Car Rental in Turks & Caicos: Everything You Need to Know

Car Rental in Turks & Caicos: Everything You Need to Know

Below, we’ve provided everything you need to know about renting a car in Turks and Caicos, including important tips to help you get around on the island.

There is no public transportation on TCI, so having your own way to get around is essential.

 

Car Rental in Turks & Caicos

Car Rental in Turks & Caicos TL;DR 

Driving Tips: Visitors should be aware that driving is on the left, roundabouts are used, and there are many substandard drivers on the roads. The speed limit is 40 mph.

Cost: Car rental prices start at about $40 USD per day for a budget vehicle, with average weekly costs of around $400-$700+ USD. Gas prices are approximately $6-$7 USD per gallon.

Age Restrictions: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old. Some companies may rent to those 21 and older, but with restrictions.

Best Car Rental Companies: Various car rental companies operate in Turks and Caicos. The best companies are Grace Bay Car Rentals, Island Life Jeep Rentals, Sixt Car Rentals, Scott’s Car Rentals & Sales and TCI Car Rental. Some companies offer shuttle or car delivery services to hotels or villas.

Additional Services: Some rental agencies, like Grace Bay Car Rentals, offer 24-hour roadside assistance and have multiple locations for convenience.

Complimentary Concierge Service: WIMCO offers complimentary travel planning, including rental car reservation, and booking your airline when renting a villa through us.

The Most Popular Cars to Rent in Turks & Caicos

The Most Popular Cars to Rent in Turks & Caicos

Whether you’re looking for an SUV that will fit the whole family and all your beach gear or a 4x4 to adventure along the western coast, there are a lot of options to choose from in Turks and Caicos.

Here are some of the most popular rental cars in Turks and Caicos:

The Best Car for Couples

  • Suzuki Swift
  • Chevrolet Spark
  • BMW X6

Compact rental cars are simple, fuel-efficient, and easy to park. They’re also the cheapest car rental in Turks and Caicos.

The Best Car for Small Families

  • Nissan Almera
  • Chevrolet Sonic
  • Ford Edge

For a small family tropical getaway, mid-sized sedans offer a good balance of space, comfort, and affordability. For a bit more space, smaller SUVs are also available.

The Best Car for Big Families or Large Groups

  • Chevy Tahoe or Suburban
  • Mercedes Benz Viano
  • Nissan Serena

If you're traveling to Turks and Caicos with a big family or a large group, an SUV or a minivan is your best choice. Minivans can accommodate up to 12 passengers.

The Best Car for Adventurers

  • Jeep Wrangler
  • Suzuki Jimny
  • Land Rover

For adventurous island travelers, a 4x4 is the best option. Rugged, durable, and dependable, they’re the ideal choice for exploring the island's beautiful national parks on the west coast.

The Best Convertibles to Rent

  • Jeep Wrangler

If you're looking for a fun and stylish way to explore Turks and Caicos, a convertible is excellent for cruising along the island's scenic coastal roads.

The Best Luxury Cars to Rent

  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • GMC Yukon
  • BMW X6

While most high-end rental cars in Turks and Caicos tend to be larger SUVs, you will also find some medium-sized luxury cars.

Best Car Rental Companies in Turks & Caicos

Best Car Rental Companies in Turks & Caicos

Book your car through Wimco concierge service

Booking a rental car in Turks and Caicos through WIMCO’s concierge service is an excellent way to make your idyllic island getaway stress-free. 

The service is complimentary, and we always secure the absolute best rates on the islands.

Grace Bay Car Rentals

Overview: The largest car rental company in Turks and Caicos. Established in 2006, Grace Bay Car Rentals has an excellent reputation, and thanks to their office at the airport, they offer fast pick-up and drop-offs.

Types of Cars Available: A wide range of models from all major manufacturers. From smaller budget cars to jeeps, SUVs, 4x4s, and luxury cars. They also have a good selection of 8, 10, and 12-seat vans.

Location: Providenciales International Airport and 337 Grace Bay Rd, Grace Bay
Phone Number: +1 (649) 941 85 00

Island Life Jeep Rentals

Overview: Island Life Jeep Rentals offer a range of rugged, reliable jeeps for exploring Turks and Caicos. Competitive pricing, convenient pick-up and drop-off at the airport, and all jeeps come equipped with a GPS.

Types of Cars Available: This is a boutique Turks and Caicos jeep rental agency that specializes in two or four-door Jeep Wranglers. They also have Suzuki Jimnys.

Location: 980 Leeward Highway
Phone Number: +1 (649) 331 78 41

Sixt Car Rentals

Overview: A well-known car rental agency in Providenciales, with a large fleet and fast pickup from the airport so you can be sipping a drink on the beach in no time.

Types of Cars Available: As a large international car rental agency, Sixt has a wide range of vehicles, different makes and models, and all different sizes.

Location: Providenciales International Airport
Phone Number: +1 (649) 941 39 66

Rent a Buggy Ltd.

Overview: Founded in 1983, Rent a Buggy has three decades of experience in the car rental industry in Turks and Caicos. You can expect stellar service here; they definitely go the extra mile when it comes to helping you discover the best of the island.

Types of Cars Available: Small and medium-sized cars from Kia and Honda, larger minivans, and a selection of Jeep Wranglers.

Location: 1081 Leeward Highway
Phone Number: +1 (649) 946 41 58

Important Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Turks & Caicos

Important Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Turks & Caicos

Easing into the laid-back island lifestyle should be your top priority during your stay. To that end, we’ve put together a list of tips for renting a car and driving in Turks and Caicos to ensure that things go smoothly with your rental vehicle.

Thoroughly Research Rental Companies

Before you rent a car in Turks and Caicos, make sure to research the rental company you plan to use thoroughly. Check their reviews online to learn about other travelers’ experiences and advice. 

Also, make sure to read the fine print and understand all the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.

Some international brands are local companies that have licensed the brand name. They may also have their own local brand in addition to the international one, and both logos may be visible when picking up a car from their office.

Confirm Your Rental Company Covers Airport Pick-Up

Confirm Your Rental Company Covers Airport Pick-Up

An airport pick-up will save you time and hassle when you arrive at the airport in Turks and Caicos. Most companies offer complimentary pick-up.

Renting a Car is Way More Affordable Than Getting a Taxi

When it comes to exploring the island it’s far more economical to rent a car versus hopping into a taxi. In general, two short taxi trips will cost the same as renting a car for a day.

Look Out for Extra “Sand Cleaning” Charges

Make sure to keep an eye out for any extra charges on your Turks and Caicos car rental, particularly for sand cleaning. Some car rental companies have a reputation for charging this fee to visitors, even if there’s only a minuscule amount of sand in the car.

Keep Traffic Rules in Mind

In Turks and Caicos, cars drive on the left side of the road, and the speed limit is 40 mph. Navigating is quite easy, thanks to extensive road signs.

There are also many roundabouts on the islands; here are the general rules for roundabouts:

  • Always yield to traffic on your right.
  • Once you’ve entered the roundabout, you have the right of way.
  • Use turn signals when entering the roundabout to indicate which exit you’re taking.
  • Always signal when exiting the roundabout.

Beware of Bad Drivers

Turks and Caicos has a reputation for bad drivers who exceed the speed limit and might drive recklessly. 

You may find these drivers are operating illegal unlicensed jitney taxis, and will sometimes even stop in the middle of a highway to pick someone up.

Try to Drive on the Main Roads Only

Turks and Caicos has many rough roads and even off-roading opportunities. However, insurance offered by car rentals in Turks and Caicos may not cover damage sustained on these roads.

Avoid Leaving Expensive Items in Your Rented Car

Providenciales experiences incidents of car break-ins from time to time. It’s recommended to never leave any valuable items or items that may seem valuable unattended in your car.

Make Timely Rental Car Reservations

During peak season, rental cars in Turks and Caicos can be in high demand, so make sure to make your reservations well in advance.

Inspect Your Rental Car Thoroughly for Damages Before Driving

Before driving away in your rental car, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect it for any damages or scratches. Take pictures or videos of any damage, and make sure that the rental company notes them down.

Avoid Offering Strangers A Ride

In Turks and Caicos, it's best to avoid offering strangers a ride or stopping to assist a broken-down vehicle. There have been cases where both these situations turned into robberies.

Car Rental Requirements in Turks & Caicos

The minimum age for renting a vehicle is 25 in T&C, but you can find some businesses on Providenciales where the minimum age is 18 or 21. A few scooter rental businesses may accept renters as young as 21.

A valid driver's license, passport, and a credit card are necessary to rent a vehicle. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

Let WIMCO take care of your rental car bookings in Turks & Caicos

By reaching out to WIMCO's concierge, you can easily access all local rental car agencies in Turks and Caicos without having to shop around. 

Our team has established strong relationships with reputable rental car companies and offers a best price match guarantee, ensuring you get the most affordable rates. 

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