The practical guide to the Turks and Caicos. Where we are, how to get here, what you’ll need, and everything else worth having in mind before you land.
Destination • Turks and Caicos
Travel information.
Everything worth knowing before you come.
About the Country
Where we are and what we are.
Where are the Turks and Caicos Islands located?
About five hundred and sixty miles southeast of Miami, eighty miles north of the Dominican Republic, and thirty miles east of the southern Bahamas. Closer than most people expect. Further south than the rest of the Caribbean chain we sometimes get grouped with.
What country do the Turks and Caicos belong to?
We’re our own, technically. Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory with a locally elected government and a British-appointed Governor. Independent enough for our own laws and our own character. British enough that we drive on the left.
What’s the capital?
Cockburn Town, on Grand Turk. It’s the second most populated island in the country after Providenciales, and about eighty miles southeast of Provo. Historic architecture, a nineteenth-century lighthouse, and the national museum are all there.
Where does the name ‘Turks and Caicos’ come from?
From the Lucayan people who were here first. ‘Turks’ from the Turk’s head cactus that grows across the islands. ‘Caicos’ from the Lucayan phrase ‘caya hico’, meaning chain of islands. A more accurate name than most places manage.
Planning your Trip
When to come and how to get here.
How do I get to Providenciales?
Direct flights run from most East Coast and central US hubs, from Toronto, and from London to Providenciales International (PLS). Flight time is around two hours from Miami, three from New York, eight from London.
Your concierge will confirm your arrival plan before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November through May is peak season. Dry, warm, sunny, calm water. June through October is quieter, still warm, still lovely, with occasional afternoon showers.
September and October are the peak hurricane season weeks, though most storms miss us.
What about hurricane season?
June through November, officially. In practice, September and October are the busiest weeks for storm activity. We watch the tropical outlook constantly and will work with you if a genuine storm threat coincides with your trip.
Trip insurance is always recommended.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, and it must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Most US, Canadian, UK, and EU passport-holders don’t need a visa for stays under ninety days. We’ll confirm the specifics for your nationality when you book.
Do I need any vaccinations?
None currently required. All COVID-related requirements have been lifted, and Turks and Caicos has no other vaccination requirements for entry. Any additional travel vaccines are up to you and your doctor.
On the Ground
What you’ll need day-to-day.
What’s the currency?
US dollars. No exchange required for US visitors. Cards accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are on Provo. Cash is useful for gratuities.
Can I use my cell phone?
Yes, but check with your provider first. Roaming can be expensive. If you’re staying more than a week or two, a local SIM from Flow or Digicel is worth considering. Both have shops on Provo. Verizon and Sprint customers get CDMA coverage through Flow.
How do I get around Turks and Caicos?
There’s no public transport, and no Uber or Lyft. Taxis are available and charge by destination and number of passengers rather than distance. Two people from the airport to Grace Bay runs about twenty-five to thirty-five dollars.
For most stays longer than a few days, a hire car makes sense. Driving is on the left, roads are generally good on Provo, and we can arrange the car.
Is the water safe to drink?
Mains water on Providenciales is desalinated and generally safe to drink, though it can taste a little different from what you’re used to. Most resorts have filtered water on tap, and most villas provide water machines or bottled water throughout the stay.
Some older homes still use rainwater cisterns, which aren’t typically safe for drinking. If you’re not sure, ask your host.
What happens if I get injured or sick during my stay?
Providenciales and Grand Turk each have a hospital, and Provo also has several private clinics with excellent doctors. Most issues can be handled locally, and pharmacies are well-stocked.
For serious emergencies, patients are stabilised locally and flown by air ambulance to Miami, Nassau, Jamaica, or Cayman. All main islands have medical personnel except Salt Cay.
If you need a prescription, you’ll need to see a local doctor. Prescriptions from other countries aren’t accepted here.
Customs, Taxes and Tips
Coming in and paying up.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but with paperwork. You’ll need an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, and the process takes time. Best to start well in advance and work with a local vet or pet-travel agent.
Bark and Bliss, Pampered Paws, and the TCSPCA are all good places to start.
What can I bring through customs?
Up to one thousand US dollars of personal goods duty-free. On top of that, one litre of spirits or two litres of wine, up to two hundred cigarettes or equivalent tobacco, and a small allowance for perfume.
Anything over your allowance needs to be declared with proof of purchase. Cash over ten thousand dollars also needs to be declared.
What am I not allowed to bring into Turks and Caicos?
Home-grown or home-processed meat and food products, grains, and food unfit for consumption are prohibited. Commercially packaged food and meat in original packaging is generally allowed. Counterfeit goods, obscene material, and endangered species products are also prohibited.
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, controlled drugs, and live animals are also prohibited without prior authorisation. Attempting to bring them in without the correct permits carries severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. When in doubt about anything else, declare it.
What taxes and service charges apply?
The Turks and Caicos government charges twelve percent on all tourism services. Villa rentals, hotels, restaurants, boat charters, and more. A ten percent service charge is also standard across villas, hotels and restaurants.
Both are itemised on your Hummingbird invoice for what we arrange, agreed in advance. No surprises.
Are gratuities customary?
Yes, and always appreciated. The ten percent service charge is split across all staff. Gratuities on top go directly to the villa team who looked after you, in whatever amount feels right.
Guests typically leave ten to fifteen percent for the villa team at the end of the stay, and fifteen to twenty percent on services like the chef, boat captain, or driver. Cash or card, whatever is convenient. We can advise on suggested amounts once we know how many people have looked after you.
Anything else?
Ask us.
If your question isn’t here, just ask us. It’s how we like it.
Tell us what you’re wondering about. Booking, the villas, the trip, the island. We’ll write back properly, from a person.
A handpicked collection of luxury villa rentals in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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