cents to $8 per litre depending on type). Limit what you ship.
- Keep all receipts and invoices — customs will ask for them.
Sea freight timelines and costs
Most relocators use sea freight for household goods. Air freight is available but prohibitively expensive for anything beyond small urgent shipments. Door-to-port is the standard service — you arrange local delivery from George Town port separately or through your freight forwarder.
- A 20ft container holds a 1–2 bedroom apartment worth of goods. A 40ft container handles a full house.
- LCL (less than container load) is available for smaller shipments — shared container, longer transit.
- Get quotes from at least 3 freight forwarders. Prices vary significantly.
- Factor in local delivery from George Town port to your home — usually $200–$500 depending on distance.
- Insurance: strongly recommended. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 1–3% of declared value.
| Origin | Transit time | Approx. cost (20ft container) |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (Miami, NY) | 2–3 weeks | $3,000–$5,000 |
| US West Coast (LA, SF) | 3–5 weeks | $5,000–$8,000 |
| United Kingdom | 4–6 weeks | $5,000–$9,000 |
| Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) | 3–5 weeks | $4,000–$7,000 |
What to ship vs buy locally
The 22% duty changes the math on many items. Sometimes it is cheaper to sell in your home country and buy new in Cayman, especially for bulky items with high shipping costs relative to their value.
- SHIP: Sentimental items, high-quality furniture you love, specialty kitchen equipment, books, artwork, personal clothing and goods.
- SHIP: Items that are hard to find locally or much more expensive on-island (specific mattress brands, specialty tools, hobby equipment).
- BUY LOCALLY: Large appliances (110V in Cayman — if coming from UK, your 220V appliances will not work anyway), basic furniture, bedding, kitchenware.
- BUY LOCALLY: Electronics that are readily available (TVs, computers) — prices on-island are higher but the duty + shipping often eliminates the savings.
- CONSIDER: Cars — sometimes cheaper to buy a used car already on-island than to import and pay 29.5% duty.
- NOTE: If coming from the UK, all electrical items need to work on 110V. Bring transformers or replace everything.
Customs clearance process
When your shipment arrives at George Town port, you (or your customs broker) will need to clear it through Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control. Most freight forwarders can arrange a customs broker as part of their service.
- Required documents: detailed packing list (every item with estimated value), commercial invoice or receipts, bill of lading, passport copy, proof of residency or work permit.
- A customs broker handles the paperwork and duty payment on your behalf. Typical fee: $150–$400.
- Duty is paid before goods are released. Expect to pay within 1–3 business days of arrival notification.
- Inspections: customs may inspect your container. Ensure your packing list is accurate and complete.
- Prohibited items: firearms, ammunition, certain drugs, counterfeit goods. Restricted: pets (separate process), plants, certain foods.
- Expect the full process from port arrival to delivery to take 3–7 business days.
Freight forwarders and recommendations
Choose a freight forwarder with Cayman experience — they will know the customs process, duty rates, and local delivery logistics. Ask specifically about door-to-door service versus door-to-port.
- Get quotes from at least 3 companies. Compare total cost including packing, freight, insurance, customs brokerage, and local delivery.
- Ask about packing services — professional packing reduces damage and simplifies customs declarations.
- Confirm insurance coverage and claims process before booking.
- Ask for references from other Cayman relocators if possible.
- Book 4–8 weeks ahead of your move date to secure container space, especially during peak season (November–March).
Planning your shipment
The smartest approach is to start planning your shipment 2–3 months before your move date. This gives you time to sort what to ship, get quotes, book space, and coordinate arrival timing with your Cayman housing.
- Do not ship items before you have confirmed housing — you need a delivery address and someone to receive.
- Consider shipping in two phases: urgent items by air freight (1–2 boxes), everything else by sea.
- Label boxes clearly by room and priority to make unpacking manageable.
- Take photos of valuable items before packing for insurance purposes.