Turks and Caicos FAQ.
Turks and Caicos is a British Oversees Territory
In keeping with tradition, we drive on the left side on the road. The British influence, however, does not extend to our electricity and currency. We use U.S. electrical plugs and our currency is the U.S. Dollar.
Language
English is the official language in the Turks & Caicos.
Location
The Turks & Caicos Islands are an archipelago of forty islands and cays 575 miles southeast of Miami, one hundred miles north of the Dominican Republic and thirty miles southeast of the Bahamas. Ninety minutes flying time from Miami, the TCI cover a land area of 193 square miles. Each island is surrounded by a continuous coral reef.
Time Zone
We are five hours behind Greenwich Main Time. Eastern Standard Time October to April; Daylight Savings Time is from April to October.
Climate
Complete Turks and Caicos weather information here
Currency
Although Turks and Caicos is a British Oversees Territory, the United States Dollar is our legal tender. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and other major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted in most establishments and currency is easily changed at banks.
Taxes & Tipping
No major taxes exist in the islands. The Government introduced a tax on all renters in Turks and Caicos, whether the rental is a hotel or a villa. However, many hotels add an additional 15% gratuity tax, unknown until check-out time. Our villa does not charge this tax. Some restaurants will automatically add a gratuity charge on your dining bill, usually 10 to 15%.
Electricity
One Hundred and Ten volts, 60 cycles-suitable for North American electronic appliances.
Driving
Driving is on the left. Visitors will need a valid drivers license from their country of residence. There are no traffic lights as of yet; just a few stop signs. Most rental cars come with automatic transmission.
Houses of Worship
The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to many religions. Services are offered at many churches of different denominations and temples. Check the Turks and Caicos Yellow Pages for listings.
Crime
The Turks and Caicos has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, crime rates in the Caribbean.
Food & Dining
There are many different restaurants to choose from on the island depending on your taste, and also many supermarkets which offer just about anything you can buy in North America.
Hospital
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales
Weddings