FAQ

In case of an emergency

In case of an emergency, 911 works on the island. Please call if you require immediate emergency assistance. The nearest medical clinic to On The Rocks is Grace Bay Medical Centre. It can be found directly south of Graceway Gourmet grocery store.

Where do I buy a cell card?

If you are planning on purchasing a local (649) phone number during your stay, the two major telecom providers are DigiCel and FLOW. Both are located on Leeward Highway and they can assist you with any telecom needs.

Which side of the road do I drive on?

The Turks and Caicos Islands drive on the LEFT side of the road. Please be careful. There are no traffic lights in the Turks & Caicos, rather all intersections are either controlled via stop signs, or via roundabouts. Pay close attention to the direction of traffic flow in roundabouts. It is clockwise. When in doubt, give way. As you would in any foreign country, please be careful when driving.

What do I pack or wear to head out for the day?

It is very warm in the Turks & Caicos. Please dress accordingly. You will want to arrive wearing light clothing as the airport is warm and often congested.

About communication on the Island

While regular messaging apps may work depending on data availability, you will find WhatsApp to be the dominant communication platform in the Turks & Caicos. It’s a great idea to have it pre-installed prior to your arrival.

About the airport…

Providenciales International Airport (PLS) can be daunting to new visitors. Once you deplane, you will be directed to immigration hall to line up and wait for arrival processing by Turks and Caicos Immigration, and then you will queue again for customs once you collect your baggage. Your airline should supply you with pre-arrival forms to fill out. Please do so carefully to avoid errors or delays at immigration. BRING A PEN WITH YOU. If you forgot to tick a box or sign a form, it will be very helpful to avoid frustration and delays. Your immigration visa expiry slip will be handed back to you inside your passport. In case you need to prove you are on the island lawfully and within your expiry date, it’s best to carry your visa slip with you in the unlikely event you have to show it to law enforcement or immigration officials during your stay. As the wait times in immigration hall may be significant when multiple flights are arriving, you may want to consider a VIP FastTrack service to expedite your arrival or departure.

Flight Tracking

Flights may be delayed as all outbound routes from PLS are dependent on inbound flights arriving and processing on schedule. It’s a good idea to have a flight tracker bookmarked to monitor the status of your flight or arrivals / departures of family & friends. Many flight tracker apps are also available for iOS and Android. Search in your country’s app store for free dedicated apps.

Do I need special sunscreen?

The sun here is intense. Be careful and wear sunscreen. If you are planning on participating in snorkelling or other water activities, you will need to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate reef environment.

About the lizards…

You will see many species of small, cute lizards running around, climbing outdoor walls etc. They are completely harmless. They’re not interested in people and will run away if approached. If you want to see large iguanas however, head over to Iguana Island. Just be sure to be appropriate footwear as there are sharp barb-like seeds on the ground that you don’t want to get stuck in your feet. Also, do not feed the iguanas.

Do UBER and Lyft work on the Island?

Uber & LYFT do not work on-island. Taxis are unconventional here, and can typically only be found at the airport. They are also shared rides, meaning you and your party will likely not be the only passengers in the vehicle. The airport staff outside the arrivals area after clearing customs will direct you to a driver / taxi, who will fill the vehicle and make multiple stops. You can expect to pay $30 - $40 per person. Also, if you are walking around and find cars are beeping their horns at you, they are unlicensed taxis called “jitneys” and they are offering you a ride by beeping their horn. Strongly consider your personal safety before accepting a ride. It can be difficult to rent vehicles on the island last-minute. You are strongly encouraged to reserve your vehicle at the same time you book your stay.

Where can I buy a postcard?

There is no conventional mail service in the Turks and Caicos Islands. You can’t mail a postcard home as you would in most countries. Courier services are available but very expensive.

Is there good fishing there?

If you’re planning on fishing, there are a variety of fishing-centric apps to help you out. Learn more about them by clicking the link to discoverboating.com below.

Kite Boarding and wind…

Also, if kite boarding or windsurfing are in your plans during your stay, you'll want to know how windy it's going to be. Wind Finder is a great option but you can also search your app store for alternates.

Sports Events & Activities

Graceway Sports is a comprehensive gym / sports centre offering a broad range of activities, events and services. They are conveniently located just off the Leeward Highway behind the IGA Supermarket.

Did I just see a wild dog?

You will see wild dogs on the island. They are called “potcakes”. While usually friendly, they may be timid. It’s not encouraged to pet them, but you are definitely encouraged to visit Potcake K9 Rescue in Grace Bay. Their amazing team is dedicated to rescuing potcakes from the wild, and homing them to residents and tourists alike. (Yes, you can adopt one and take it home with you). Their team can answer questions about the logistics of adopting a potcake.

Where can I buy alcohol?

Alcohol is sold at grocery stores and other outlets throughout Providenciales. Graceway IGA is the closest full-service grocery store to On The Rocks and they stock an array of beer, wine, champagne and spirits. Please note alcohol sales are prohibited in grocery stores on Sundays, so plan to make your purchases in advance.

When shopping at grocery stores, keep in mind some stock will cycle in and out depending on availability. If you see a product you like, you may want to purchase enough to last you your stay.

Is Marijuana legal in TCI?

Marijuana is illegal in the Turks & Caicos and strictly enforced. Even if you possess a medical exemption / prescription to purchase and consume cannabis products in your home country, they are not valid here. Don’t take chances.

Can I drink the water from the tap?

The water in the Turks & Caicos is desalinized and is safe to drink from the tap. However, many guests will prefer to drink from filtered sources (refrigerator dispensers etc) as tap water may taste unfamiliar. Also, bottled water is readily available.

What’s the sales tax situation?

There is a 12% hospitality tax that is added to all restaurants and excursions etc. When dining out, it’s best to check your bill as there may also be a gratuity added to your bill. This varies from establishment to establishment, but checking your bill can help you tip accordingly.

Where can I rent a bike?

Caicos Cyclery is a great place to rent a bike and discover island bicycle adventures. You may ride your bike on the sidewalks. Please lock up the bikes to bike stands or a nearby palm tree.