Providenciales Car Rentals
Key Points
- Car rental rates in the Turks and Caicos and on Providenciales start at about $40 (2024 price) when all necessary fees are added, but are typically more. Much lower rates advertised online rarely include all taxes and fees.
- Some car rental companies have a poor reputation, usually due to things such as sand cleaning fees, delays with airport pickup and shuttle services, bait and switch tactics, and overselling. Check company reviews before reserving.
- Most visitors are best served and spend the least on transport by renting a car for the duration of their stay and picking up and dropping off their car at the airport. Grace Bay Car Rentals and Island Life Jeeps offer fast airport pickup outside the arrivals terminal, with no shuttling to offsite locations.
- Most roads on Providenciales are paved, so you don't need a 4x4 to get around. However, Jeep Wranglers are fun to drive and readily available.
- Read Driving in the Turks and Caicos for important safety information. There are many dangerous and reckless drivers in the country.
- Traffic in the Turks and Caicos drives on the left.
Car Rental in Turks and Caicos
Renting a car on Providenciales is recommended for most visitors. This is due to a lack of public transportation, the high cost of taxis, and the widespread layout of the island.
Providenciales has numerous car rental agencies to choose from. Compact cars are popular due to the low daily rental rates—these cars make up the majority of the local fleets and available models. In addition, full-size cars, minivans, SUVs, jeeps, and the occasional pickup truck are almost always an option. Some companies also rent electric vehicles.
Many tourists drive in the Turks and Caicos, and general driving conditions are better than in many other Caribbean countries. The only highway in the country is Leeward Highway, which runs from Downtown Providenciales to Heaving Down Rock on the eastern coast.
Most of the main roads on Providenciales are paved, so there’s usually no need for a 4x4 or a high-clearance vehicle. There are, however, a few exceptions (primarily on the west coast).
The Turks and Caicos Islands has a unique combination of vehicles of various origins (both left-hand and right-hand drive), and road signage from both the United Kingdom and the United States. See Driving in the Turks and Caicos for driving policy differences relative to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Providenciales unfortunately doesn’t offer much in the way of off-road trails and tracks. If you’re interested in this activity, consider taking a day trip to North and Middle Caicos to explore the incredible landscapes by 4x4. If you’re planning to tour the undeveloped Providenciales west coast beaches—such as Malcolm’s Road Beach and West Harbour Bluff—it’s advisable to take a high-clearance vehicle, such as a Jeep Wrangler.
Car Rental in Grace Bay
The island of Providenciales is quite small, with the Grace Bay area located about five miles (8 km) from the airport. If you plan to pick up your rental car after arriving and checking into your accommodation, the location of the rental car agency doesn’t matter much.
A few Turks and Caicos car rental companies, namely Caicos Wheels and Grace Bay Car Rentals, have branches in the Grace Bay area and are within walking distance of many of the region’s resorts and hotels.
To save vacation time and unnecessary (and expensive) taxi fares, pick up your rental car at the Providenciales International Airport upon arrival.
Is a Rental Car Necessary on Providenciales?
Most travelers are best served by renting a car for the duration of their stay. There’s no public transport in the country, and the many great beaches, restaurants, and sights on Providenciales are spread out across the island and are often too far to walk to.
The exception is if you are staying in central Grace Bay and famous Grace Bay Beach is the primary focus of your trip.
Taxis are readily available, yet fares for even short journeys often justify the expense of renting a car.
Jeep and Scooter Rentals
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Which Type of Car or Vehicle is Best?
Standard cars and economy compact cars tend to work quite well for 1–4 people. Regardless of vehicle class, the cars offered by the larger Providenciales companies tend to be newer and in good condition, compared to the rental fleets on some of the outer islands and what was offered on Providenciales in the past.
Keep in mind that small cars and vehicles may not have enough space for traveling to and from the airport with ample luggage and bags. Minivans and SUVs are roomier and may be a better choice if you aren't traveling light.
Another option for large families or groups is a van, which offers 8–12 passenger seats and ample room for luggage. Vans in this class include the Ford Transit and Toyota Hiace.
While fuel prices are generally high in the Turks and Caicos—at about $6.55 per gallon (2024) on Providenciales—driving distances are typically short. Fuel shouldn’t be a large expense.
Almost all rental vehicles on Providenciales and the Turks and Caicos feature automatic transmission. It’s quite difficult to find a rental car or truck with a manual gearbox.
Is a Jeep or 4WD Necessary?
For the average visit to Providenciales, a jeep or four-wheel drive vehicle isn’t necessary unless you’d like to visit the beautiful west coast national parks. Most roads in central Providenciales and Grace Bay are paved.
Luxury Vehicles
Rental options for luxury vehicles are limited compared to other destinations. Generally, what’s considered a luxury or premium option in the Turks and Caicos are large American SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Suburban or Cadillac Escalade. These are typically the vehicles used for private car service on Providenciales.
Island Life Jeeps is a boutique rental company that offers a modern collection of upfitted Jeep Wranglers, which are excellent for exploring the secluded beaches and coasts on the island.
Unfortunately, there are currently no available rentals of off-road icons such as the Land Rover Defender or 70 series Toyota Land Cruiser.
Electric Vehicles
Providenciales is home to nearly all of the country's electric vehicles. While most are privately owned, some are available for rent—Grace Bay Car Rentals, for example, rents Teslas. Charging infrastructure is limited compared to countries with a longer history of electric vehicles, but some charging stations are available on the island. In the Grace Bay area, the Ritz-Carlton and Grace Bay Car Rentals have onsite charging stations.
Choosing a Car Rental Company
There are many local car rental companies on Providenciales. Typical international brands (such as Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Payless) are all present in the country and are in fact franchise or licensing arrangements. The local companies that operate under these known international brand names often have a local brand name as well.
Some companies (including well-known international car rental brands) have a reputation for charging customers high fees for pre-existing damages, cleaning fees for any sand present in the car (an unavoidable situation), fuel tanks that are not 100% refilled (with excessive per gallon rates), and other claims.
Booking and Reservations
You’ll generally get the best rate by booking directly with a local car rental company. When comparing rental car prices, check whether government tax is included and what the included level of insurance is. Unlike some states and countries, the Turks and Caicos requires all drivers to hold at least third-party insurance to drive vehicles on public roads. In the case of an extra driver, additional fees typically apply.
As is also the case with accommodations and activities, Turks and Caicos car rental rates and availability fluctuate according to the high and low tourism seasons. If you plan to visit during the winter months, reserve your rental vehicle well in advance.
Cancellations
Cancellation policies vary by company, but there’s usually a sliding scale depending on how far before your reservation you cancel. Several companies provide full refunds with at least seven days notice.
Airport Pickup and Return
It's generally best to meet your rental car agency at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) upon arrival. Depending on the business, rental cars may be picked up at the airport or nearby (the agency may have a customer service representative at the airport and provide a short shuttle bus ride to a lot close by). Collecting your rental vehicle at the airport will save you time and money on expensive taxi fares.
It’s simple to navigate the island of Providenciales and to drive to the Grace Bay area. Your rental agent can give you directions. For directions around Providenciales, download these road maps.
Likewise, it's best to drop your car off at or near the airport when departing the island. Before you make your car reservation, consider inquiring about the company's airport pickup and drop-off policies. The larger rental agencies offer complimentary airport pickup and return. Most car rental locations, other than at the airport, are in Grace Bay.
Deals and Specials
Providenciales offers a wide range of auto rental companies, and rates can be quite low compared to some of the other islands in the country.
The best car rental deals start at around $40 per day with taxes included. These are usually either budget compact cars (smaller than what would be considered a compact in the United States), or “character” class cars. Character class vehicles are offered by a few of the larger local businesses. They are slightly older fleet cars, which still operate well yet rent at a cheap rate and can be a good value.
Baby and Child Car Seats
Car seats and child seats are typically available from auto rental companies, yet may incur extra fees. Grace Bay Car Rentals offers complimentary guest use of child seats.
Navigation
For the most part, navigating the Turks and Caicos Islands is relatively easy, given the small sizes of the country's islands. This is especially true for locating the resorts and hotels of Grace Bay, most of which are situated along Grace Bay Road.
Driving to some of the more remote villas, businesses, and attractions can be tricky without a map. Fortunately, Google Maps and Apple Maps work quite well here, and many drivers use one or the other to get around. Historically with villa rental stays, an accommodation manager would typically meet guests at the airport and guide the way to the lodging. However, nowadays, this is uncommon.
For an overview of the layout and road system on Providenciales, see Providenciales Maps and Districts of Providenciales.
Traffic Drives on the Left
The Turks and Caicos follows the United Kingdom Highway Code, which means the country drives on the left and uses U.K. signage. Posted speed limits are in miles per hour (MPH).
Due to the country's proximity to the United States, much of the vehicle imports in Turks and Caicos originate from Florida. Consequently, the vast majority of vehicles are left-hand drive (American).
In recent years, there has been an increase in used and new cars from the Japanese market. These cars are right-hand drive, yet the speedometers are marked in kilometers per hour (KPH).
The appropriate arrangement is a United Kingdom specification vehicle with right-hand drive and a speedometer in MPH.
Parking Fees and Tolls
There are no toll roads in the Turks and Caicos.
Parking is generally free. One of the few exceptions is the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
Except for when a special event is taking place, open parking spaces can typically be found.
Damage, Repairs, and Recovery
Inspect your car and check for damage before accepting it from the rental company. If there are any dents or scratches, take photos or videos in case they become a problem later with your rental car company.
The roads out to the remote west coast sites of West Harbour Bluff, Malcolm’s Road Beach, and Northwest Point National Park can be quite rough in places. Driving on the beaches is strictly prohibited.
Rental companies typically hold customers responsible for any damage that occurs when driving off-road or on unpaved roads. Repair fees can be expensive in the Turks and Caicos. Remote locations also carry an increased crime risk. See Safety & Crime.
It isn’t uncommon for rental cars to become stuck in the soft sand on trails in the Northwest Point region of Providenciales. Towing and recovery of vehicles is expensive, as the flatbed recovery trucks used in the country are generally unsuitable for off-road use. Avoid such trails unless you are driving a capable 4x4.
Some local companies provide complimentary 24-hour roadside assistance. Keep in mind that this may not apply to remote areas with poor-condition roads.
Due to the electronics and complexity of modern car keys, there’s typically a hefty key replacement fee.
- We drive on the left.
- Many drivers do not exercise due care and attention, especially operators of taxis (both legal and illegal).
- Don’t pick up hitchhikers or provide assistance to other motorists. If you think they need help, call the police on 911.
- Stay on the road. It is illegal to drive on the beach or in the sensitive tidal flats and ponds. The majority of salt flats and seasonal ponds are protected nature reserves, and considerable fines are applicable if the areas are damaged. Likewise, the stability of the flats is deceptive, and it’s easy to break through the hard surface layer into the brine below and get stuck, resulting in very costly recovery fees.
Car Rental Requirements
- The minimum rental age is usually 25. This also applies for scooters.
- Technically, an international driver's permit (IDP) is required for visitors who hold a non-U.S. or non-Commonwealth (for example, Canada, the UK, and Australia) driver's license. However, in practice, valid driving licenses from any country are generally accepted by the local car rental companies, without the need for an IDP or other additional documentation.
- A valid passport and credit card are usually required.
Car Rental Companies
