The Turks and Caicos consist of more than forty small islands, and just under ten are inhabited by a small full-time population of 30,000 residents. This means there’s plenty of space to plan your ultimate Caribbean vacation at a Turks and Caicos hotels.
English is the spoken language, while the US dollar is the official currency. There are plenty of ATMs in different locations around the islands (the inhabited parts at least!) and travelers checks are accepted at restaurants, hotels and resorts. It’s considered common courtesy to tip hotel and restaurant staff 15%.
The Turks and Caicos are located in the Eastern time zone, and Daylight Savings in effect from the middle of March to the end of September. Electric outlets are suitable for any North American appliance, including laptop and cellphone charges.
As far as the climate goes, there is an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius from June to October, although temperatures in the mid-30’s are not uncommon in August. Water temperature ranges in the high 20’s in summer, but cools down to an average temperature of 24 degrees in winter, when outside temperatures dip to a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius on average. The trade winds also work as a natural air conditioning system (that doubles as a way to propel kite boarders, windsurfers, and recreational sailors!).
There are more than 350 days of sunshine each year in the Turks and Caicos, with about 30 centimeters of precipitation that falls mostly during hurricane season from June to the beginning of December.
While the islands are very beautiful, it is truly the people who make the Turks and Caicos a paradise. While most of the population is of African descent, there are many expats from North America, Europe and other parts of the Caribbean who have chosen to make the islands their home.
The choice to relocate here is probably because of the island’s strong economy, which is based on tourism, real estate, seafood and light manufacturing.
While most visitors prefer to spend their time at a Turks and Caicos resort swimming in the sea, some people like to drive. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to bring a driver’s license. Visitors from North America and Commonwealth countries just need a driver’s license from their home country.
US arrivals are required to display a passport, as do visitors from other countries. No visas are needed, but if you have any questions, be sure to contact your local British Consulate Office – British consular services serve as Turks and Caicos diplomatic missions around the world.
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