17 Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Turks and Caicos

Key Points to Know

• When all taxes and fees are included, the lowest prices for rental cars in the Turks and Caicos start at around $50 per day (2025 price) for a compact economy-class car. International booking websites that advertise much lower rates are usually being deceptive, as the rates they display do not include taxes and insurance.
• Vehicles drive on the left in Turks and Caicos. The country uses roundabouts instead of stoplights, and there are many poor drivers on the roads. Please read Driving in the Turks and Caicos.
• For most visitors, renting a car for the duration of their stay and picking up and dropping off the car at the Providenciales International Airport is the easiest and least expensive way to get around.
• Grace Bay Car Rentals and Island Life Jeeps are located directly at the Providenciales International Airport, with fast and streamlined pickup offered close to the terminal.
• Jeeps and 4x4s are not necessary for most vacations, but are often more fun to drive. For guests staying on Providenciales, the remote west coast national parks are the only attractions or destinations where a Jeep may be needed.
• Check reviews. Some car rental companies and franchises on Providenciales don’t have good reputations due to their practices regarding sand cleaning fees, delays with ‘airport’ car pickup and shuttles, not having reserved vehicles available, bait and switch practices, and extra credit card charges. The rental companies with the lowest advertised rates online are typically not the least expensive option when all fees and taxes are included.

1. Airport Pickup Quality and Locations Vary

Many local car rental companies claim they have an airport location, but there’s a huge variance in what that entails. In some cases, the rental vehicles are onsite at the airport complex, and customers can finish any necessary paperwork and collect their car at the airport. In other cases, the rental company shuttles guests to an offsite location, which may be in the general Downtown area of Providenciales.

Wait times vary as well. A few boutique rental companies have customer rentals waiting and ready just a short walk from the airport arrivals terminal, and typically have a representative available for each arriving party. Other agencies have queues of 20–30 minutes.

2. International Brands Are Just Local Companies That License the Trademark

In Turks and Caicos, rental companies that appear to be major recognized US car rental brands are typically international independent licensees (local rental companies that have a license to use the brand name and have access to the international booking engines).

In the case of any problems, corporate offices will typically not help you resolve issues, especially over disputes regarding overcharging and added fees.

3. Many Car Rental Companies Operate Under Multiple Names

Many of the rental car companies on Providenciales are businesses that basically operate under a local brand as well as one or more international brands. This is largely done to gain access to the large booking networks and gain additional traffic.

It’s best to research potential rental companies online prior to making reservations. However, reviews can often be fake, so pay attention to negative reviews.

4. Rental Cars Are Usually the Least Expensive Way to Get Around

For the typical visit to Turks and Caicos, a rental car is the best and least expensive way to get around. A single average return taxi trip is often equal to the cost of renting an economy-class car for the day.

Budget travelers especially are advised to rent a car, although a car may not be needed for your entire stay. This is true for travelers staying in central Grace Bay, where many restaurants, gift shops, cafés, and even a grocery store are within walking distance of the major accommodations. Some tour companies provide free pickup for customers, typically for those staying at a Grace Bay hotel.

5. Providenciales is a Small Island

Providenciales is a very small island, so it doesn’t make much of a difference where your rental agency is located. While it's best to pick up your rental car at the Providenciales International Airport upon arrival to avoid costly taxi fares, most companies are able to provide a shuttle or car delivery service to your hotel or villa.

A few businesses, such as Grace Bay Car Rentals, have locations in Grace Bay that are within easy walking distance of the resorts and hotels.

6. Car Rental Prices Start at Around $50 per Day

Including mandatory taxes and fees, car rental rates in Turks and Caicos start at around $50 per day (2025 price) for an economy compact rental car, with higher rates for full-size cars, SUVs, and Jeeps. Some of the boutique rental companies that specialize in Jeep Wranglers and 4x4s have a three-day-minimum rental policy, and it's not possible to rent Jeeps by the day from these providers. Others may charge for vehicle dropoff in certain locations.

While it's possible to see car rentals advertised for $30 per day, these quotes are usually deceptive and quickly increase once insurance, fees, and taxes are added.

All car rental companies on Providenciales and in Grace Bay require credit cards or debit cards to rent.

7. Some Companies Charge Cleaning and Sand Fees

Some rental companies charge additional cleaning fees, often associated with ‘excessive sand’. What constitutes excessive sand varies by business.

Some companies have developed a reputation for a liberal interpretation of this sand cleaning policy, and have charged renters for negligible amounts of sand in vehicles. Read reviews carefully to avoid businesses that bill surprise charges.

8. Vehicles Drive on the Left

In the Turks and Caicos, vehicles drive on the left, have speed limits posted in miles per hour (mph), and have UK-style road signage.

The technically correct setup vehicle is UK spec, with the steering wheel on the right (right-hand drive) and a speedometer in miles per hour. However, UK spec rental cars in the Turks and Caicos are virtually nonexistent. Most rental fleets are either American spec left-hand drive cars or Japanese vehicles that are right-hand drive yet have speedometers designated in kilometers per hour (km/h).

9. Turks and Caicos Uses Roundabouts

The Turks and Caicos Islands uses roundabouts instead of traffic lights.

Once understood, roundabouts are simple to use. See Driving in the Turks and Caicos for a detailed explanation on roundabout usage, including information on how to signal and who has right of way.

10. There Are Many Poor Drivers in Turks and Caicos

There are many hazardous and dangerous drivers in the Turks and Caicos. It’s best to be alert when on the roads, especially around jitneys (small unlicensed taxis that are typically poor-condition compact sedans) and taxis and during late hours.

The driving situation in Turks and Caicos is better than in most other Caribbean countries, but many local drivers—especially operators of illegal jitneys—drive with little regard for other users of the road.

Due to hectic and dangerous driving, it is strongly advised not to drive scooters and e-bikes on the 40 mph (64 km/h) highway.

11. Stay on Established Roads

It’s easy to get stuck or damage your vehicle when driving off-road, even with a Jeep or 4x4 rental.

Do not drive on the beach or on some of the saline mud flats. In addition to causing long-lasting environmental damage, driving on these terrains can be treacherous. The calcareous beach sand in the Turks and Caicos is usually quite soft, and can bog down even capable four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The high-salinity mud flats found throughout the Turks and Caicos often have a surface layer that appears hard, yet has a mixture of soft mud and brine below. Cars and jeeps will simply break through the upper layer and become mired in one to two feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) of corrosive slime. In the past, rental jeeps have been written off and renters have been held liable due to damage caused by driving in saline wetlands.

12. Unattended Valuables Left in Cars Have Been Stolen

Cars are occasionally broken into on Providenciales. It’s advisable to not leave any valuables or anything that appears valuable in a vehicle unattended, especially at remote locations or at large events such as the Thursday Fish Fry.

Some locals advise simply leaving nothing in the car, and not locking doors, to prevent windows from being broken.

Damage caused by criminals may not be covered by insurance. For more information, see Safety and Crime.

13. The Minimum Car Rental Age Is 25

Nearly all car rental companies in the Turks and Caicos have a minimum driver’s age of 25 years old for cars and 18 years old for scooters. A couple of businesses on Providenciales are an exception and have a minimum age of 18 or 21 for cars.

14. There's a Fair Selection of Vehicle Types to Rent

Vehicles available for rent on Providenciales range from compact cars to upfitted Jeep Wranglers, 4x4 buggies, and luxury SUVs.

If your budget allows for it, a Jeep Wrangler or larger SUV is the most fun and comfortable rental. For those trying to keep costs down or who are only staying for a few days, an economy-class compact car will easily get you everywhere you need to go.

Larger groups may need to rent a van (which several agencies offer) or two cars. Due to a lack of demand, pickup trucks are not offered by any of the local car rental companies.

Cars, Jeeps, and SUVs are the best choice for most visitors over scooters or buggies, as they offer sun protection and superior crash safety for highway use.

15. Most Rental Cars Have Automatic Transmissions

Most of the rental cars in Turks and Caicos have automatic transmissions. A small number of economy-class cars on Providenciales have manual transmissions, yet these are the exception and not the norm.

16. Vehicle Availability May Be Limited During the High Season

The availability of rental cars is often limited during the high season, especially at the more popular rental companies. It's best to make your car reservations directly after booking your accommodation or flight.

While the cost of accommodation and tours can fluctuate based on the time of year, rates rarely change for vehicle rentals on Providenciales.

17. Booking, Reservation, and Cancellation Policies Vary

As mentioned above, it’s advised that you book in advance, especially if you’ll be arriving during the busy season.

Cancellation policies vary greatly between the local companies, and it's important to read your chosen company's policy carefully before booking.

Turks and Caicos Car Rental Businesses