Shopping in Turks and Caicos

Traditionally, Turks and Caicos has not been known as a top shopping destination.  Smart shoppers, however, know that government policies have made the islands a great place to get a deal.

The Goods

Turks and Caicos is one of the few countries in which visitors may export conch shells.  Each person is allowed to bring home up to three conch shells with them.

Products made by locals are great finds, and wonderful souvenirs to bring home.  You can find gallery upon gallery filled with artwork by island artists, as well as beaded jewelry, conch shell jewelry, woven accessories, pottery, handmade dolls, and tinkling wind chimes.

Rum and coffee made on the island are also popular souvenir choices.  Be on the look out for Bambarra rum and A Taste of Island Timecoffee.  Turks Head beer from the only micro-brewery in the country is another great find.

Where to Shop

Providenciales, Grand Turk

There are four main shopping centers in the Providenciales (Provo) area. 

Caicos Cafe Blaza, which is located near Grace Bay, has a selection of imported goods from Bali, as well as Cuban cigars, which cannot be purchased in the United States.  Also on site, you'll find shops selling souvenir items.

If you are looking to do some clothes shopping, head to Ports of Call.  This is where you will find numerous clothing and accessory boutiques, as well as a few souvenir shops.  

For the widest array of shops, head to Regent Village, which has clothing, accessories, art shops, souvenir shops, and more, all in one area.  The village has over 30 shops in 150,000 square feet of area.

Finally, when you are on the hunt for accessories for your home, Saltmills Plaza is where you want to shop.  There are also a few accessories and clothing stores in the area.

South Caicos & Middle Caicos

South, Middle, and North Caicos are where you want to go to find the most unique souvenirs.  There are dozens of shops on each island that promote artwork and crafts made by native artisans.

Duties, Taxes, and Other Tips

Turks and Caicos is one of the few countries in the Caribbean at which you can not only shop duty free at many locations, but, avoid sales taxes and luxury taxes all together.  U.S. visitors who stay on the islands for more than 48 hours are permitted to bring up to $800(USD) worth of duty free product home with them, such as  cameras, china, cigars, crystal, perfume, jewelery, liquor and watches.  Those who stay less than 48 hours are permitted up to $200(USD) worth of products.  Rules for Canadians are slightly different, who must stay for a week before they can return home with $750(USD) worth of products, though after 48 hours they may bring home up to $400(USD) worth of items.  You can find duty free shops in the airport, the lobbies of many hotels, and throughout the rest of the country. 

The official currency in Turks and Caicos is the U.S Dollar (USD), making it easy for American visitors to shop.  Buisiness hours typically run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except on Sundays, when most shops stay closed for the day.

Whether it be a hand-printed fabric, a sampling of your favorite local drink, or some home décor, you definitely do not want to leave Turks and Caicos empty handed.