Language
Money
Banks
Electricity
Rules of the Road
Communications
Telephone
Internet
Radio and Television
Time Zone
Weather
Post and Courier
Language
Official language is English.
Money
We use US dollars. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most,
but not all, hotels, shops and restaurants, so be sure to ask. If you
are coming from the UK or EU, please exchange your cash before you
arrive. Local banks charge exorbitant exchange rates that will take a
bite out of your vacation budget.
Banks
There are two major banks: Scotiabank and First Caribbean. First
Caribbean offers Visa ABMs and Scotiabank is on the Cirrus network. If
you require teller service, be prepared to wait as local banks often
have huge lines, and you may easily wait an hour for service.
Western Union provides cash transfer services.
Electricity
US Standard. 110 Volts, 60 Hz. US-style receptacles.
Tip: If you're coming from the UK , EU or another 220-volt country be
aware that most technology products, such as mobiles or notebooks can
work with 110 volt power. You simply need an inexpensive US style
adapter plug. Be sure to buy this before you arrive as they aren't sold
here.
Rules of the Road
We drive on the left side of the road here, similar to British and
Commonwealth countries. Ironically, most cars come from the US and will
have left-hand steering.
People 18 years and older, holding a valid driver's license, can rent a
scooter. If you're 23 or older you can rent a car or jeep.
View the car rental information page here >
Communications
All telecommunications on Providenciales are operated by Cable &
Wireless, which for over 100 years has had a legal monopoly.
Accordingly, telephone services are expensive. Relief is on the horizon
as the government has recently introduced new legislation that will free
the marketplace and allow other providers.
Rate information is from the C&W 2005 Services Directory, the latest
available at time of publishing.
Telephone
Sample Direct-dial Peak Rates per minute
USA $1.20
UK $1.50
Europe $1.90
World $2.00
Mobile
We use the GSM 850 standard. Most phones will not work here.
Internet
Internet Services
DSL, Cable, and 56k internet are available for residents.
Internet at your Hotel / Villa
Most hotels on the island have some sort of internet connection, which
may be just an old computer in the corner, or the owner's personal
desktop in the office. If you will require internet service with a
notebook, be sure to check that "internet service" means Wi-Fi wireless
access and not use of the owner's computer. Accommodation listings on
VisitGrandTurk specify which hotels and guest houses offer Wi-Fi
wireless internet.
Internet Elsewhere
There are several internet cafés on Providenciales. For those staying in
Grace Bay , visit the Deluxe Business Centre (tel number) at the
Saltmills. Near Turtle Cove is CompTCI (tel number), and on Leeward
Highway is The Computer Guy (tel number).
56k Easy Access
C&W offers a 900-number 56k dial-up access from any phone in the
country.
1. Dial 266-6328
2. Username: easy
3. Password: access
For more information, call C&W at 1 800 804 2994
Radio and Television
There are several local FM radio stations. Spanish-language AM
broadcasts from the Dominican Republic can also be found. The official
government station, Radio Turks and Caicos, is found at 107.7 FM. In the
unlikely event of a hurricane, this is the station to tune into for
bulletins.
WIV provides cable television service, and produces local news and shows
on channel 4.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time, same as New York . GMT -5
Weather
In a word, very hot and dry. Although the temperature is usually in the
low 80's, the intensity of the sun makes it seem much hotter. Be sure to
drink plenty of water!
Overall, it generally does not rain much and is usually very dry and
dusty. However, there can be rain storms that last on and off over
several days. These storms can dump several inches of water and flood
low-lying areas.
Detailed weather information >
Post & Courier
There is a post office downtown that offers regular post services. Post
cards cost 80¢ and letters 60¢ to mail. Delivery can take several weeks.
FedEx, DHL and IBC (International Bonded Couriers) provide courier
services. UPS also provides limited incoming-only service.
Post Office - 946-4676
FedEx - 946-4682
DHL - 946-4352