Turks and Caicos Islands

• Caicos Islands (main islands between the 28s)
  • Providenciales
  • Pine Cay
  • North Caicos
  • Middle Caicos
  • East Caicos
  • South Caicos
  • West Caicos
• Turks Islands
  • Grand Turk
  • Salt Cay

The islands form a British Overseas Territory and have rapidly gained popularity as a beach destination. There are roughly 30,000 inhabitants on the islands and they welcome about 450,000 arrivals by air and 650,000 cruise ship passengers each year. The archipelago consists of two island groups, the Turks islands and the Caicos islands, of which Grand Turk and Providenciales are the two main islands. Daylight savings time is observed and they are in the Eastern Time Zone. These islands are in the Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean Sea, although they are included in the Caribbean region. The nearest other islands are the southern parts of the Bahamas, about 100 km east and northwest. Haiti is a similar distance due south. At considerably longer distances, Cuba is southwest and Florida northwest.

Taxis are widely available at all airports and seaports as well as throughout the island. Many of the taxis drivers can also act as a personal tour guide and show you undiscovered island attractions.

Rental cars, motor scooters and jeeps are available in Providenciales and Grand Turk. There is a government tax for all hired cars ($15) and motor scooters ($5). Major rental companies include, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Rent a Buggy, National, and Tropical Auto Rental.

When in Salt Cay, you can rent a golf cart! North and Middle Caicos have their own rental companies you can use, as does Grand Turk. If interested Bicycles are almost always available at all locations. In Turks and Caicos, you are to drive on the left side of the road.

• Beaches; you're in the Caribbean.
• Grand Turk lighthouse

There are 81 restaurants on the islands. However, many of the restaurants are on the island of Providenciales. Not that many years ago, local island tables did not know what was going to be on the menu for dinner until the fishing boats brought in their catch of the day. Today the Turks and Caicos Islands feature fine and imaginative cuisine and world-class chefs.

There is a small brewery on Grand Turk that produces an alcohol-based Ginger Beer. It is called 'Islander Ginger Beer' and is considered to be the only product manufactured on the island. It has a rich ginger base with citrus and spice finish. It's made in a small brewery in the heart of the capital city, Cockburn Town, and can be bought in local bars and restaurants. It's a live yeast-fermented, fresh beverage that must always be kept refrigerated. It's unique to the island and, because of its perishable nature, is not exported.

Throughout the islands there are 143 different places to stay. You can choose to be at an all-inclusive, a resort suite condo, or a private villa or inn. These hotels also offer wonderful dining experiences. Many of these hotels offer are corporate-business rates as well including internet access and fax services. At almost all hotels you can ask if there are any "packages" available such as, hotel and dive packages.

For accommodation listings see the articles on each island.

Work permits are easily obtained for foreigners. However, many jobs are designed for "Belongers" only. Belongers are people that have a special connection to TCI. Work permits are applied for via agencies on the island and require proof of citizenship, proof of employment, proof of residence on the island, and are then ratified by a medical exam, blood tests and a chest X-ray. As an employee you will need to register with the National Insurance Board and the National Health Insurance Board. Contributions are payable monthly by the employee and employer to both.

In 2012 work permit costs were increased across all categories and interested parties should contact the immigration board for clarification on the exact cost. It can take up to 6 months to actually have the work permit in hand.

Some jobs on the island are deemed unfit for non-Belongers to apply for: banking, civil servants, and boat operators are specific jobs that fall under this rule.

As of January 2018, the U.S. State Department elevated their travel advisory for Turks and Caicos to Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution" due to a rise in violent crime. Per the State Department, "Violent crime, such as armed robbery, shootings, and home invasions, is common. Police presence and emergency response are extremely limited." They advise not walking alone at night, not opening doors for any unfamiliar individual, and not resisting any robbery attempt. In the fall of 2018, the murder of a U.S. tourist near a Club Med resort has increased concern about the safety of tourists on the island. Details of the murder remain undisclosed by local authorities.

Turks and Caicos have one of the lowest crime rates and highest crime-solved rates in the Caribbean. Any problems that occur should be reported to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police immediately. In an emergency, call 911, and in a non-emergency, call 338 5901. While the islands are extremely safe, make sure to exercise common sense. Don't leave valuables in plain view, and always lock your car when leaving it, and lock your dwelling (hotel) when you are not in it. By taking simple precautions it will prevent the loss of cash, jewellery and identification. Thieves target mopeds and motorcycles, so be sure that you lock yours up properly. Islanders can be very aggressive drivers, so it is best to use caution when crossing or driving on the roads.

A modern hospital system was built on the islands that is managed by InterHealth Canada. The facilities are on Providenciales (Cheshire Hall Medical Centre) and Grand Turk (Cockburn Town Medical Centre). These health centres include emergency centres, dental care, dialysis, internal medicine, surgical, orthopaedic, obstetric and endoscopic procedures, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging.

There are also a good number of private medical providers on Providenciales catering to the local population and visitors. The standard of care is very high for such a small island. Dental Services on Providenciales has a resident dentist, two hygienists and specialist periodontists and an orthodontist - www.dentist.tc. Associated Medical Practices have several highly experienced GPs a chiropractor, a surgeon, and a full service pharmacy www.doctor.tc can provide more information.

The Turks and Caicos have a few fresh water reserves at ground level. Therefore, most water comes from either wells or cisterns that have collected rainwater. Cistern water is almost always safe to drink, but unless well water is purified, it could be contaminated or have unpleasant taste. It is generally a good idea to use bottled water when possible, but tap water can be used if necessary. The beaches are very soft and warm and welcoming.

Islanders are very kind people and believe in practising good manners and exercising respect. Greet people with a friendly saying such as "Hello" and "Good Afternoon."

Shorts are to be worn in town and on the beach during the day. Because it is so sunny, it is advised to wear sunglasses and sunhats. In the evening, specifically winter, you are advised to wear a light sweater or jacket. When eating, it is not formal but you are expected to dress nicely (men- polos and dress shorts, women- dresses or dress slacks).

Also, public nudity is illegal all throughout the island.

There has been occasional talk about a union with Canada. Many islanders are bitterly divided on the subject, and awkward situations can arise when the subject is brought up. It is best to avoid this subject unless you're with friends and family whom you know.

From here, you could explore the Caribbean: head south to the island of Hispaniola for Dominican Republic and Haiti; or north to the Bahamas; or even west to Cuba. Further afield, fly to nearby Florida in the USA, or to central American countries like Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica.