Turks and Caicos Islands Basics

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The Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -5 (GMT 4 between April and October).

Electricity: Electricity is the same as in the US: 120/240 volts, 60 Hz.

Money: The US dollar (USD) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Local banks and most hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept travellers cheques. Most credit cards are accepted and banks offer ATMs as well as cash advances on credit cards.

Currency Exchange Rates
US$1.00 =	US$ 1.00	£ 0.61	C$ 1.07	A$ 1.10	R 7.75	€ 0.68	NZ$ 1.36

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: The national language is English, but some words are pronounced in a way unique to the islands.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals require a passport, but no visa is required to enter the islands for a stay of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians may enter without a passport if they have a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport but no visa for a stay of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens require a passport but no visa for a stay of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a passport but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 30 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to 30 days.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Getting around: It is easy to get around the islands on one of the many forms of hire vehicles available, from cars to scooters. Taxis are freely available and can be hired by the day for excursions. Agree on price before the journey. Requirements for hiring a car are a full, valid driving licence from your country of origin. Drivers must be at least 23-25 years old, depending on the hire company.

Travel Health: There is no risk of disease on the islands and no vaccinations are required for entry. Medical facilities are limited. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales. Adequate insurance to cover air ambulance charges is highly recommended.

Tipping: Tips of around 15% of the bill are the norm for waiters, taxi drivers and bar tenders. Hotels usually include a service charge of 10-15%.

Safety Information: Visits to the Turks and Caicos Islands are usually trouble-free. The crime rate is low, but on the favourite tourist island of Providenciales there have been incidents of burglary and theft, so visitors should take precautions with valuables. Robberies have occurred on Grace Bay Beach. Hurricane season generally runs from June to November.

Business: The Turks and Caicos Islands are subject to English Common Law and business is conducted in a similar manner to the United Kingdom, however suits are only necessary for the most formal of occasions. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: Cable & Wireless Ltd. provides the island, and most of the Caribbean, with a digital network of telecommunications, including GSM cellular coverage and Internet connections. The country direct dialling code is +1 followed by 649. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). Public phones operate with phone cards.

Duty Free: Travellers may enter the Turks and Caicos Islands with the following goods without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 125g of tobacco products; and 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine. Spearguns are strictly prohibited.