Living in the Turks and Caicos
Although the relaxed, healthy lifestyle of the Turks and Caicos Islands may make residents feel as if they are on a perpetual vacation, the islands do provide the necessities for families living here year-round, including excellent education, services, hospitals, and places of worship.
Whether you are coming here for a limited time or to become a permanent resident, we know that you will enjoy our way of life and integrate with our very special school community and the people living in the Turks & Caicos.
Exploring the Turks and Caicos
About the Turks & Caicos
Turks and Caicos Map
The Turks & Caicos Islands are located 550 miles southeast of Miami, just below the Bahamas and to the east of Cuba. Technically, the Turks and Caicos are located in the Atlantic Ocean. Where is the International School?
The Islands are home to roughly 33,000 full-time residents, and welcome more than 1 million tourist annually. It is an overseas territory of the UK and the main language is English.
Turks and Caicos Islanders are mostly descendants of Africans. The sizeable expatriate population consists of British, Canadians, Americans, French, Bahamians, people from Hispaniola and others from virtually everywhere in the world.
Providenciales (‘Provo’) is the urban centre and it offers all amenities you would expect to find. It has an 18-hole golf course, a casino, shopping centres, marinas, and excellent bars and restaurants. Being relatively unspoilt, Provo is also a divers’ and water-lovers’ paradise.
Family Activities
It is fun living the Turks and Caicos!
The idyllic climate and diverse community encourage an active lifestyle and there is no shortage of activities to keep the family entertained. Living in the Turks and Caicos definitely suits those who enjoy outdoor activities and the socialising that comes with it.
Parents will often meet people through their children’s activities. One nice thing about Provo is that because the weather is always lovely and there is never a very long commute to work, people make more of their leisure time.
There are many social clubs, service clubs and voluntary organisations you can join to make new friends including, such as Rotary, Rugby, Sailing, Tennis Club, Cricket Club, Provo Hockey League and the TCI Soccer Association. Plus there is a large sports centre offering gym facilities and many classes.
There are various religious denominations on the islands. If you would also like to contribute and give something back to the community, there are many voluntary organisations such as the Red Cross, Potcake Place, TCSPCA, Provo Children’s Home.
Live like a tourist
Turks and Caicos has escaped mass commercial development, and accordingly there is no traffic congestion, fast food restaurants, high rises and shopping malls. It’s a place with a true sense of community and a vibrant social life based on spending quality time with friends and family.
There is a host of land and and sea activities for all the family such as SUP, kiteboarding, sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding, etc. Living in the Turks and Caicos, recognised as a leading destination in the world for beautiful beaches, is special!
School Life in Turks and Caicos
We embrace living in the Turks and Caicos. We incorporate these beautiful, heritage rich islands and their cultural significance into our school topic studies. Read more about our Education Week TCI Living History Day or read our field trip blogs.
Our family based community benefits from a wealth of natural, pristine resources such as canals, beaches, marinas and mangroves, literally on our doorstep. Ferry services to neighbouring islands can be found within a 1/2 mile of our campus; a huge bonus when it comes to planning adventurous school trips. Pelican Beach, the eastern and peaceful end of Grace Bay is located a cycle ride from the school.
Getting to and from Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is one of the easiest islands in the Caribbean to reach. Direct flights from New York are just 3 ½ hours in length, and most major U.S. airlines provide year-round service. Other major hubs include Boston, Charlotte, Toronto and Miami. The airport was renovated in 2014.
Climate
Turks and Caicos Islands
A relatively dry and marine tropical climate provides glorious year-round weather conditions in Turks and Caicos. The country receives an average of 350 days of sunshine annually, and constant easterly trade winds keep the climate at a very comfortable level.
Mail Services
Post offices are located on all inhabited islands and mail is transported by air.
Grocery Stores
Living in the Turks and Caicos is convenient. If you have ever been into a large US or Canadian store, Provo’s grocery stores are very similar. They carry most major US, Canadian and UK brands, fresh fish and a variety of vegetables and fruit.
Security and Convenience
Turks and Caicos has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. A British Overseas Territory, the country has a democratically elected government. The U.S. dollar is used.
Education on Turks and Caicos
The British West Indies Collegiate is a private secondary school on Providenciales with a current enrolment of over 100 students offering classes from year 6 up and also the newly established TCI Middle School.
Healthcare
There is a new hospital in Providenciales accredited by Interhealth Canada, as well as several excellent private medical clinics.
Services and Utilities
Utilities such as telephone, internet, fax and cellular phone service providers are abundant and well-equipped. Our population in the Turks & Caicos Islands is very small, as compared to other Caribbean countries, therefore our costs for utilities are relatively high.
Owning a car on Provo
There are a number of new car dealerships on Provo, as well as opportunities to buy previously owned vehicles; If you import a motor vehicle (new or used) you will pay a duty rate based on the engine size.
Documentation
In order to reside in the Turks & Caicos Islands you must have one of the following documents which, on approval, are granted by the Department of Immigration a Temporary Residence Certificate, a Work Permit, or a Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC).