15 Things to Know Before Visiting Turks & Caicos
The Turks and Caicos is an incredible destination and one of the leading tropical vacation spots. This archipelago offers brilliant turquoise ocean water, a pristine marine environment, and Grace Bay Beach, which travelers have voted the best beach in the world many times.
Here's a list of useful things visitors to the Turks and Caicos should know before they arrive. For more travel tips and information, see Things to Do in Turks and Caicos and Travel FAQs.
For information on traveler safety, see Safety & Crime.
1. English Is the Official Language and the US Dollar Is the Currency
While the Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory, it's a very convenient place for American visitors. English is the official language, the US dollar is the only accepted currency, and the country uses US-style electrical plugs and voltages.
American guests will notice, however, that traffic drives on the left here. See Driving in the Turks and Caicos for information on safely navigating the roads.
2. If Possible, Don’t Travel on the Weekend
Nearly all international flights to the Turks and Caicos arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). The airport is too small and is understaffed for the number of flights that arrive on the weekends and at other peak times, and the queues at such times are typically stifling (1–2 hours). Weekdays usually see fewer flights, and consequently, the airport is less crowded.
Fast track concierge service, which allows passengers to access priority immigration and customs processing, can alleviate wait times. However, queues can still be longer than optimal even with the service during peak transit times.
3. There Are Several Great Islands
The island of Providenciales welcomes nearly all guests visiting the islands. The island's spectacular Grace Bay Beach has the greatest global recognition of any coast in the country, however, the less-populated islands also hide some incredible beaches and attractions.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are connected by a road causeway and feature deserted beaches, natural sights, and amazing cave features like the Conch Bar Caves (the largest dry cave system in the Bahamas—Turks and Caicos chain). Known as the garden islands or twin islands of the country, they are a popular destination for a day trip from Providenciales.
Grand Turk is home to the capital city of Cockburn Town and was also once the center of activity in the Turks and Caicos. Today, the island offers some great beaches and fascinating historical sights. The country’s only cruise ship port is located on Grand Turk.
The quiet islands of Salt Cay and South Caicos are perfect for travelers looking for a laid-back and authentic experience. These two islands were once major sea salt producers, yet now only support limited boutique tourism and small-scale commercial fishing.
There are even several private island destinations, which have their own exclusive hotels.
4. All Beaches in Turks and Caicos Are Free to Access
There are no private beaches in the Turks and Caicos, and all of the beaches are free to access up to the high tide point. This doesn’t guarantee access or parking on private land, yet you never have to pay to enjoy the sand, clear water, and sun.
5. Concierges and Taxis Often Get Commissions on Referrals
Resort concierges and taxi drivers often earn commissions on the business they refer to water sports operators and restaurants. These commissions can be significant.
As such, these individuals will typically refer you to the company that pays them the most (and not necessarily the best choice).
6. Taxis Are Expensive
Taxis can be expensive, and are a bit more costly than the common US cab. Rates are also typically per person rather than per trip. This can add up quickly.
It's usually best to rent a car for your stay. Rental cars start at around $50 per day (2025 price) with all taxes and fees included, and make it easy to get to the best beaches, best sights, and best restaurants.
There is no public transport in the Turks and Caicos.
Except for at the Providenciales International Airport and Walkin Marina, parking is usually free and generally available throughout Turks and Caicos.
7. There Are Seasons for Lobster and Nassau Grouper
Two popular and locally caught seafood, the Caribbean spiny lobster and Nassau grouper, have designated seasons for when they can be fished in the Turks and Caicos.
Outside of the open fishing seasons, restaurants are not able to serve dishes made from fresh lobster or Nassau grouper.
The lobster season is open from August to April, and the Nassau grouper season is typically open from March to December.
8. It’s Okay to Bring in Food
Turks and Caicos is an expensive destination. Very little food is produced locally, there are no significant freshwater sources (the drinking water is created by reverse osmosis), nearly all electricity is produced by diesel generators, and there is no deepwater port for efficient cargo importation. All of these factors result in the high prices you see on grocery store shelves.
A good way to save on vacation expenses is to bring food and snacks in your check-in luggage. See Importing Food for a list of permitted and prohibited food items. For more ways to save, read Budget Vacation Tips.
9. The Weather Is Excellent Year-Round
Many amazing tourism destinations around the world have certain time windows when it’s best to visit. The Turks and Caicos, however, is great throughout the year.
The average ambient temperature ranges from 75° F to 95° F (24° C to 35° C), yet is usually around 80° F (27° C). Water temperature is a little more consistent, with a low of 79° F (26° C) in winter and a high of 85° F (29° C) in early autumn.
The Turks and Caicos has a peak tourism season from December to April, as it's a popular destination for Christmas holidays, Easter, and the spring break season. Prices are consequently highest at these times, and availability for popular accommodations and activities can be limited.
September and October are the only months that you may want to avoid, as these months are considered the height of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. They are also the time of year when activity and resort prices tend to be lowest. While the chances of a hurricane striking the Turks and Caicos are typically quite low, and the ocean is usually calmest at this time of year, it can be very inconvenient to change your travel plans due to a major storm. In any case, the very calm summer days can simply be breathtaking, as the ocean water color and clarity at times is unparalleled.
10. Grocery and Liquor Stores Can’t Sell Alcohol on Sunday
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The larger grocery stores and supermarkets stock a nice selection of beer, wine, and spirits, and there are quite a few specialty wine shops and liquor stores located on Providenciales. Many visitors are surprised to find out that the sale of alcohol in shops is prohibited on Sunday and on Good Friday (when some restaurants restrict sales until the evening). This rule also applies on voting days during an election.
Restaurants and bars may still serve drinks on Sunday. As a note, small convenience stores often ignore the Sunday rule (while large supermarkets enforce it). Alcohol sales are also restricted on Christmas Day, when it's generally not possible to buy alcohol from shops, and restaurants and similar venues may restrict sales.
The minimum drinking age in the Turks and Caicos is 18.
11. It’s Easy to Fly to Turks and Caicos From Many US Cities
There are direct flights to the Turks and Caicos from several major US airports and cities, including Miami, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia.
There are also direct flights from Canada, including from Toronto and Montreal. The only scheduled transatlantic flight to the Turks and Caicos is from Europe via London.
12. US, UK, and Canadian Passport Holders Do Not Need a Visa
Passport holders and legal residents of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada do not need a visa to enter the Turks and Caicos. For other nationalities, see Passports and Visas.
Likewise, other nationalities who hold a current and valid tourist visa for the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada also do not need a visa to visit the Turks and Caicos.
13. Most International Flights Land at Providenciales
All scheduled international flights to the Turks and Caicos arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS), except for a twice-weekly Miami—South Caicos (XSC) flight via American Airlines.
Providenciales is the destination for most guests in the country, though some of the smaller islands also welcome overnight visitors. In most cases, accommodations on the smaller islands will clarify the transport situation, but it's important to do your research before booking.
Domestic flights and small passenger ferries provide transport between the islands, though schedules vary. Sometimes, a convenient and timely connection from Providenciales to one of the smaller islands cannot be made in conjunction with an international flight, so it may be necessary to stay on Providenciales for a night.
14. What to Pack
It's typically recommended to pack light for the standard Turks and Caicos vacation. Bring light breathable clothing, sunscreen (preferably reef-safe), a hat that offers sun protection, sunglasses, and any necessary prescription medications.
It's also recommended to bring cash, as ATMs on Providenciales are frequently offline. Some islands do not have a functioning ATM. For guidance on which foods are okay to bring, see Importing Food.
Certain items are strictly prohibited. Do not bring ammunition, firearms, and cannabis or other controlled substances into the Turks and Caicos. Importing these items can result in significant jail time and huge fines. For a list of what to bring and what not to bring, see our Packing List.
15. Don’t Worry Too Much About the Weather Forecast
Don’t make the mistake of following the weather forecast too closely for your upcoming trip and feeling disappointed if there’s a prediction for rain and clouds.
The weather in Turks and Caicos is often better than what the forecast predicts, and bad conditions tend to pass quickly. The Turks and Caicos simply doesn't experience much rain, which is great for beachgoers.
Spectacular beaches surround Providenciales. If the day is particularly windy, the sheltered side of the island usually has calm and inviting water. Based on typical wind directions, sheltered coasts include Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay, and the Bight Beach.
The Turks and Caicos experiences cloudy and overcast periods for a few days several times per year, yet these conditions are the exception rather than the norm.
Don’t worry about the weather, unless a hurricane is predicted to strike.
