BANKS

Banks are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CURRENCY

The U.S. dollar is the official currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as well as travelers checks. Banks generally feature offer ATMs and provide cash advances on credit cards. ATMs are also becoming more widespread in the retail areas of Providenciales.

CLIMATE

The Turks and Caicos enjoy a tropical marine climate with low humidity and 350 days of sunshine a year. The warm temperatures are moderated by the cooling breezes of the easterly tradewinds.

During the winter months, the average daily high temperature is 82 degrees (F) and the average nightly low temperature is 65 degrees (F). During the summer months, the average daily high temperature is 88 degrees (F) and the average nightly low temperature is 72 degrees (F). Ocean water temperatures at the surface average 80 degrees (F) in the winter and 84 degrees (F) during the summer.

Rainfall is interspersed throughout the year. Providenciales and the North Caicos average less than 50 inches of rainfall annually, while Grand Turk and the South Caicos average only 22 inches of rainfall annually.

DEPARTURE TAX

Departure tax is currently $35 U.S. Dollars and is typically included in your ticket. Please check with your airline or ticketing agent for details. If it is not included it is payable in cash only upon check in for your flight home.

DRINKING WATER

Water is generally safe to drink in resorts. As on many islands, fresh water is precious, as they depend upon rainfall or desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis for the supply. Please be conservative in using water. Bottled water is readily available.

DRIVING LICENSE 

Visitors from the U.S.A. Canada, the U.K. and many other countries may use their valid drivers license from theirhomeland.

ELECTRICITY

110 volts AC is the standard, and an adapter is not required for visitors from the U.S.A.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All visitors to the Turks and Caicos must hold a round-trip ticket. Visitors may stay up to 30 days and are allowed to apply for extensions for longer stays, these are approved under the discretion of the Immigration department. Visitors from the United States and Canada must have a passport in your possession. Visitors from countries within the British Commonwealth require passports. Visas are necessary for visitors from countries outside of the Commonwealth and the United States. Please contact a British Consulate Office for visa applications.

TOURISM SEASONS

December to April is the region's high season, which has more to do with holiday times and lower temperatures everywhere else in the world. The high season often inflates prices for travelers throughout the Caribbean, so the window between the end of the high season and the beginning of summer may be the best time for travelers to visit the islands.

Every year beginning in June and ending in October, the Turks and Caicos experience hurricane season. Though hurricanes don't hit often within the Caribbean, many travelers avoid visiting the islands during this season. Still, travel during this time should not be entirely ruled out and visitors should feel assured by advanced hurricane warning systems.

VACCINATIONS

There are no vaccinations required for entry to the Turks and Caicos. However, we always suggest that you speak to your family physician for a personal recommendation.

WATER TEMPERATURES AND WETSUITS
Water temperatures generally range between 78 – 82°F
Most people find wearing a 1mm – 3mm wetsuit keeps them comfortable.