The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. Most hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept traveler's cheques, which can be cashed at local banks. Most credit cards are accepted and banks offer ATM's as well as cash advances on credit cards.
Tipping is normally paid to waiters, taxi drivers, maids and porters at 15%.
Electricity follows the U.S. standard: 120/240 Volts/60 Cycles.
The average temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees centigrade) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid 90's (35 degrees centigrade), especially in the late summer months. From November to May the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees centigrade). Water temperature in the summer is 82 to 84 degrees (28-29 degrees centigrade) and in winter about 74 to 78 degrees (23-26 degrees centigrade). A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level. In an average year the Turks and Caicos has 350 days of sunshine.
Shorts are worn in town as well as the beach during the day; it is advisable to also wear sunhats and sunscreen. In the evenings, light sweaters and jackets may be occasionally needed in the winter. Dinner is not formal; most restaurants accept dress shorts while others require pants and collared shirt for gentlemen and dress slacks or dresses for the ladies. Public Nudity is illegal throughout the islands.
Turks and Caicos are located 575 miles southeast of Miami Florida. We are 30 miles south of the Bahamas and 90 miles north of the Dominican Republic. The main islands consist of two groups separated by the Columbus 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.
Country code is 649. Network is through Cable and Wireless. Pay phones, calling cards, facsimile, Internet, cell phones for rent at various locations.
If you have cell service in the USA please bring your phone with you because if you have International Roaming service with a cellular carrier that has a roaming agreement in the Caribbean then your phone will be able to make or receive calls while in the Turks and Caicos.
High speed wireless internet service is available at no charge. You will however, be charged at cost if you hook-up otherwise to a telephone line for internet use. Television reception is via the local cable network and a variety of channels are available, including those you are familiar with in the US. Channel 4 is local news, and Channel 5 is dedicated to TCEyeTV, a station which shares a wealth of information about our country. Please note that service can be erratic. Please note that not all villas have cable.
The attire is casual island wear. Bring sandals, comfortable walking shoes, aqua socks, sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, and a sweater for evening (during winter season.)
Providenciales is easy to get to, just fly into the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). WIMCO's Air Department is here to help you plan your flights to and from the island.
There is a VIP service to bypass all lines. With VIP Flyers Club, a representative will meet you upon arrival and expedite you through Immigration and Customs. Likewise, the service is available for your departure. You may be expedited through check-in, security and can relax in the VIP lounge away from the crowds.
Airline check-in is 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. As previously mentioned, take advantage of the VIP Flyers Club to be expedited through check-in, security and enjoy the VIP lounge.
The local villa manager is your point of contact regarding anything related to the villa that requires attention. Contact information for the villa manager was sent along with this document. You will meet the manager upon arrival.
Occupancy is strictly limited to the number of persons agreed upon in the Rental Agreement (note: children and babies count on the occupancy number). Any changes must be agreed upon in writing. If the occupancy exceeds this number, the guests are subject to being denied entry, with no refunds or adjustments given. Should additional occupancy be permitted, extra charges will apply.
We strongly discourage shipping anything for your stay or trying to receive packages. If you must receive a package, we recommend FedEx on Leeward Highway. The sender should mark "hold at station" for pick up.
Associated Medical Practices, located on Leeward Highway, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For an appointment, call 649-946-4242 or 649-946-4222. For urgent services, you can call 331-HELP (4357) and you will reach the doctor on call. These are all very good and capable doctors, so feel confident that you are in good hands, if you happen to need their services. Their website is www.Doctor.tc.
A car rental is highly recommended (not a bike or scooter). Your pre-arrival concierge would be happy to arrange a car rental for you. If you prefer to arrange on your own, please provide your pre-arrival concierge your confirmation number and the name of the rental agency with whom you booked.
Remember to drive on the left side of the road (and watch out for those who don’t). On secondary roads, it is not uncommon to find people driving on the best side of the road. You should make car rental arrangements prior to arrival.
There are two large supermarkets and several grocery stores on the island. There is IGA Graceway supermarket that is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and Graceway Gourmet which is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Each grocery store is open every day of the week. If you are interested in having groceries pre-stocked, please inquire with your pre-arrival concierge. Note that liquor (including beer and wine) is not sold on Sunday.
Desalinated island water is piped into the house. The water is safe to drink, but you may prefer to drink various bottled waters that are available at the grocery and liquor stores. The Provo Water Company, which serves this house, encounters a high demand typically between 8 am and 10:30 am. As a result, water pressure can often be low and even diminish to a trickle at these times, so please be aware of this during your stay.
Given the proximity of the villas to the sea, you will find fewer mosquitoes here than anywhere else, and most of the time no mosquitoes at all. Typically, mosquitoes will come a couple of weeks after a heavy rainfall and their feeding time is mostly sunrise and just after sunset.
There are many beaches in Turks and Caicos, wherever you choose to go, please keep our beaches clean. We ask that you "leave only footprints and take only memories". Please do not litter or take any glass or household items down to the beach.
Due to water content, Use half the suggested amount of detergent when washing laundry.
Maids are not allowed to cook, do personal laundry, or baby sit. Maids are grateful for any gratuities you wish to give them.
Service personnel will come by to check the landscaping and/or prune various plants and flowers, and service the pool. If you observe any issues please notify the management team.
There are many fun things to do in Providenciales and WIMCO's concierge team is here to help you make arrangements to ensure you have a great vacation.
Please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
