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Driving in the Cayman Islands: A Visitor's Guide
Updated 2026-04-13
They drive on the LEFT
Cayman is a British Overseas Territory, so drivers stay on the left side of the road — like the UK, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. If you're coming from the US, Canada, or mainland Europe, give yourself 30 minutes of careful driving to adapt. The trickiest moments are pulling out of parking lots and roundabouts — always glance right, then left, then right again.
Speed limits
Speed limits are posted in MPH, not km/h. Expect 25 mph in George Town and residential areas, 40 mph on most main roads, and up to 50 mph on sections of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. Police enforce limits actively — there are no "5-over" courtesies.
Roundabouts
Grand Cayman has many roundabouts. The rule: yield to traffic already in the roundabout, which will be coming from your right. Signal left when you're about to exit.
Fuel
Gas is sold in Imperial gallons and priced in KYD. There are multiple Esso and Rubis stations along West Bay Road and in George Town. Most rentals operate full-to-full — return with a full tank to avoid refuel fees.
Parking
Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay have free parking. George Town has on-street and lot parking — read signs carefully, since tow zones are enforced.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an International Driving Permit for the Cayman Islands?
- Visitors no longer need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the Cayman Islands — a valid license from your home country is accepted for up to 6 months. The old Visitor's Driving Permit was abolished in 2022.
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