The Turks & Caicos Islands are located in the British West Indies and consist of two island groups: the Turks islands and the Caicos islands. Spread over 193-square-miles of beautiful landscape by the Columbus Passage, the islands are located 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida - approximately one and a half hours of flying time.  
The Turks group of Grand Turk and Salt Cay are situated to the east, and the Caicos group of West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos and South Caicos, are situated to the west. The islands' resident population is approximately 30,000, with an estimated influx of 200,000 tourists annually. For more information, select from the following topics: | Major international carriers arrive daily to Providenciales International Airport from a number of North American cities including New York, Charlotte and Miami, and weekly from London Heathrow Airport. Inter-island services are provided by local carriers and charters and include flights to Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and Puerto Rico. |
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| The year-round temperature averages at 83°F (28°C) - the late summer months leading up to October can reach 90° to 95°F (33° to 35°C), while the temperature ranges from November to May averages between 80° and 84°F (27° to 29°C). The constant easterly trade winds keep the climate at a comfortable level by tempering the heat. The average annual rainfall for the entire group of islands is moderate at just 21 to 40 inches, giving 350 days of sunshine a year. |
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| Land-based sporting activities include premier golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding, fitness centers and personal trainers. Water sport activities include world-class scuba diving sites, parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, beachcombing, sailing, kayak tours of the surrounding cays and deep-sea fishing. Spa and body treatment services, including hair and nail salons, are abundant on-island. Nightlife and restaurants include casinos, live music, bars, pubs and fine dining. There are many duty-free shops for liquor, jewelry, perfume, leather goods, electronics, etc. Family attractions include a conch farm, natural ecoreserves, sanctuaries and art galleries. |
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| English, with several other languages spoken by multi-cultural resident population. |
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| Eastern Standard Time with Daylight Savings Time observed. |
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| All visitors traveling by air require a valid passport, with the exception of certain countries requiring visas such as those of the former Eastern Bloc. |
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| 120/240 volts, 60 Hz, suitable for U.S. appliances. |
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| Internet, cable and telephone services are provided by Cable & Wireless Ltd's digital network, both domestically and internationally, including services for cell phone use, wireless, facsimile and worldwide direct dialing. Any North American with an overseas AT&T or Cingular roaming agreement can use their cell phones on the Islands. |
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| A wide variety of financial services are available, making it easy to do your banking at the handful of bank branches or via 24-hour ATM machines. As a leading offshore financial centre and tax haven, there are also numerous banks, trust companies, credit card services and money-wiring services available in both Providenciales and Grand Turk. |
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| Several private general practitioners reside on the Islands and there is a government clinic on Providenciales and a small hospital in Grand Turk. Other services include: dental, chiropractic, pharmacy, emergency room, physiotherapy, optometry, X-ray, ultrasound and recompression chamber. Patients are flown to hospitals in Miami or Nassau via air ambulance in the case of medical emergencies. |
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| There are many churches located in the Islands, with many faiths represented. |
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| All pets require a signed veterinary certificate stating that the animal is in good health and is free of contagious or infectious diseases, including all necessary vaccinations. Although there is no quarantine period for incoming pets, a Public Health Inspector will examine your pet upon arrival. |
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