Has anyone rented a car & drove around the island of Turks & Caicos Provo? (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to drive around Providenciales? ›

You can drive around the entire island in an hours, so it's pretty small. You can easily drive to Taylor Bay in the morning, have lunch at Las Brisas, kayak Chalk Sound or hit up Sapodilla Bay for a bit & drive back. It's a 15-20 minute drive from your hotel to that side of the island.

The best way to get around Turks & Caicos is either by rental car or taxi. There is no public transportation on the islands, and as the attractions, restaurants and hotels are spread out, walking is not an option. You can rent a car at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on Provo.

For American and Canadian Tourists

We drive on the left. There are no stoplights in the country, and traffic is regulated through the use of roundabouts. When entering a roundabout, give way to traffic on your right. Once you are inside a roundabout, you have the right of way until you exit the roundabout.

Road safety

Main roads are generally in good condition but secondary roads may be narrow and have unpaved surfaces, potholes as well as blind intersections. Driving can be hazardous on Providenciales due to reckless drivers and excessive speeding.

Driving in Turks and Caicos can feel intimidating at first, especially when navigating unfamiliar roads and when driving on the left side of the road. However, once you're there and in the driver's seat, you'll realize it's not as nerve racking as you may have imagined.

Traffic Laws: You need a valid driver's license to drive in Turks and Caicos. A valid U.S. or International Driving Permit is good for up to a month, after that a local Turks and Caicos license from the Department of Road Safety is required. Speed limits are 20 mph in town and side roads, and 40 mph on the highway.

Uber and Lyft are not available in the Turks and Caicos. Conch Cab is available in Providenciales and operates like Uber Pool, with rides booked via a web app. Taxis pickup at almost any location on Providenciales, and are easy to book by phone or email.

Island hopping the Turks and Caicos by boat

Charter flights can give a fantastic view of the islands, but boats are definitely the best way to truly experience the Turks and Caicos. If you're arriving internationally by boat, you'll have to pass through a port-of-entry—there are several on Providenciales.

Taxis are readily available at any airport in our sister islands and our main gateway, the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Your hotel/resort or villa's concierge can also make arrangements for taxi transfers at your request.

Remote and isolated areas in the Turks and Caicos may have an increased risk of crime, including armed robberies. Such areas include West Harbour Bluff, Malcolm Roads Beach, Bonefish Point, and Northwest Point.

What is not allowed in Turks and Caicos? ›

Firearms and ammunition are strictly forbidden in Turks and Caicos. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas last September issued this warning to travelers: “Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). TCI authorities strictly enforce all firearms related laws.

This water is safe to drink, but the taste is usually comparatively poor. Our national flag. We're a proud British Overseas Territory.

If you wish to drive round the Island without stopping you can do this in a day but if you wish to explore it will take you 2 days. T & C best feature is Grace Bay, maybe 1 of the most beautiful beaches in the world and most resorts are either on this beach or within walking distance.

Providenciales is the third largest island in the Turks and Caicos and has a total landmass of approximately 37 square miles (98 km sq). The length from end to end is about 17 miles (27 km), and the width ranges from 1.5 miles (2.5 km) to 8 miles (12 km).

Downtown is located in central Providenciales and close to the airport, and is home to many Government offices, the Post Office, small restaurants and shops, and the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Center (a popular location for Town Hall meetings).

The only scheduled public transport between North Caicos and Middle Caicos and any other island in the Turks and Caicos are passenger ferry services that operate between Providenciales and North Caicos. Once on North Caicos, it's possible to drive across both islands due to the causeway.