Grand Turk
Overview of Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands may not be as popular as other destinations in the Caribbean, but they have quietly become luxury getaways for those in the know. Gloriously beautiful and blissfully laidback, they lie at the end of the Bahamas chain, around 575 miles (925km) southeast of Miami, Florida. The Turks, with their dry and scrubby landscape, are divided from the more lush Caicos by the Columbus Passage.
Pristine white beaches and crystal-clear warm waters surround this set of eight inhabited islands, making them perfect for travellers who ache for dreamy days in an unspoilt tropical paradise. Visitors who arrive by cruise ship will receive the warm welcome of friendly locals; divers can explore the third most extensive coral reef in the world.
The reef wall around the southern edge of South Caicos Island is said to provide the finest diving in the archipelago, while the shallow reefs close to the shore have visibility up to 200ft (61m), and are excellent for snorkellers. Humpback whales, dolphins and rays are common sightings in the deep Columbus Passage that separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands, as it’s a major route for them.
The two most popular islands for holidaymakers are Grand Turk, which is the site of the quaint capital, Cockburn Town, and Providenciales. Both are well equipped with luxurious hotel, condominium and spa complexes that offer every tourist amenity. The other islands offer more rustic accommodation suited to romantics and nature-lovers who want to unplug from the real world for a while. Clocks, televisions and radios are hard to find on the laid-back cayes, and the nightlife mostly consists of sundowners and stargazing.
Key Facts
Language: The national language is English, but some words are pronounced in a way unique to the islands.
Passport/Visa: 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. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turks and Caicos.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency: The US dollar (USD) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Local banks and most big hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept credit cards. Banks offer ATMs as well as cash advances on credit cards.
Electricity: Electricity is 120 volts, 60 Hz; sockets are type A and B.
Climate in Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands enjoy a tropical marine climate, with trade winds ensuring that the islands maintain a comfortable warm temperature, which varies little between winter and summer. Between June and October the temperature hovers between 85F and 90F (29C to 32C), dropping only a few degrees in the winter months. The water is almost as warm as the air. The westerly islands enjoy high annual rainfall, and hurricanes are possible between June and October, but on average the islands have 350 days of sunshine a year.
Health Notes when travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands
A vaccination for hepatitis A should be considered. Medical facilities are limited and comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for transfer by helicopter, is recommended for all travellers. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales.
Safety Notes when travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands
Visits to the Turks and Caicos Islands are usually trouble-free, and crime is generally of a petty and opportunistic kind. 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.
Customs in Turks and Caicos Islands
Culture in the Turks and Caicos Islands is relaxed and hospitable, and islanders are known for their good manners. Visitors should address strangers with respect and note that the use of titles is considered normal and appropriate. Things happen slowly on the islands and attempting to rush service will only annoy.
Visitors should cover beachwear when off the beach and men need to wear long pants at smarter restaurants. Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal. Gay and lesbian relationships are legal, but tend to be discreet and public displays of affection may be frowned upon.
Duty Free in Turks and Caicos Islands
Travellers may enter the Turks and Caicos Islands with the following goods without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 220g of tobacco products; and 1.136 litres of alcohol.
Doing Business in Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are subject to English Common Law and business is conducted in a similar manner to the United Kingdom. Suits are only necessary for the most formal of occasions. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Turks and Caicos Islands
The country’s direct dialling code is +1 followed by 649. WiFi is usually available in hotels, cafes and restaurants; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Turks and Caicos Islands
Tips of around 15 percent of the bill are the norm for waiters, taxi drivers and bar tenders. Hotels usually include a service charge of 10 to 15 percent.
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. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turks and Caicos. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals require a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry, but no visa is required to enter the islands for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.
Tourist Offices
Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Grand Turk: +1 649 946 2321 or http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com
Turks and Caicos Islands Embassies
In the United Kingdom:
Turks and Caicos Island Foreign Representation, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0) 20 7034 7845
Foreign Embassies in Turks and Caicos Islands
American Embassy
US Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas (also responsible for Turks and Caicos): +(242) 322-1181 ext. 4406.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Turks and Caicos Islands): +1 876 926 1500
British Embassy
UK Governor’s Office, Grand Turk: +1 649 946 2309.
Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Turks and Caicos Islands): +1 868 822 5450.
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Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
