Language: English is the predominant language of Turks and Caicos Islands. However the island has a large expat base and a variety of languages are spoken Including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swiss and Turkish.

Economy: Turks and Caicos Islands economy is based on tourism and offshore financial services.

Population: 26,000 approximately for all the Turk and Caicos Islands.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time in the summer and Daylight Savings Time during the winter.

Electricity: 110 volt/60 cycle. Most appliances from the US will work. Visitors from European countries should bring converters.

Currency: US Dollar. Most merchants readily accept traveler checks and credit cards.

Banks and hours: The two major banks on Providenciales are First Caribbean International and Bank of Nova Scotia. Banking hours are Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Telephone Service: Telecommunications on the island are excellent. All overseas calls require a charge card for billing. Instructions on using phone cards will be located in the phone book in the villa. The Internet Service Provider is Cable and Wireless.

Postal Service: Generally postal service is poor. If you need to send or receive priority mail, have it shipped via Federal Express or DHL.

Crime: Provo and the surrounding Islands have one of the lowest crime rates In the Caribbean. You can stroll anywhere at any time during the night or day. However, use common sense. Don't leave valuables in plain view on your person or in your car. Lock both your car and house when you leave on excursions.

Clothing: The rule is casual dress. You may wish to bring a nice skirt or sundress, collared shirt and a pair of shoes for a night out. Do bring protective clothing to guard against the sun and its UV rays. We also recommend that you bring a light sweeter or jacket in the event a breezy evening occurs during your stay.

Climate: The Turks and Caicos Islands are arid compared to many other islands in the Caribbean. In the winter the weather is generally in the 70 - 80 degree range. The temperatures easily climb into the 90 degrees during the summer. The island gets less than 50 inches of rainfall a year. Most rainfall occurs during the hurricane months of summer. Sunshine and breezy cooling winds are the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Sun: The sun can be both enjoyable and painful any where in the Caribbean. To ensure that your stay is a pleasant one, please bring or buy sun block.

Entry Requirements: All visitors to Turks and Caicos Islands should check with their travel agent or carrier regarding the entry and departure requirements. All visitors must carry an outbound ticket.  

Transportation: : While taxis we widely available on Providenciales , we recommend you rent a car. A number of car and motorcycle rental agencies are available on the island and are listed in your Frequently Asked Questions About Provo pamphlet. Remember to drive on the LEFT side of the road and watch out for those folks who forget. Also be careful, especially at night. Many natives walk or ride their bikes as a means of transportation. The island pace is slow so take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Medical Care: Is generally very favorable should you come down with a cold, flu or minor injury. Individuals with major illnesses/injuries can be airlifted to Grand Turk, Nassau, Bahamas; or Miami. Provo maintains a recompression chamber for scuba divers who get the bends.

Grocery Stores: Three grocery stores are available for stocking up on supplies. The largest is the IGA on Leeward Highway. Island Pride located in the downtown area along Leeward Highway. You'll find smaller convenience stores scattered across the island.

Liquor Stores on Providenciales: CaribWest, Crown Liquors, Discount Liquors and Tipsy Turtle are the major locations for buying liquor on island. Carib West is located close to the airport. Crown Liquors is in the Bluehills settlement area. Discount Liquors is located close to the IGA supermarket on Leeward Highway. Tipsy Turtle is located in Turtle Cove. There is no alcohol sold on Sunday.