Before you leave Canada

Entry requirements

Canadian citizens entering Turks & Caicos require some proof of citizenship, such as a passport. Air Canada Vacations strongly recommends the use of a passport for all destinations. No health certificate is necessary. Landed immigrants should consult the British Consulate or tourist board about all pertinent formalities required.

Baggage

Please refer to aircanada.com for Baggage Information.
Airport check in

It is recommended that you present yourself at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your voucher 3 hours prior to departure. Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations representatives will be available starting at 5 a.m.

Your arrival  at destination

Airport procedures

A hotel representative will assist you with ground transportation once you have gone through immigration and customs.

Transfer

For passengers having purchased a complete holiday package the hotel representative will guide you to your bus or taxi for the transfer to your accommodation. Air only passengers must arrange their own transfers by taxi or bus.

Hotel check in

Upon arrival at your hotel, please identify yourself at the front desk with your Air Canada Vacations voucher. You will then be assigned your accommodation. The majority of hotels' check in is between 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. It is recommended to pack essential items in your carry on luggage.

Your departure from destination

Departure information

The day before you leave and the day of departure, remember to consult the Air Canada Vacations binder in your hotel for details on your departure procedures and return flight. Should there be a flight change, such information would be posted in the binder the day of departure.

Hotel check out

Hotel check-out times may vary depending on the property, but generally you must vacate the room by 12 p.m. (noon). For passengers with late flights, every effort will be made to provide you with a hospitality room; however, this cannot be guaranteed particularly during high season.

Duty-free Shopping

Duty free shops are located at the airport and on the island. After an absence of 7 days or more, Canadian residents are permitted to return with a maximum of $750 CAD of merchandise per trip without paying duty. Each time you leave Canada for at least 48 hours, you are eligible to declare up to $200 CAD of merchandise. A written declaration may be requested. Each adult is allowed 1.14 liter (40 oz.) of liquor and one (1) carton of cigarettes (200 cigarettes). If you include cigarettes, tobacco sticks and loose tobacco in your personal exemption allowance, only a partial exemption will apply. You will have to pay a minimum duty on these products unless they are marked "Canada - Duty paid". Canadian made products sold at a duty-free shop will be marked in this way.

Airport check in

Procedures are the same as for departure from Canada.

During your holiday

Customer Care

To reach Air Canada Vacations Customer Care, call toll-free 1 800 296-3408 or e-mail us at: prevoyageclientele@vacv.com. We are at your service seven days a week: from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, eastern time.

Local Air Canada Vacations office

In Turks & Caicos, Air Canada Vacations is represented by Turtle Tours. They will meet & greet your flight (arrivals/departures). They are available by phone for emergency assistance. They can be reached at 649-946-4393 or 649-331-4396 from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Emergency

You can ask for a doctor or dentist through your hotel. Keep all your receipts.

Banking

Banking hours are normally from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Currency

The currency in Turks and Caicos is the US dollar. Traveller's cheques are honoured by most hotels and stores.

Long distance calls

Please note if placing a call from your hotel room, to ask the hotel operator about connection service charges. Using a pay phone will avoid these service charges from the hotel.

Credit cards

Credit cards such as Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted.

Shopping

Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Public transportation

Taxis are available from the airport as well as hotels.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, bottled water is readily available in almost any store.

Sightseeing

Optional excursions are a great way to enhance your Air Canada Vacations holiday. Choose from a wide variety of activities and excursions available at your destination. For more information or to reserve your excursion, please see our local Air Canada Vacations Representative or Ground Handler Partner.

Car rental

Air Canada Vacations and AVIS* offer you the possibility of a car rental. Kindly contact your Destination Representative for rates and details upon arrival.
*Renter must be over 25 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Driving is on the left hand side.

Tipping

It is customary to tip 15% in restaurants or bars.

Electricity

110V same as Canada.

Language

English is the official language.

Religion

There are many faiths that are represented in Turks and Caicos. Some of the churches include: Adventist, Anglican, Baha'i, Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Church of God of Prophecy, Methodist, Pentecostal, Jehovah's Witness and Faith Tabernacle Church of God.

Time zone

When it is noon in Turks & Caicos, it is
1 p.m. in Halifax
12 p.m. (noon) in Montreal or Toronto
11 a.m. in Winnipeg
10 a.m. in Calgary
9 a.m. in Vancouver
The above times are for the winter season only ; it does not take into account Daylight Savings time.