Common Questions
With a few answers to help you understand what to expect during your Turks and Caicos vacation, we hope to make you feel comfortable and excited about the experience that awaits you here in our tropical paradise.
ABOUT TCI
The Turks & Caicos Islands are located between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. There are only 8 inhabited islands in the archipelago consisting of over forty islands, islets and cays, of which Providenciales is favoured for its well-built tourism infrastructure, world-class dining, and array of activities. The flight time from many US and Canadian hubs is between 90 minutes and 3.5 hours.
The US dollar is the island’s currency, and all major credit cards are accepted by shops, restaurants, and sightseeing operators. ATM cards can be used at bank machines, but some only accept 4 digit pins.
The islands follow Atlantic Standard Time (AST), similar to the eastern Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Turks and Caicos Islands do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Average temperature of 80-84 degrees Fahrenheit (26-28 degrees Celcius) in winter / 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit (29-32 degrees Celcius) in summer.
To telephone the Turks and Caicos Islands you will have to dial 649 before the telephone number. To call internationally from Providenciales, you have to dial 01 before the country code and phone number. For emergencies dial 9-1-1 or 9-9-9.
OUT & ABOUT
Hotels will automatically add a 10% service charge added to the bill. For restaurants, check your bill or ask the staff whether or not a service charge is included as many restaurants automatically charge 15%. Tipping rates are similar to what they are in North America. There is an additional 12% government Value Added Tax on restaurant and hotel charges.
Villa del Mar is centrally located and close to many activities and amenities around the Grace Bay Beach area. However, if you do find the need for greater means of transportation, rental cars and taxi services are available. Your need and the size of your group will determine whether or not you need to rent a car, but taxi services can get expensive so we’d recommend at least considering the rental option.
After you’ve selected swimsuits and beach wraps, add light, breathable fabrics to your list along with a hat, sunglasses and good walking shoes. Sandals, shorts, sundresses, and natural fabrics for both men and women will work well, as will a light sweater. Remember a good book and sunscreen!
With so many opportunities to get out on the water and explore the amazing coral gardens and dive walls, Providenciales offers several locations to complete full certification classes (PADI). Lessons and equipment rentals for waterskiing, kiteboarding and windsurfing are available along Grace Bay and through outfitters located close to Villa del Mar. We are happy to help you with recommendations.
There are local ferries as well as local airlines that can take you to different islands in the Turks and Caicos. One of the biggest island hopping trips is the North and Middle Caicos Trip, where you take a 30-mins ferry over to North Caicos. You can then rent a car from North Caicos and drive over to Middle Caicos.
