Times of the Islands Spring 2020
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
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Bahamasair and InterCaribbean Airways fly to Nassau,<br />
Bahamas. Flights to: Antigua; Dominica; Cap Haitien<br />
and Port Au Prince, Haiti; Kingston and Montego Bay,<br />
Jamaica; Miami, Florida; Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo,<br />
Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Lucia; St.<br />
Maarten; Santiago, Cuba; and Tortola are available on<br />
InterCaribbean Airways, while Caicos Express travels to<br />
Cap Haitien daily. (Schedules are current as <strong>of</strong> February<br />
<strong>2020</strong> and subject to change.)<br />
Inter-island service is provided by InterCaribbean<br />
Airways, Caicos Express Airways and Global Airways. Sea<br />
and air freight services operate from Florida.<br />
Language<br />
English.<br />
Time zone<br />
Eastern Standard Time (EST)/Daylight Savings Time<br />
observed.<br />
Currency<br />
The United States dollar. The Treasury also issues a Turks<br />
& Caicos crown and quarter. Travellers cheques in U.S.<br />
dollars are widely accepted and o<strong>the</strong>r currency can be<br />
changed at local banks. American Express, VISA, and<br />
MasterCard are welcomed at many locations.<br />
Climate<br />
The average year-round temperature is 83ºF (28ºC). The<br />
hottest months are September and October, when <strong>the</strong><br />
temperature can reach 90 to 95ºF (33 to 35ºC). However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> consistent easterly trade winds temper <strong>the</strong> heat and<br />
keep life comfortable.<br />
Casual resort and leisure wear is accepted attire for<br />
daytime; light sweaters or jackets may be necessary on<br />
some breezy evenings. It’s wise to wear protective clothing<br />
and a sunhat and use waterpro<strong>of</strong> sunscreen when out<br />
in <strong>the</strong> tropical sun.<br />
Entry requirements<br />
Passport. A valid onward or return ticket is also required.<br />
Customs formalities<br />
Visitors may bring in duty free for <strong>the</strong>ir own use one carton<br />
<strong>of</strong> cigarettes or cigars, one bottle <strong>of</strong> liquor or wine,<br />
and some perfume. The importation <strong>of</strong> all firearms including<br />
those charged with compressed air without prior<br />
approval in writing from <strong>the</strong> Commissioner <strong>of</strong> Police is<br />
strictly forbidden. Spear guns, Hawaiian slings, controlled<br />
drugs, and pornography are also illegal.<br />
Returning residents may bring in $400 worth <strong>of</strong><br />
merchandise per person duty free. A duty <strong>of</strong> 10% to<br />
60% is charged on most imported goods along with a<br />
7% customs processing fee and forms a major source <strong>of</strong><br />
government revenue.<br />
Transportation<br />
A valid driver’s license from home is suitable when renting<br />
vehicles. A government tax <strong>of</strong> 12% is levied on all<br />
rental contracts. (Insurance is extra.) Driving is on <strong>the</strong><br />
left-hand side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> road, with traffic flow controlled by<br />
round-abouts at major junctions. Please don’t drink and<br />
drive! Taxis and community cabs are abundant throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> and many resorts <strong>of</strong>fer shuttle service<br />
between popular visitor areas. Scooter, motorcycle, and<br />
bicycle rentals are also available.<br />
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