Quick Facts (FYI) about the Turks and Caicos Islands

The “quick facts” or “essentials” that every visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands should know before beginning their journey. It’ll help you pack the right clothes, drive on the right side of the road - which is actually the left side of the road - and tune in to island life on local radio!

  1. Cable Television

    Multi-channel satellite television service is provided on Providenciales and on Grand Turk with various channel packages available including movies and sports events.

  2. Churches

    There are many faiths represented in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Newcomers are welcomed at all churches, which are a center of community life. Some of the churches include: Adventist, Anglican, Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Church of God of Prophecy, Methodist, Pentecostal, Jehovah’s Witness and Faith Tabernacle Church of God.

  3. Climate

    Constant easterly breezes keep life comfortable, with the coolest months averaging in the 70s (21°C - 27°C) in the winter and the warmest months averaging in the low 90s (32°C) in the late summer. An average annual rainfall of less than 40 inches (100cm) assures us plenty of sunny days.

  4. Courier Service

    Delivery service weekdays is provided by FedEx, with offices on Provo and Grand Turk. Service is also provided by DHL and UPS.

  5. Crime Does Exist

    Some simple precautions should deter the most common problems faced by our visitors. To prevent the loss of cash, jewellery and identification do not leave valuables in plain sight, unattended, in your automobile or on the beach. Lock your hotel, condo or villa doors and do not leave accessible louvered windows open. Use the hotel safe for storage of valuables. Any problems should be reported immediately to the police department. Vehicular accidents should be reported to the police department and your auto rental company.

  6. Currency

    The US Dollar.

  7. Customs Regulations

    Visitors may bring in duty free for their own use one carton of cigarettes or cigars, one bottle of liquor and some perfume. The importation of firearms, controlled drugs and pornography is strictly forbidden. Returning residents may bring in $400 worth of merchandise per person, duty free. A duty of 10% to 30% is charged on most imported goods and forms a major source of government revenue.

  8. Dress

    Pack light! Cool, casual, comfortable resort and leisure wear is acceptable everywhere. Overexposure from the sun can happen quickly, sunscreen is a strongly recommended. A hat and cover-up for extra protection is advisable. Swim wear worn other than poolside or at the beach is frowned upon. It is a rare occasion to need a light sweater at night. Just a few restaurants require “proper attire”, which would include a shirt with collar and pants (trousers) for the men.

  9. Economy

    Initially, the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands relied on the export of salt and conch meat. Over the years, various exports maintained the local economy. Guano, cotton, sisal, fish, lobster and sponges have been replaced by tourism and a financial services industry. Fish and seafood are still lucrative exports.

  10. Electricity

    110 volt / 60 cycle, suitable for US appliances.

  11. Financial Services

    A wide variety of financial services are available, including company formation, offshore insurance, banking, trusts, limited partnerships and limited life companies. The Financial Services Commission regulates, develops and promotes the industry in major world markets.

  12. Flag

    A photograph of the Turks and Caicos Islands flag, which features a lobster, conch and Turks Head cactus.Turks & Caicos Islands flag features a lobster, conch and Turks Head cactus.

  13. Government

    The Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The Governor, His Excellency Nigel John Dakin, is appointed by the Queen and presides over an Executive Council formed by the elected local self-government, which is headed by the Premier, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson. Government offices are located in Grand Turk, with branches on other Islands as needed. The legal system is based on English Common Law.

  14. Holidays

    When are the Public Holidays in the Turks and Caicos Islands? Business and banks close for the following: (Jan) New Year’s Day, (Mar) Commonwealth Day, (Apr) Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, (May) National Heroes Day, (Jun) The Queen’s Birthday, (Aug) Emancipation Day, (Sep) National Youth Day, (Oct) National Heritage Day, International Human Rights Day, (Nov) Day of Thanksgiving, (Dec) Christmas Day, Boxing Day.

  15. Immigration / Entry Requirements

    All visitors require a valid passport. An onward or return ticket is also required for non-residents. Check your airline for luggage restrictions. Those wishing to live in the Islands need a residency certificate. For those wishing to establish a business or work here, a business license and work permit are required before employment.

  16. Internet

    High speed Internet is provided on island by FLOW and by Digicel.

  17. Language

    English.

  18. People

    The Turks & Caicos Islanders are mostly of African descent who were brought in to work the salt pans or the cotton plantations. The expatriate population consists of people from England, Canada, America, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Philippines, Mexico, China, Hispaniola and virtually everywhere in the world.

  19. Pets

    Your pet may travel with you but you must meet all the conditions of the TCI Environmental Health Department Veterinary and Animal Control Unit. This includes an Import Permit, Veterinary Health Certificate, Vaccination Certificate and Laboratory Test Results which must ALL be submitted at the port of entry to obtain veterinary clearance. If you don’t have your documents in order the result may be that your pet is quarantined, deported or euthanised.

    A – Z: Contact details for TCI Environmental Health Department Veterinary and Animal Control Unit
  20. Postal Service

    The Providenciales Post Office and Philatelic Bureau is located downtown in the George Brown Building on the 'Welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Traffic Circle' at Airport Road and the Leeward Highway. Grand Turk Post Office is located on Front Street. All mail is transported by air. There are many different issues and denominations for stamp enthusiasts to collect. Stamps for postcards are: USA - 50¢, Canada/UK - 60¢, Europe - 80¢, Africa - $1.10. Postage for letters, each 1/2 ounce (15g) is: USA - 60¢, Canada/UK - 80¢.

  21. Radio

    Local radio stations include: 92.5 Power-FM Radio, WPRT 88.7 Providenciales Radio, 102.5 KISS FM. 104.5 FM Tradewinds. RTC 105.9 FM TCI News, RTC 107.7 FM TCI News, KIST106.3 Gospel./p>

  22. Rental Cars

    It is recommended to plan for a rental car for at least a few days to pick-up groceries, sightsee and shop for souvenirs. Some resorts within the Grace Bay area have plenty of shopping and dining options within a 1.5 mile (2.5km) radius. Staying in other areas of Providenciales you will require transportation. Remember to drive on the LEFT!

  23. Taxes

    There are a few direct taxes in the TCI. Those who are employed pay a small percentage of their salary for mandatory social insurance (NIS) and also mandatory health insurance (NHIB). Self employed persons pay a slightly larger percentage.

  24. There are no exchange controls. Indirect taxation comprises customs duty, stamp duty on certain transactions and departure tax.

  25. Taxis

    Your taxi is independently owned and operated by the driver. There is no rule about tipping taxis, but it is generally given for personable service. Your driver can direct you to all the places and restaurants you will want to visit. An informative tour around the island with local stories is often offered and recommended. Be sure to negotiate a fee in advance of your island tour.

  26. Telephone

    Local service and international roaming service are provided by FLOW and Digicel. You may rent phones while on island for your convenience. If you plan to use your own cellular phone while here please check with your cellular provider to be certain they have an agreement with a local provider and be conscience of international charges, as they can add up quickly.

  27. Time Zone

    Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5). (Same as Miami or NYC.)

  28. Tipping

    There are no rules about tipping but it is customary and appreciated to add 15-20% for good service. Some restaurants will add a 10% service charge to your bill, not to be confused with the mandatory 12% restaurant tax, please check or ask before automatically adding your tip.

  29. Water

    As on many Islands, our fresh water is precious, we depend upon rainfall or desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis for the supply. Please be conservative in using water. Our water is safe to consume but visitors may prefer to drink bottled water.

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