Travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands: essential information for this Caribbean Xanadu
Warm, white beaches; warm, clear waters in a dozen shades of turquoise; and a gentle breeze characterizes the paradise that is the Turks and Caicos Islands. With direct flights from many US cities, this Caribbean gem promises the vacation of a lifetime.
If you’re planning to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the coming months, be sure to take advantage of these insider tips, travel guidelines, and other essential information when you plan to visit Heaven-on-Earth.
Airports and Airlines
The Turks and Caicos Islands offer three airports with international service in Grand Turk, Providenciales and South Caicos. Providenciales International Airport is the most popular and receives the majority of international flights and visitors.
You have several airline choices, including American Airlines, Bahamas Air, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Spirit Air, and US Airways. They all operate flights to and from the islands. However, to travel to other Caribbean destinations from the Turks and Caicos Islands, you must first stay in Florida, most often Miami.
customs and immigration
The islands require all US visitors to bring a valid passport. If you are from Canada, an original or notarized copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID are sufficient for entry. Your visit can extend your visit to 30 days with a one-time renewal. All visitors to the island must present evidence of a round-trip ticket.
Most visitors, including those from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, do not need a visa, but some other international visitors must obtain visas. Be sure to double check your country’s requirements and give yourself plenty of time to obtain any required documentation.
For more specific questions about immigration and visitation guidelines, you may contact the Turks and Caicos Immigration Department directly by phone at (649) 946-4233 or by fax at (649) 941-5696.
Customs in Turks and Caicos allows typical tourist items like cameras, sports equipment like fishing rods, golf clubs, and tennis rackets, and even certain types of food. Pornography and controlled drugs are illegal, and visitors may only bring in firearms with the written consent of the Commissioner of Police.
Accommodation
All the resorts and hotels on the islands will welcome you with open arms, and some will charge through the nose for their world-class amenities and services. The islands offer a wide range of accommodation for all tastes and budgets.
An excellent resource for looking up different hotels and resorts is TripAdvisor. Guests leave comments about their experiences and rate properties with stars. TripAdvisor also provides ratings for Bed and Breakfasts.
Climate
The average year-round temperature in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 77 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The average annual precipitation of the islands amounts to only 21″.
With mostly sunny weather, be sure to bring extra sunscreen, a hat, and one or two long-sleeved shirts for extra sunscreen.
Pack mainly leisure clothing. The islands’ dress code is decidedly casual, although some of the best restaurants require closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt. Foodies should bring a decent set of clothes, just in case. Swimsuits worn away from the beach or pool are generally frowned upon.
Money
The official currency of the islands is the US dollar and the islands do not place restrictions on the amount of money brought onto the island.
Traveler’s checks are accepted on the island, although some companies may charge a 5% transaction fee for traveler’s checks.
Credit cards are generally accepted
In tourist places like Providenciales and Grand Turk, you will have no problem using your credit card. Remember to alert your credit card company about international transactions to avoid having your card “frozen”, and if you plan to visit some of the less traveled islands, keep a cash reserve.
In restaurants, it is customary to tip 15%, just like in the US However, don’t be surprised if some restaurants include a 10% service charge on the bill. Tipping personal services and taxis is also a generally accepted practice.
farts
All pets brought to the island require a rabies vaccination certificate. Please be prepared to have your pet examined by a public health inspector upon arrival. Double check with his hotel to make sure he and his staff welcome pets.
Although planning an international trip always presents some challenges, the 12 miles of Grace Bay Beach offer ample reward for trips to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The hardest part will be leaving.
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