Providenciales

Providenciales Travel Guide

Friendly bottle-nosed dolphins greet visitors in the unbelievably clear and warm waters off Grace Bay on the beautiful island of Providenciales, where miles of sandy white beaches are protected by a healthy coral barrier reef. It's hardly surprising that this tropical wonderland has become the most developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands, luring thousands of diving enthusiasts and holidaymakers intent on getting away from it all.

Although well equipped with tourist facilities, including an international airport, superb hotels, a casino, a golf club and several small shopping malls, Providenciales remains largely unspoilt. The beaches stretch for miles and, on some of the little offshore cays, it's still possible for visitors to imagine they are Robinson Crusoe. But unlike the famous literary castaway, visitors to Providenciales (known usually as 'Provo') enjoy pleasurable pursuits with which to occupy themselves. Most find it difficult to tear themselves away from the beach, but with so many watersports on offer it's hardly necessary to do so. Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing and sailing are all popular diversions.

It's also great to hop on a bike and explore the sights. Among the attractions on the island is the Hole, billed as a beautiful bottomless pit near Long Bay Beach. Travellers can also wander up the hillside above Sapodilla Bay to read the graffiti on the scattered rocks left by shipwrecked sailors. At the Caicos Conch Farm visitors can see how conch is grown, before settling down to sample the delicious mollusc along with some fiery rum punch at one of the many superb local restaurants. Just offshore, more interesting creatures await on Little Water Cay, a haven for rare rock iguanas that can be viewed from raised boardwalks.

Things to do in Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands travel info

Electricity

Electricity is 120 volts, 60 Hz; sockets are type A and B.

Language

The national language is English, but some words are pronounced in a way unique to the islands.

Money

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Local banks and most big hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept credit cards. Banks offer ATMs as well as cash advances on credit cards.

Tipping

Tips of around 15 percent of the bill are the norm for waiters, taxi drivers and bar tenders. Hotels usually include a service charge of 10 to 15 percent.

Health

A vaccination for hepatitis A should be considered. Medical facilities are limited and comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for transfer by helicopter, is recommended for all travellers. Serious cases are usually evacuated to Miami or Nassau. There is a small hospital on Grand Turk and some private general practitioners on Providenciales.

Safety

Visits to the Turks and Caicos Islands are usually trouble-free, and crime is generally of a petty and opportunistic kind. The crime rate is low but on the favourite tourist island of Providenciales there have been incidents of burglary and theft, so visitors should take precautions with valuables. Robberies have occurred on Grace Bay Beach. Hurricane season generally runs from June to November.

Local customs

Culture in the Turks and Caicos Islands is relaxed and hospitable, and islanders are known for their good manners. Visitors should address strangers with respect and note that the use of titles is considered normal and appropriate. Things happen slowly on the islands and attempting to rush service will only annoy.

Visitors should cover beachwear when off the beach and men need to wear long pants at smarter restaurants. Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal. Gay and lesbian relationships are legal, but tend to be discreet and public displays of affection may be frowned upon.

Doing business

The Turks and Caicos Islands are subject to English Common Law and business is conducted in a similar manner to the United Kingdom. Suits are only necessary for the most formal of occasions. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers may enter the Turks and Caicos Islands with the following goods without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 220g of tobacco products; and 1.136 litres of alcohol.

Communications

The country's direct dialling code is +1 followed by 649. WiFi is usually available in hotels, cafes and restaurants; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turks and Caicos. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.

British nationals require a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry, but no visa is required to enter the islands for a stay of up to 90 days.

Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.

Australian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.

South African citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.

Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.

New Zealanders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay.

Useful contacts

Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Grand Turk: +1 649 946 2321 or www.turksandcaicostourism.com

Emergencies: 911

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Turks and Caicos Island Foreign Representation, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0) 20 7034 7845

Embassies / consulates in Turks and Caicos Islands

US Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas (also responsible for Turks and Caicos): +(242) 322-1181 ext. 4406.

UK Governor's Office, Grand Turk: +1 649 946 2309.

Canadian High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Turks and Caicos Islands): +1 876 926 1500

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Turks and Caicos Islands): +1 868 822 5450.