Turks & Caicos Islands Information

It's just about to begin - the annual "snowbird" migration of sun lovers from Victoria to St. Johns to New York for their escape from sleet, snow, and spinning tires to the swaying palms, murmuring surf, and secluded beaches of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Many who enjoy the attractions of tropical living have decided on a more permanent respite from the ravages of winter. But vacations are to residing as dating is to marriage; expectations over the long term far exceed those of a short stay.

That's why the purchase of real estate in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI), and Providenciales in particular, is attracting worldwide attention. In some cases, this interest is based on the Islands' tax-haven status, as TCI off-shore legislation is most progressive - particularly in the area of residency. As well, there are no restrictions on the purchase and ownership of property by foreign investors. However, it's hard not to be swayed by the country's sheer natural beauty, uncrowded beaches, and magnificent surrounding waters. The fact that island natives are friendly and accommodating, the climate is temperate and sunny, and recreational activities -- including SCUBA diving, fishing, golf, and tennis -- only increases the temptation to purchase land or a residence for temporary or permanent habitation.

In fact, we have seen a gradual shift in the reasons for buying property. In the 1980s, the majority of purchases were speculative in nature. This changed in the 1990s, as most purchasers now plan to build retirement or income-generating homes in the Turks & Caicos.

With daily 90-minute jet flights from Miami, weekly 3 hour charters from Toronto, New York, and Boston, and same-day travel from Europe, Providenciales is quickly becoming the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean.

Providenciales, known locally as "Provo," is the most developed of the Islands and already a tropical "home away from home" to nearly 2,000 Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. Lifestyle, environment, health, and security are the keys that opened the doors from island dreaming to island living.

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Our Location
The Turks & Caicos Islands lie some 575 miles southeast of Miami - about 1 hours flying time - with the Bahamas about 80 miles to the northwest and the Dominican Republic some 100 miles to the southeast.

The country consists of two island groups separated by the 22-mile-wide Columbus Passage. To the west is the Caicos group of islands: West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. To the east is the Turks island group: Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

The Turks & Caicos total 166 square miles of land area on the eight islands and forty small cays. The Islands' population is approximately 14,000.

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Departure Tax
The departure tax is $15 U.S. No departure tax is levied on children under 12 years of age.

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Electricity
The electricity is suitable for all U.S. appliances (110 volts, 60 cycles).

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Telecommunications
Telecommunications is provided under a franchise agreement with Cable & Wireless. Worldwide direct dialing, telex, and facsimile services are available. Phone cards are required in phone booths. Daily courier service is provided to and from TCI. Multi-channel satellite television is received from the U.S. and Canada. The local media consists of a private television station, local radio station, two bi-weekly newspapers, and a quarterly magazine.

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Immigration
Those wishing to live in the Islands need a resident's permit. For those intending to work or establish a business, a work permit or business license is also required. These are generally granted to those offering skills, experience, and qualifications not widely available on the Islands. Priority is given to business enterprises that will provide employment and training for Turks & Caicos Islanders.

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Government/Legal System
TCI is a British Crown colony. The Governor, from Britain and appointed by the Queen, presides over an Executive Council. Local self-government is headed by the Chief Minister and is carried out by elected ministers and a legislative council, which is empowered to enact local statutes. Government offices are located on Grand Turk.

The legal system is based upon the common English law and is administered by resident magistrates and non-resident judge who visits at quarterly intervals.

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Recreation
Sporting activities are centered around the water. Visitors can choose from deep-sea, reef, or bonefishing, sailing excursions, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, Scuba diving and beachcombing. Pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and excellent visibility make TCI a world-class diving destination. Golfers will enjoy the beauty and challenge of the 18 Hole Carl Litten designed course. If you are not a straight hitter, bring lots of balls. The islands are an ecotourist's paradise. Visitors can enjoy unspoiled wilderness and native flora and fauna in 33 areas set aside as National Park Nature Reserves, sanctuaries, and areas of historical interest.

Nightlife includes local bands playing traditional island music at bars and restaurants, some nightclubs, and a casino on Provo. Stargazing is extraordinary! There is no personal security problem, and it is safe to walk around anywhere at night.

Souvenir shoppers will find Caribbean paintings, T-shirts, shells, locally-made handicrafts, and videotapes about the Islands. Boutiques carry a selection of resort wear, postcards, and sundries. Duty-free outlets sell liquor, jewelry, and perfume.

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Taxes
There are no direct taxes on either income or capital for individuals or companies. There are no exchange controls. Indirect taxation comprises customs duties, stamp duty on certain transactions, and departure tax.

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Economy
Historically, the economy of TCI relied upon the export of salt. Currently, tourism, the offshore finance industry, and fishing generate the most private sector income. The Islands' main exports are lobster and conch. Practically all consumer goods and most foodstuffs are imported.

The Turks & Caicos Islands are now recognized as an important offshore financial centre, offering a wide variety of financial services and products, including company formation, offshore insurance, banking, trusts, limited partnerships, and limited life companies. The Financial Services Commission regulates the industry, spearheads the development of offshore legislation, and promotes the industry in the major world markets.

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Language
The principal language of the Turks & Caicos Islands is English.

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Currency
The United States dollar is the primary currency of TCI. The Treasury also issues a Turks & Caicos crown and quarter, both of which are legal tender. Travelers' checks in U.S. dollar amounts are widely accepted and other currency can be changed at local banks. American Express, VISA, and MasterCard are welcomed by many locations.

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Climate
The average year-round temperature is 83F (28C). The hottest months are September and October, when temperatures can reach 90 to 95F (33 to 35C). The almost-constant easterly trade winds temper the heat and keep life comfortable.

Casual resort and leisure wear is accepted attire for daytime; light sweaters or jackets may be necessary on some breezy evenings. Visitors are advised to wear protective clothing and a sun hat, and use waterproof sunscreen when out in the tropical sun.

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Time Zone
TCI are located in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.

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Entry Requirements
Most visitors are required to carry a passport. Visitors from North America may enter without a passport if they have a birth certificate and one piece of identification bearing a photograph. A valid onward or return ticket is also required. Check your airline for luggage restrictions.

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Customs Formalities
Visitors may bring in duty-free for their own use one carton of cigarettes or cigars, one bottle of liquor or wine, and some perfume.

The importation of all firearms, including those charged with compressed air, without prior approval in writing from the Commissioner of Police, is strictly forbidden. Spear guns, Hawaiian slings, controlled drugs, and pornography are also illegal.

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Transportation
A valid driver's license from a visitor's normal place of residence is suitable when renting vehicles. A government tax of $10 U.S. is levied on all hired cars and $5 U.S. on motor scooter rentals (Insurance is extra). Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Taxis are abundant throughout the Islands. Bicycle rentals are also available.

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Lifestyle
Life on Provo is slow-paced, laid back, and informal. A wait in the bank is an opportunity to chat with friends or tourists. Socks and watches soon disappear and stress ebbs away with the tides. For new arrivals who can't go "cold turkey" and need their stress fix, the 32-channel cable television with CNN provides the solution!

Residents soon rediscover the art of conversation, as personal social interaction replaces the more public group functions of the North American social scene. "Going out" can be dinner with friends, a game of tennis, squash, golf, or bridge, a day on the ocean, a picnic on a nearby uninhabited Cay, cocktails at sunset, or simply a walk on the beach.

Involvement in community life can be as active as one chooses. Provo Days, the Regatta, the International Billfish Tournament, and the Miss Turks & Caicos Pageant are just a sampling of local events in which a good time is always had by all. There is a garden club, bridge clubs, fishing and diving trips, book exchanges, and a cocktail party every night somewhere on the island. The T.C.I.G.A (Turks and Caicos Golf Association) along with the Provo Golf Club provide a full calendar of events and social activities.

Providenciales is a community of entrepreneurs, adventurers, and individuals. It offers a frontier atmosphere that touches most people who visit. Chances are, your "most unforgettable character" is living on Provo.

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Environment
Provo is made up of coral limestone, with sparse to moderate rainfall and continual breezes. Over 100 species of tenacious and well-adapted vegetation flourish here - the natural greenery a splendid contrast to the aqua sea. Subtle season changes are highlighted by the scent of wild orchids in December, the blooming of cotton in January, the delectable fragrance of the frangipani in summer, and the delicate blue-purple flowers covering the lignum vitae tree in the spring. Species imported by settlers enrich the landscape. Coconut palm, casuarina, royal poinsianna, and geiger are just a few of the spectacular trees. Gardens are brightened by bougainvilla, hibiscus, oyster, periwinkle, and many other flowering plants.

The ocean and seaside need no enhancement by man. The Turks & Caicos Islands boast the Caribbean's most spectacular continuous coral reef and Providenciales has been blessed with over 20 miles of gold and white sand beaches. The islands' extensive system of national parks was designed to keep the country "beautiful by nature" and has preserved the world's largest land area per capita. On Provo, there are eight protected-by-law areas covering approximately 30 square miles of land and sea, for the enjoyment of future generations and the preservation of nature.

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Medical Services
There are no endemic tropical diseases in the Turks & Caicos Islands. A good choice of health care services is available. Providenciales has four general family practitioners operating clinics and a decompression chamber. Government doctors pay weekly visits to the out islands, with midwives, nurses and community health workers tending to health needs on a day to day basis. In a medical emergency, patients are flown to the hospital on Grand Turk for treatment or surgery or may be sent on to full-service hospitals in Nassau or Miami via air ambulance.

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Health
Few cars, low pollen count, generally low humidity, and constant trade winds keep the air fresh year-round. In fact, nights are so clear, a quarter moon casts a shadow and a full moon lights up the entire landscape. The golden beaches and warm turquoise waters provide a natural spa. Enjoy water aerobics, walking jogging, or swimming in your own outdoor exercise club free of charge, 365 days a year! For a more formal exercise program, there are two fully-equipped fitness centers with professional staff.

There are three well-stocked supermarkets and numerous smaller grocery stores. Food and supplies are imported from Miami, with some produce brought in from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Drinking water is from rainwater collection and desalination plants and production capacity far exceeds current demand.

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Security
The crime rate in the Islands is the lowest in the Caribbean and there is an excellent British-trained police force, diminishing personal security concerns. The native population is friendly and helpful and the great emphasis put on religion contributes to the low crime rate. While encouraging business investment, the government has opted for gradual, quality development that benefits the local population and unemployment is quite low.

The Turks & Caicos Islands are a British Crown Colony with a stable local government and financial security. There is no central bank, no currency controls, no limits on the repatriation of funds, and no taxes. Real estate title, once registered, is guaranteed by the Crown. Canadians and Americans who avail themselves of TCI residency can benefit greatly from tax haven status.

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Pets
To bring your pet you require a veterinary certificate stating that the animal is in good health and has had a rabies vaccination. A public health inspector will examine the animal upon arrival.

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Religion
There are many faiths represented in the T.C.I. Adventist, Anglican, Baha'I Faith, Catholic, Church of God of Prophecy, Methodist, Pentecostal, Jehovah's witness are some. Religion is the center of community life and newcomers and visitors are welcome at all Churches.

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Television
A cable system providing 33 channels from the US and a local channel will be found in all hotels and most homes. many new home owners are opting for satellite dishes which can be purchased in the United States and installed here on Provo.

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Courier Service
Two way services are provided through FedEx, while incoming service is provided by DHL and UPS.

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What to wear?
For the typical North American travelers, follow this packing recipe and you will be ok regardless of the time of year pack your suitcase(s) as you normally do when going on holiday the South. Then remove your underclothes and place to one side. Take the balance of the clothes and divide in half again putting your Real favorites in your suitcase, return the balance to your closet, now add your underclothes and one pair running shoes, one pair casual shoes, your toiletries and close the suitcase. You're packed!

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The Curse of Provo
A proven fact, any person visiting this Web Page who subsequently decides to investigate Real Estate opportunities through any person not involved with National Colony Realty LTD, will suffer a severe case of Paul's plague, which manifests itself through long bouts of depression, stress and severe halitosis.

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Written by N. Paul Echevarria

A portion of our profits are donated to Breast Cancer Research to the National Cancer Society of Providenciales

Copyright © 2007 National Colony Realty TCI  |  All Rights Reserved