Canadian-born Heidi moved from Canada to Grand Cayman in 1999 on what was supposed to be a short chapter – and never left. Over the past two decades, she’s built her life, family and career here, and she still wakes up genuinely grateful to call this island home.
Cayman’s mix of warm, welcoming people, world‑class beaches and an easy, outdoorsy lifestyle won her over early on, and it’s also where she’s spent more than 25 years helping other families relocate and find their place in the sun. For more, make sure to follow her on Facebook or check out her website, Cayman Islands Real Estate.
About Heidi
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Canada
Q: What country and city did you move to?
A: George Town, Grand Cayman
Q: When did you move?
A: 1999
Q: Is this your first expat experience?
A: No
Q: Reason for moving?
A: Taxes and Weather
Living in George Town
Q: What do you enjoy most about George Town and Grand Cayman in general?
A: The tagline ‘Cayman Kind’ is real; locals and expats are super friendly to visitors and each other. There’s a low crime rate in Cayman, the tap water is safe to drink, there are great restaurants, one-hour flights to Miami, and four-hour flights to Toronto.
Q: Have you had any low points? What do you miss most about Canada?
A: Sometimes the island can be small – only 90,000 population – but when that happens, I jump on the early flight to Miami and come back the same day!
Q: What misconceptions about George Town, if any, have you learned were not true?
A: That we launder money... we do not, we cannot, and you cannot either.
Q: What are the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into expat life in George Town? Did you experience culture shock at all?
A: The heat in the summer can get overwhelming, but thanks to a/c everywhere, it’s bearable.
Q: What are your favourite things to do on the weekend? Any particular places or experiences you’d recommend to fellow expats?
A: Sunday afternoons on the beach. All the shops are closed, and everyone heads to the beach.
Q: What’s the cost of living in George Town compared to Canada? Are there specific things that are especially expensive or cheap there?
A: Cayman is at least 25% more expensive than the USA, but if you work here, you do not pay income tax, so it evens out.
Q: What’s public transport like in George Town and across Grand Cayman?
A: Taxi service is okay, could be better. It’s expensive for what you get. The bus system is a work in progress, but inexpensive!
Q: What do you think of the healthcare available in George Town? What should expats expect from local doctors and hospitals?
A: Excellent healthcare!
Q: What’s the standard of housing like in George Town? What different options are available?
A: Cayman real estate can get expensive. Our least expensive one-bedroom in a good area is USD 500K.
Q: Are there any areas or suburbs you’d recommend for expats to live in?
A: West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, George Town, South Sound, Prospect. There really are no dangerous or bad areas.
Meeting people and making friends in George Town, Grand Cayman
Q: Was meeting people and making friends in George Town easy? How did you go about meeting new people?
A: The island is very social! Because we do not have taxes, there are so many charities and clubs that you can get involved in! Love chess, pickleball, knitting, sports... anything, you will find a club to join and make friends.
Q: Have you made friends with locals, or do you mix mainly with other expats? What advice would you give to new expats looking to make friends with the locals?
A: That is the best part of the island. Getting to know, becoming close friends with, and joking around with the locals. Be open and expand your friend circle.
Working in George Town, Grand Cayman
Q: How easy or difficult was getting a work permit or visa? Did you tackle the visa process yourself, or did you enlist the services of an immigration consultant?
A: Work permits are highly regulated, so it’s best to enlist the services of an immigration consultant for sure!
Q: What is the economic climate in George Town like?
A: Great! If you are hardworking and disciplined, you can make a lot of money (tax-free).
Q: How does the work culture in George Town differ from Canada?
A: Slower pace of life, and that creeps into the workplace as well. Sometimes it can be frustrating that things don’t move as quickly as in Toronto, but I feel that is the charm.
Family and children in George Town, Grand Cayman
Q: What are your favourite family attractions and activities in George Town?
A: Anything on the water!
Q: What are the schools in George Town like? Any particular suggestions?
A: Schools are great, we have the English and American school system. An expat will need to send their children to private schools.
Final thoughts
Q: Any advice you’d like to offer to new arrivals in George Town?
A: Just do it! Have an open mind, and please do not say, ‘Back home we did this or that,’ as if that is the standard. Embrace the difference and learn from it.
►Interviewed in December 2025
