Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Turks and Caicos, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to see in Turks and Caicos, we love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the 11 things that will shock you on your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Conch Everywhere!
You might be shocked how much conch you see in Turks and Caicos. From souvenir shops with polished conch shells to conch fritters on every menu at every restaurant, conch is everywhere in Turks and Caicos. We even went diving for conch shells; whatever we caught we got to eat and keep the shell as a souvenir. Conch is even on the flag of Turks and Caicos!
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Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
A Turks and Caicos vacation is truly a relaxing beach vacation. There’s not much to do besides visit the beaches. So, if you’re looking for a well-rounded vacation with some culture and museums, or adventurous activities, you might check out some other Caribbean islands. But if you just want to chill out on the beach with a fruity drink for a few days, Turks and Caicos is an awesome choice!
Turks and Caicos Beaches
That said, the beaches in Turks and Caicos are pretty amazing! The water surrounding Turks and Caicos is this incredible turquoise color, and you’ll see some of the most spectacular sunsets here. There’s a coral reef offshore, so there’s a lot of great snorkeling and diving in Turks and Caicos. While there aren’t many things to do in Turks and Caicos, there are several water- and beach-based activities.
JoJo the Dolphin
Dolphins are one of the cool animals you can see in the waters of Turks and Caicos. But there is a local dolphin called JoJo that has become the island mascot. This dolphin loves to swim close to shore and interact with humans, even though it is a wild animal. If you get a chance to see JoJo, it’s a fun experience unique to Turks and Caicos.
Potcakes in Turks and Caicos
Another local animal is the potcake. These are stray dogs found on several Caribbean islands. A potcake is a mutt mix, and there are lots of them in Turks and Caicos. You won’t see them as often in the resorts, but if you venture into town, you’ll see lots of them roaming the streets. There’s even a rescue organization that will help you take one home if you happen to fall in love. You can visit some of them at the shelter, and even volunteer to take care of them or walk them for a bit during your Turks and Caicos trip.
Prices in Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is not a cheap Caribbean destination. Accommodation, restaurants, and groceries are all very expensive. The currency in Turks and Caicos is the US dollar, so there’s no mistaking the high prices you’ll pay during your trip. Expect to pay around $40 for a dinner entree, and about $20 for a lunch entree.
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Taxes and Fees
The prices in Turks and Caicos are high, and then you still don’t know the final price you are going to pay. Sales tax is added on when you check out, and you are also expected to tip 10-15% when you eat out at a restaurant. Sometimes, the service charge is already added, so if you don’t pay attention, you may end up tipping twice.
Currency in Turks and Caicos
As I’ve already mentioned, the official currency here is the US Dollar. This is a nice surprise, as you can bring all of your cash from home and not worry about exchange rates or ATM fees. Credit cards are pretty widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, but you still want to have some cash on hand for smaller shops and taxis.
Turks and Caicos Taxis
You will most likely use a taxi to get around Turks and Caicos. One of the biggest shocks is that they often will quote you a price, but it’s per person, rather than for the whole car. Taxis are expensive, and you might end up sharing a taxi with someone else since they charge per person.
Driving on the Left
They use the US Dollar and they speak English, but Turks and Caicos is a former British colony. This means that they drive on the left. This is fairly common in the Caribbean, but you’ll see both British and American style cars on the road. You might have a driver on the left-hand side of the car or the right-hand side of the car. If you’re driving, this can really throw you off.
Island Time
If you’ve ever heard of island time, it originates in the Caribbean. Everyone moves at a very relaxed pace in the islands; it’s part of what makes a Caribbean vacation so great. However, if you’re coming from the mainland, it can take a few days to get used to island time. In the meantime, it’s easy to get frustrated, especially when you are out to eat and ready to order some food. You’ll also run into it at the airport, so make sure you give yourself some extra time to get through security because they are not in a hurry!
We loved our Turks and Caicos vacation; it was a super relaxing beach vacation, which is a departure from our usual travel style. Want more tips for traveling in the Caribbean? Check out some of our other blog posts!