The Cayman Islands has one of the largest and most respected financial sectors and is home to more than 600 banks and 100,000 companies.

Thanks to its tax-free status on income, the Cayman Islands is famous as an offshore bank account host. These accounts are transparent in nature, and the islands are well known for being open about transactions, despite the opinion that occasionally flares up about 'shady' offshore accounts.

Expats will find that banking is efficient and easy on the islands.

Money in the Cayman Islands

The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD) divided into 100 cents. It is commonly abbreviated as CI$ before the amount. The KYD is permanently fixed at an exchange rate to the US Dollar.

• Notes: 1 KYD, 5 KYD, 10 KYD, 25 KYD, 50 KYD and 100 KYD

• Coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents and 25 cents

There are ATMs all over the islands, and US dollars are also widely accepted.

Banking in the Cayman Islands

The islands are home to a sophisticated banking system and many banks, making managing finances straightforward and accessible.

Opening a bank account

All expats looking to open a bank account will be subjected to a thorough check before the account is opened. Expats should note that some banks will not offer chequing services to a new account holder who has just arrived on the islands.

If an expat changes jobs while on the islands, they must get a letter from their new employer stating their salary for the bank.

Taxes in the Cayman Islands

While the islands are famous for being a tax haven, it is by no means completely tax free. The government relies heavily on indirect taxation, pushing up the prices of everyday items that can make the cost of living bitterly expensive. Still, there are no taxes on income, capital gains or wealth tax, which makes the islands an attractive destination for expats.