The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory, but could hardly be more different than Britain if they tried. Low, sandy islands rising from the tropical Caribbean at the southern tip of the Bahamian Archipelago and near the Dominican Republic and Haiti, ringed with stunning coral reefs and boasting a balmy climate with temperatures rarely dipping below 80 degrees fahrenheit (27 celsius), they make an idyllic holiday destination.
With eight main islands and hundreds of smaller ones, the Turks and Caicos are in possession of some incredible beaches. In fact, they are world-renowned for their stretches of sand including Grace Bay, considered by many to be the best in the world. With a car hire, it’s easy to discover the coves and bays off the beaten track - in fact, with very little public transport available, having your own set of wheels is by far the best way to explore.
Leaving the beaches behind is not easy, but if you can tear yourself away you might find another wonderful aspect of the Turks and Caicos - a fantastic seafood restaurant, a store full of handmade jewellery, a golf course, the ruins of an old cotton plantation. If you are up for the challenge, a scuba diving adventure will let you get a glimpse of the amazing reefs that surround the islands.
Why book with Airport Rentals in Turks and Caicos
When you have sun, sand and relaxation on the brain, a stressful car booking experience is the last thing you want. Airport Rentals can make it easy and convenient, gathering a wide range of rental suppliers and their available vehicles together on one page. Just input your travel dates and driver details and get a list of rental deals that could take you on a Turks and Caicos self-drive adventure.
Results can be listed with highest or lowest price first, and then narrowed down with filters for vehicle type, transmission type, capacity and more. You can then peruse your personalised list, compare the cars and choose one that suits you and your travel companions. Airport Rentals takes away the need to scour the internet with multiple tabs and windows open - it’s all in one convenient spot thanks to the simple search and booking engine and a database of trusted suppliers.
If you need extra help with the search and/or booking process, there is a team of expert rental consultants on hand via phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rental locations in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales, one of the main islands in the Caicos group, is the main transport hub and the location of the International Airport. Here you can pick up a car hire at the Providenciales Airport, where the majority of flights to the Turks and Caicos Islands land, and hit the roads to explore. You can also pick up a rental in downtown Providenciales. It is on this island that you will find the gorgeous Grace Bay, the striking Chalk Sound and quite a few charming settlements like the Bight and Blue Hills.
Rental companies in Turks and Caicos
Even on these small Caribbean islands, you can hire a car from a trusted and well-known rental brand. Turks and Caicos car rental companies include Avis, Budget and Europcar, all very well-established rental suppliers with well-established reputations for quality and reliability.
Choose not only from a range of brands but a variety of different vehicle types, from small economy hatchbacks and sedans right up to SUVs.
Road rules in Turks and Caicos
Even laidback Caribbean island nations have rules, and it’s important to follow them for a safe and stress free holiday. To get you started, here are a few of the most vital rules to remember in the Turks and Caicos Islands:
● Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
● At intersections, the rule of thumb is that you must give way to traffic coming from your right.
● The speed limits are posted in miles per hour. The maximum on the island is 40mph, and in towns and settlements it is 20mph.
● Seatbelts must be worn at all times while driving.
● The blood alcohol content limit for driving is 0.08%. Avoid drinking before driving.
Driving tips in Turks and Caicos
A little insider knowledge can go a long way! Knowing what to expect from local drivers and a few of the quirks of the Turks and Caicos roads will set you off on the right foot. For more generalised car rental advice, like essential road trip items and what to do in a breakdown, check out our blog.
● Although driving is on the left, many cars are imported from the USA and have the steering on the left, putting the driver on the outside. Be very careful as it takes a bit to get used to!
● School buses are also left hand drive, so be extra cautious and check for kids who may be exiting onto the road side rather than the pavement side.
● Petrol is quite expensive. However, distances are short.
● Providenciales has quite a smooth and well-developed new highway system, but other roads can be bumpy, so take extra care.
● Local drivers can be reckless, and - as anywhere - it is necessary to drive slowly and defensively to keep yourself safe.
Now that you know a little more about the beautiful Caribbean isles that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands, you are ready to hit the road - have a great trip!