About Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 islands and cays, of which only eight are inhabited. A British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to about 30,000 people—the majority of whom live on the island of Providenciales. The country’s main airport, Providenciales International Airport (PLS), has daily flights to and from Miami, New York, Toronto, Montreal, and many other major North American cities.
Known for its pristine white sand beaches and extraordinary blue waters, the Turks and Caicos enjoy warm, sunny weather for most of the year making it the ideal destination for a variety of outdoor activities. With one of the longest contiguous coral reefs in the world, the islands are renowned for their snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
Visitors can also take in the beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands by chartering a private boat excursion, learning a new watersport like kiteboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding or parasailing. Of course, visitors can also just take it easy and lounge on one of the island’s world-class beaches. Whatever type of tropical vacation you have in mind, Turks and Caicos can provide.
Beyond its wide range of things to do, the Turks and Caicos Islands also boast an impressive culinary scene. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, offering everything from local island fare to a wide range of international cuisines.
Quick Facts
The islands are home to over 30,000 full time residents and attract more than 1 million tourists annually. In 2016 the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed over 1.3 million tourist to its shores.
Language – English
Currency – The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. Tipping is normally paid to waiters, taxi drivers, maids and porters at 15%.
Time Zone – Atlantic Standard Time (AST) is the year round time observed in Turks and Caicos.
Electricity – 110 volt/60 cycle, suitable for U.S. appliances.
Climate – The average temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees celsius) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid 90’s (35 degrees celsius), especially in the late summer months. From November to May, the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees celsius). Water temperature in the summer is 82 to 84 degrees (28-29 degrees celsius) and in winter about 74 to 78 degrees (23-26 degrees celsius). A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level.
There is an annual rainfall of 21 inches on Grand Turk and South Caicos, but as you go further west the average rainfall could increase to 40 inches. In an average year the Turks and Caicos has 350 days of sunshine.
People – Turks & Caicos Islanders are mostly descendants of Africans who were brought in to work the salt pans or the cotton plantations. The expatriate population consists of British, Canadians, Americans, French, Bahamians, people from Hispaniola and virtually everywhere in the world.
Economy – The economy of the TCI relies primarily on the tourism industry, but also real estate development and the exportation of seafood.
Government – The Turks & Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory, and Her Majesty the Queen appoints a Governor as her representative based in the islands.
Courier Service – Daily delivery service is provided by FedEx, with offices on Provo and Grand Turk. Service is also provided by DHL and UPS.
Cable Television – Satellite television service is provided throughout the islands, with most major American networks available.
Water – As on many Islands, fresh water is precious, and dependent upon rainfall or desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis for the supply. Please be conservative in using water.
Driving License Requirements – Visitors from the British Commonwealth Countries, The United States of America, Canada and holders of International driver’s license are permitted to drive for 30 days on their respective license. Visitors from all other countries are required to possess a Visitors Permit, which can be obtained at the Road Safety Department.
Public Nudity is illegal throughout the islands.
Customs and Immigration – Duty free goods that may be brought into the Islands include: 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 1.136 liters of spirits or wine and perfume for personal use.
There are no restrictions for travelers on the import of cameras, film or sports equipment, except spear guns and Hawaiian slings.
All visitors must hold a round trip ticket. Visitors are allowed to stay for 30 days; this is renewable one time only. For luggage restrictions, individual airlines should be consulted.
Health Care –There is a modern hospital system comprising two state-of-the-art medical centers, managed by InterHealth Canada; Cheshire Hall Medical on Providenciales and Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk. Health services provided at the centres include: emergency care, dental, dialysis, internal medicine, surgical, orthopedic, obstetric, endoscopic procedures, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. Telemedicine is also currently being introduced to improve inter island healthcare delivery. Providenciales also has a number of private general practitioners and all other islands have community clinics.
*Source Tourist board