Turks and Caicos are British-controlled islands within the Caribbean, south of the Bahamas. They have stunning seashores, clear water, considerable marine life, luxurious resorts, and nice eating. Turks and Caicos are secure locations when you take the identical precautions as in any main metropolitan space.
Latest security updates on touring to Turks and Caicos
On October 5, 2022, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory assertion urging Americans to make use of warning when touring to the islands. American vacationers should not particularly focused for crimes; nonetheless, crimes of alternative do happen. These crimes embrace theft, burglaries, and violent crimes, comparable to armed theft, rape, and homicide. The islands have restricted felony investigative capabilities.
Crime in Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos have about the identical crime as most U.S. metropolitan areas. Travelers ought to use widespread sense and keep away from offering alternatives to potential criminals. Armed theft of villas in distant areas is a specific downside.
Common scams in Turks and Caicos
The commonest rip-off towards vacationers on the islands is taxi overcharging. To keep away from this:
- Settle a price upfront earlier than taking the journey.
- Specify that the price covers all riders; a typical rip-off is multiplying the price instances the variety of riders however solely telling you this when you arrive at your vacation spot.
- Do your homework and analysis applicable taxi fares earlier than you go.
You can hire a automotive in case you are snug driving on the left. Beware of taxis and buses as a result of they typically pace and ignore site visitors indicators.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are uncommon within the Caribbean. If they happen, they accomplish that between June and November. The island additionally has many hurricane shelters the place you possibly can flee if the climate worsens.
Health Care
Turks and Caicos have two hospitals that may deal with non-life-threatening circumstances. Severe medical circumstances would require air evacuation. The U.S. State Department recommends insurance coverage that covers medical evacuations.
Safety measures to remember when visiting Turks and Caicos
- Avoid remoted rental villas as a result of they’re extra typically targets of armed robberies than resorts in populated areas which have security measures.
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended in public locations like seashores or lodge lobbies.
- Avoid going out alone. Instead, exit with companions, particularly at evening, and keep away from unsafe venues.
- Avoid ostentatious shows of jewellery or money.
- Use solely clearly marked taxis and don’t settle for rides with strangers.
- Avoid leaving drinks unattended in public areas. Unattended drinks enable the usage of “date rape” medication.
- Use warning when attending crowded occasions or procuring in crowded areas.
- Stick to well-lighted areas.
- Be conscious of your environment.
- Only carry what you want and keep away from having loads of money.
- Avoid parking vehicles downtown or on the seaside, as they current alternatives for vandalism and theft. Avoid putting valuables in sight in your automotive, and ensure your rental insurance coverage coverage covers window breakage.
- Avoid selecting up hitchhikers, together with lone girls. Lone girls hitchhiking are sometimes half of a bigger scheme.
- Enroll within the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to notify the embassy and obtain info.
Why go to Turks and Caicos?
The islands provide a soothing paradise expertise near residence for U.S. vacationers. Some of the important thing points of interest are:
- Grace Bay Beach, which has received numerous awards.
- Cockburn Town, the capital of Grand Turk, and the positioning of many historic buildings.
- Wonderful climate. The islands common 350 days a 12 months of sunshine.
- An ideal snorkeling and diving playground.
- Mangrove channels that enable the chance to see a wide range of marine and avian life through kayak or paddleboarding.
- The Turks and Caicos National Museum that options greater than 700 years of artifacts.
- Cheshire Hall, which options nature and historical past