Turks and Caicos Islands / Island Essentials

All travellers to Turks & Caicos will need to know the essential island facts. The information on Turks & Caicos shown below is current (2012).

Airport

Providenciales airport (PLS) is the country’s main international airport and located on Providenciales island. There are also international flights landing in Cockburn Town on Grand Turk Island (GDT). North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and some of the private island resorts have landing strips and smaller airports for domestic flights.

Check-in/Check-out

As a general rule check out times are 12 noon and check in is not usually before 3pm, during which time the accommodation is made ready for new arrivals. The relative lateness of the check in is not usually a problem because the majority of international arrivals into the country are in the mid to late afternoon. Some hotels may be able provide day rooms/shower facilities for departing guests if they are leaving after check out. Similarly, if you know that you will arrive on island before the usual check in time, get in touch and they may be able to have a room ready for you ahead of time

Departure Tax/Taxes

There is a departure tax of US$35 when leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is applicable to all visitors over the age of 12. This may be included in the price of the ticket, so check when booking.

Electricity

The domestic electricity supply is 110 volts, 60Hz. Two flat-pin American style plugs are standard.

Embassies/Consulates

There are no foreign embassies, commissions or consulates in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are a British Overseas Territory. 

United Kingdom 
The Governor’s Office will assist British nationals with emergencies. It can be found at Waterloo, Grand Turk, t 946 2309. 
United States 
The nearest US Embassy for Americans is located in Nassau, The Bahamas where the contact for American Citizen Services is t 242 322 1181 oracsn@state.gov 
Canada 
Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from the High Commission of Canada in Jamaica, which has consular responsibility for the Turks and Caicos Islands: Canadian High Commission, 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, PO Box 1500, Jamaica, t 1 876 926 1500kngtn@international.gc.ca

Emergencies

Ambulance – 999/911 
Fire – 999/911 
Police – 999/911

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Service Charge/Tipping

Tipping is normally given to waiters at a rate of 15%. Taxi drivers, maids and porters will also appreciate a tip.

Time Zone

The Turks and Caicos Islands are in the Eastern Standard Time Zone, which is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, ie Britain in winter, and six hours behind Europe. It is on the same time as the eastern seaboard of the United States. Daylight Saving Time is observed in the TCI from March until November, when the time is shifted forward by one hour in line with the northern hemisphere. It remains five hours behind the UK, six behind Europe and on the same time as the eastern seaboard of the US.