Expert: Robert Clark - 3/27/2007

Question
Hi there, I'm hoping you can help answer some questions I have.   I am going to be living working in Georgetown but am concerned about the cost of living and am not sure if what my employer is paying me will be sufficient to live on and save some money.  They are offering me $65,000 US.  I am from Canada so this to me seems like a lot but is it really? once I get down there and am paying rent and all the other costs.   It works out to be $5416 a month.   Also I have a pet that I want to bring with me he is a rather large dog breed and seems there are not many places that rent to people with pets have you experienced anything like this or know of people? and how often are hurricanes threatening the island? and where do people go when there is a threat? what do you do?  Are there parks around, to walk the dog.  Are dogs allowed on the beach? for a run or walk?   So many questions, if you have the time I would appreciate you giving me some insight into this...I appreciate it.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Answer
Shannon
sorry for the delay in replying - I've been away from my PC for a few days.

Check my FAQ at http://www.gotocayman.com for some information on living costs. Even though there is no income tax, you will have to make contributions towards your pension and medical health. However, remember that everything is more expensive, but the up side is that Cayman has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. Your living costs will really depend where on the island that you choose to live - you pay a premium for living in the George Town area, and along Seven Mile Beach. If you are prepared to commute (inspite of the traffic jams), then prices drop accordingly.

Bringing pets is tricky. Not only do many not landlords like them (afraid of damage to their property), but you also have to go through hoops to be able to bring your pet down - again info about this is in my FAQ. Some breeds of dogs (considered dangerous) are banned.

There are parks, and you can take your dog to the beach.

Hurricane season runs from June to November. There are public hurricane shelter, and some firms also have their own. Information on hurricane preparation is widely available every year.

If you are interested in buying my relocation guide to cayman, send me a payment for US$ through paypal to robertsclark@yahoo.com

Hope this answers your queries!

Regards

Robert

Yes, you are right, it is difficult t