US dollar
Currency
Turks & Caicos uses the US dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for taxis, the Fish Fry and roadside conch.
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First time in Turks & Caicos
Everything a first-time visitor asks before landing: when to come, what it costs, how to get around, what to pack and what to book before you arrive.
The practical basics
The short answers, so you can stop opening tabs.
Passport
Entry requirements
A valid passport and onward ticket are required. Most visitors from the US, Canada, UK and EU do not need a visa for short stays. Check the current official requirements before you fly.
10 to 15 percent
Tipping
Many restaurants add a service charge already. If it is not on the bill, 15 percent is normal. Tip drivers and boat crew if you enjoyed the day.
On the left
Driving
Driving is on the left, in mostly left-hand-drive cars. Roads are good on the main routes and rough on the beach tracks.
Low risk
Safety
Providenciales is calm and tourist areas are safe. Use normal precautions: lock the car, do not leave valuables on the beach, stick to lit areas late at night.
Not a budget island
Costs
Nearly everything is imported. Expect resort-level prices for dining and groceries. Blue Hills, the Fish Fry and villa self-catering bring the average down.
Best time to visit
December to April: dry, breezy, low humidity and the busiest, priciest stretch. Book restaurants and boats well ahead.
May, June and November: warm water, thinner crowds, noticeably better rates. The best value window most years.
August to October: hottest, wettest and the peak of hurricane season. Some restaurants close for weeks, which our dining guide tracks.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sold at a premium locally
- Water shoes for rocky south-side entries
- A dry bag for boat days
- Light layers for air-conditioned restaurants
- Insect repellent for evenings near the mangroves
- One smart-casual outfit for Grace Bay dinners
Book these before you land
Three things sell out first: your airport transfer, one boat day, and dinner at the marquee Grace Bay restaurants. Sort those and the rest of the trip can stay loose.
First timer questions
- What should a first time visitor to Turks & Caicos know?
- Stay on Providenciales, base yourself near Grace Bay, book one boat day early in the trip, reserve dinners ahead, and use the US dollar. Everything on Provo is within a 25 minute drive.
- When is the best time to visit Turks & Caicos?
- December to April has the driest, calmest weather and the highest prices. May, June and November are the sweet spot for value with good conditions. Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking August to October.
- Is Turks & Caicos expensive?
- Yes by Caribbean standards, because almost everything is imported. You can control it with villa self-catering, lunch in Blue Hills and shared boat trips instead of private charters.
- How do you get around Turks & Caicos?
- Taxis and private drivers in and around Grace Bay, a rental car if you want to explore the south side and the rougher beach roads, and boats for the cays.