Expert: Robert Clark - 2/4/2007

Question
Hi Robert,
I am wondering about the feasibility of bringing my LH drive Honda Ridgeline to Georgetown, Grand Cayman. I live in Canada but plan to drive my new truck and tow my belongings to Miami and then ship them by container to Georgetown. I have a good job offer in Georgetown and plan to stay there indefinately; what costs am I looking at to ship the vehicle and then register and insure it there? I also have a newish motorcycle that i'm thinking of bringing too- what costs should I expect to incurr for that?  

Answer
Randy
I think that this isn't worth doing unless you are very attached to your vehicles! Check out the run-down on this at http://www.caymannewresident.com/page_id_9.html?PHPSESSID=...045930744e5b9ffcd7f...

The duty paid is based on the book value of the vehicle, not the value you necessarily paid for it.

the other thing to be aware of is the short life of vehicles in Cayman because of the corrosive sea-salt atmosphere.

I'm not sure how you expect to stay there indefinitely - under the new role-over rules your work permit can only be renewed up to a maximum of seven years (except in special circumstances).


Good luck!

Robert
http://www.gotocayman.com