The Turks and Caicos Islands (called TCI for short) are located in the North Atlantic Ocean. TCI is a British Overseas Territory, which means that its residents are legally British citizens. There are fewer than 40,000 people who live on the islands and more than 70% of them are Christian. Here are answers to some common questions about the Turks and Caicos Islands:
What is the official language?
English is the official language of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Some residents also speak a type of Creole.
What is the official currency?
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the Turks and Caicos Islands, despite the islands being a British Territory.
What side of the road is driven on?
Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands drive on the left side of the road. However, many of the vehicles are imported from the U.S. and the driver's seat is on the left hand side of the car.
Is a passport required?
Yes, a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from the date of departure) is required to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Are the Turks and Caicos Islands safe?
The Turks and Caicos Islands are generally considered to be one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. However, some violent crimes have occurred in Providenciales in recent years and the U.S. Department of State issued a crime-related travel advisory since Feb. 2019.
What is the time zone?
The Turks and Caicos Islands observe Eastern Standard Time (UTC -5) and Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4). Visitors traveling from the eastern United States (from New York City, for example) will remain in the same time zone.
Is the water safe to drink?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests avoiding tap or well water, and the ice cubes that are made with it, while in Turks and Caicos.
What is the weather like?
Turks and Caicos has a tropical climate and stays warm all year long. January is the coldest month: High temperatures are around 80°F and the evening temperature is around 73°F. August is the hottest month: Daytime temperatures are around 88°F and evening temperatures are around 80°F. The official hurricane season is between June and November, but storms are most common between August and October.
What is the drinking age?
The drinking age in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 18.
Are there sharks?
There are sharks in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but shark attacks are incredibly rare.
What type of electrical current is used?
Turks and Caicos uses 110V electric current. Most U.S. appliances, which are rated for 120V, will work on 110V current.
Are there Zika-carrying mosquitoes on the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Public health officials in Turks and Caicos previously reported that mosquitoes had spread the Zika virus to people, however, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention removed its most recent travel advisory notice in June 2021.
