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Climate The average temperature ranges between 75 and 85 degrees. From June to October the temperature can will reach into the 90's, especially in the late summer months. A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level. There is an annual rainfall of 21 inches on Grand Turk and South Caicos, but as you go further west the average rainfall could increase to 40 inches. Hurricane season is June to October; this may vary slightly. Clothing Shorts are worn in town as well as the beach. During the day, it is adviseable to also wear sunhats and sunscreen. In the evenings, light sweaters and jackets can occasionally be worn. Nudity is illegal throughout the islands but some hotels do allow it. Currency Click Here For Currency Exchange The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. It is augmented by the crown and quarter. Travelers cheques, which can be cashed at local banks, are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and taxi services. Customs Duty free goods that may be brought in to the Islands include: one carton of cigars or cigarettes, one bottle of liquor or wine, and perfume for personal use. To bring in firearms of any type (including spear guns and Hawaiian slings), you must have written approval from the Commissioner of Police. Controlled drugs and pornography are illegal. Electricity Electricity follows the U.S. standard: 120/240 Volts/60 Cycles. Entry and Departure Requirements A passport is required for entry to Turks and Caicos. Visitors are allowed to stay 30 days, this is only renewable once. You also must have a return or on going ticket. There is a US$15.00 departure tax required for all departees over the age of 12. For luggage restriction, individual airlines should be consulted. Flying Time The Turks and Caicos provide an ideal destination for a quick getaway or an extended stay. Proximity to the United states means its only a short 90-minute flight to the heart of a tropical retreat. Geography Turks and Caicos are located 575 miles southeast of Miami Florida and 100 miles north of the Dominican Republic. The main islands consist of two groups separated by the Columbus or Turks Island Passage: The Turks Group, which includes Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and the Caicos Group, which includes West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. The total land area of the main islands is 193 square miles. Government The islands of Turks and Caicos are a British Crown Colony. A queen-appointed governor holds executive power and presides over an Executive Council. A Chief Minister heads the local government, which consists of several other ministers and a legislative council that can enact statues. The Judicial Branch is headed by a Chief Justice, a Chief Magistrate, and three Deputy Magistrates and follows British Common Law. Two times a year, judges from the British Court of Appeals hold court in the Islands, with the final right of appeal resting with Her Majesty's Privy Council in London. Industry Originally based on salt production, the local economy shifted to tourism in the last 30 years. Another substantial and rapid-growing industry is the off-shore financing sector, regulated by the Financial Services Commission. Local fish products that are exported include conch and lobster. Language English is the primary language of the Turks and Caicos. Medical There is a full service hospital with 36 beds on the island of Grand Turk. Extensive medical services are also available on Providenciales. There are Health Clinics on all of the islands and a Hyperbaric Chamber is available on Providenciales. Phones The Islands enjoy direct worldwide telephone access. Available telecommunications devices include fax machine, telexes, cellular phones, and Internet connections. Public phones operate by phone cards. Population The population of Turks and Caicos is approximately 15,000 citizens. They are referred to as "Belongers." Time Zone Turks and Caicos is on EST and Daylight Savings Time is observed from April to October. Transportation Anyone with a valid driver's license from their home country may drive on the Islands. Taxis are also readily available in the Turks and Caicos. Motorcycles, Scooters, and Bicycles can be rented for transportation as well. Vehicle Rental tax is $10 far cars and $5 for scooters, insurance extra. Driving is done the British way, on the left side of the road. Visa/Immigration Requirements Living in the islands requires a residence permit, obtainable from the Immigration Office in Grand Turk (see phone # below). Working or operating a business in the Islands requires work and business permits, which will be granted if the applicant demonstrates a skills, experience, or qualifications that are scarce on the Islands. Companies that offer employment opportunities to locals get priority. Immigration Office in Grand Turk: 649 946 2939. |
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