You will probably want to rent a car for at least part of your stay in the Cayman Islands. You'll find just about every type of vehicle to rent including compact, small, mid-size and full-size cars, SUVs, vans, minivans, Jeeps, etc. Some companies also rent scooters and bicycles.

In order to rent a vehicle you will have to be at least 21 years old and will need to obtain a visitors' permit which costs US$20.00. If you will be renting a car from one of the local agencies you can purchase the permit at their office. Visitors who may be staying with friends and would like to drive their friend's car will need to purchase a visitors permit from the Department of Vehicle & Drivers' Licensing. You may visit their web site for more information. Always ensure that you are covered for accidents under the insurance policy for the vehicle that you will be driving.

Foreign drivers are advised to be particularly careful when driving in the Cayman Islands, and especially so if not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road. The Cayman Islands are no different than anywhere else when it comes to driving habits and we certainly have our share of bad drivers. We also have our share of "overly courteous" drivers who will seemingly stop for no reason to let you into traffic, even if there is no other vehicle behind them or if traffic in general is "light".

Grand Cayman has a growing number of roundabouts and these can be particularly tricky to negotiate if you are not used to them. Here are some tips for driving on our roundabouts:

1. When entering a roundabout, always give way to traffic already on it
2. Always give way to traffic coming from your right
3. Always use your indicators; right if you're continuing around and left if you're exiting
4. Never assume what other drivers on the roundabout are doing, especially if they are not using their indicators.