Turks and Caicos Money, Currency & ATMs

The Turks and Caicos Islands uses the US Dollar as its official currency. Whereas cards are widely accepted, acceptance is not universal, and it's common for card processing to be offline due to bank and IT issues. Before visiting, you’ll want to make sure you have enough cash on hand and available money to pay for transportation, meals, excursions, souvenirs, and other vacation expenses.

Cash Versus Card

Credit cards are widely accepted, and international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express can be used to make most purchases, as can Cirrus and Plus bank cards. Some businesses that are popular with tourists—such as the Ritz-Carlton and Shay Café—only accept credit cards, while others only accept cash, so it's recommended to carry both.

Smaller food and souvenir vendors and taxis typically only take cash, while most restaurants, stores, hotels, and many watersports companies accept credit card. Always carry cash—it’s common for card readers to go offline. Small bills are best, as businesses can struggle to get change for large bills if the nearest ATM is out of order.

If you’re visiting North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, or Salt Cay, plan to carry more cash. ATMs are non-existent on Middle Caicos and Salt Cay, and there are only a few ATMs on Grand Turk. Most vendors on these islands only accept cash.

Some taxis accept credit card, but most do not.

Foreign Exchange/Bureau de Change

There is no Foreign Exchange or Bureau de Change at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) or anywhere in the country, apart from local banks. It's advisable to exchange foreign currency before arriving in the Turks and Caicos.

These banks can change some foreign currencies, including the British Pound, Euro, and Canadian Dollar, to US Dollars. However, fees, long lines, and limited availability can make this a big hassle (bank queues can be over two hours).

ATMs can typically be used to withdraw US Dollars via debit or credit card accounts that are in foreign currencies. This will typically incur a withdraw fee, as well as a conversion fee or cash advance fee.

ATMs

Providenciales has the majority of the country’s ATMs. Local ATMs can be found at the main grocery stores. In the Grace Bay area, two ATMs are found inside Graceway Gourmet. Unfortunately, local ATMs are frequently out of service, so if you’re running low on cash and see a working machine, use it while you can. Out of service ATMs will typically remain dysfunctional for hours or days. Withdraws from banks out of network banks may incur a $7 fee (2025 price).

Making a cash withdraw at a local ATM will cost less than using a local bank to exchange currency. However, it’s best to check with your card issuer and bank ahead of time to determine the rate you will get. Credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees are the best option.

North Caicos and South Caicos each have one ATM. There are a few on Grand Turk, and none on Salt Cay or Middle Caicos.

Armed robberies and muggings do occasionally happen in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Carry only the cash you need and don't use ATMs at night.

Digital Payment Methods

A growing number of vendors in the Turks and Caicos now offer contactless payments, meaning you can use mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay to pay for goods and services.

While this is a new added convenience in the islands, it’s best not to rely on mobile payment services to pay your bill. Bring cash just in case.

Local Taxes and Fees

There are several taxes and fees you ought to be aware of to accurately determine the cost of meals, accommodation, and other expenses on your vacation.

The Turks and Caicos Government charges a mandatory tourist tax of 12% on all stays in the country (with the exception of Beaches and Club Med Turkoise, which charge 7.5%) as well as a 10% service charge. Some resorts also charge a 5% facility, so it's standard to pay 22–27% in taxes on accommodation.

It is mandatory for resort restaurants to apply a 10% service charge to all restaurant bills. Combined with the mandatory tourism tax, resort meals will incur a minimum of 22% tax. Offsite restaurants may also apply a service charge. Be sure to check your bill to see if the establishment has already added a gratuity before tipping.

You’ll likely also see the 12% tourist tax on any meals you consume, watersports activities and spa services that you book, and concierge services you use.

There is no sales tax in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in the Turks and Caicos, and good service generally warrants a tip of 15–18%. In other words, if your bill already includes a 10% service charge, you’ll need to add 5–8% to make up the difference.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Binance, and Ethereum are not accepted by businesses and merchants in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Traveler's Cheques

Traveler's cheques are not used or accepted in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including at banks.

Costs

The Turks and Caicos Islands is not a cheap travel destination, and prices here can be much higher than those in the United States and Canada. There is a high season and a low season for tourism in the islands, and accommodation prices typically fluctuate based on the time of year.

Food and grocery prices are high, especially for perishables and imported alcohol. Watersports excursions and activities will typically cost you $100 or more.