living in turks and caicos

Gio,

My husband and I have lived full-time in Providenciales for the past three years.  We have an 18-month-old daughter.  The expat community here is very friendly, as for most TI's I would say "not so much".  There is little intermingling between communities.  Nothing is said outright, it's just the way it is.  I do not lack for friends, however.  Especially since I had my daughter.  There are several baby & toddler groups on-island.  If you don't have children your social life will most likely revolve around work, the gym and several local pubs/bars.  I complain about the cost of living being high but groceries aren't quite THAT HIGH!  We pay (for a family of three) an average of $200 p/week.  Which works out to about $800 p/month and will include going out to eat twice.  We don't eat out much, if you do I could see how the cost of food would be higher - especially if you went out drinking on the weekends.  We're the stay-at-home types, though.  And my husband is Dutch.  Need I say more??? Rent starts at $2100 p/month and just goes up and up and up...utilities are high, we are fortunate to pay $1800 p/month (it will be $2000 in Sept.) and our utilities are on average an additional $400.  We run the A/C in the evenings - briefly.  Don't know what else to tell you...as far as beaches go ours are the best!  The sand and the water is incomparable.  The weather is temperate and only humid during hurricane season.  It's expensive to live here but the draw for Canadians is that there is no income tax.  I think it must apply to U.K., too, because there are a lot of people from there as well.  Very few Americans - I'm proud to be one of the few!  Hope I've given you an idea of what to expect here expense-wise.  Any other questions just ask!

Good day all, I’m new to this site and wanted some info on moving to Turks. I currently live in Toronto, Canada and have been in need of a major change for years now. I’m ready to take this leap. If anyone can help with any info on job searches there; if there are any recruitment firm you can pass on my way. I’m also interested in moving to other islands in the Caribbean. Thank you in advance for any info you may provide.

hi,

can you give an update of the cost of living in turks and caicos.. most of the posts i see here are from 2007..

elctricity, water, cable and internet, and grocery..

thanks

I would also like to hear from some new people on T/C.  So far, my husband and I are set on Belize, but we are meeting with an assets protection associate who wants us to consider T/C.  Anybody out there up to replying?

I would also like to know more Gio. My husband is an electrician (Canadian) and I have done a lot of hotel work so I would not be worried finding a job, but how do electricians compare from canada to turks and caicos? What does it pay?

Hello fanny18ca and welcome to Expat.com!

This thread is dated 2011.
I suggest you to start a new thread on the Turks and Caicos Islands forum for better visibility.

Thank you,
Aurélie

Hi - I moved to providenciales 8 months ago. Our grocery bill is $350 a week for a family of 3. Rent starts at around 1800 for a 3 bed property. Bills average at $500 a month with very limited use of AC. Eating out is quite expensive !
I don't know how much an electrician would get paid sorry.

Hi Peggym,
are you still active on here? I might possibly move to TCI and find it hard to find anything to rent in general, and what little i found, seems to be in the region of $2000 for a one bedroom?
Could you maybe update as your post seems to be a couple of years old?
Cheers
Dennis

Hi Dennisirl - what do you need assistance with? This forum isnt very active but happy to help if i can!

with regards to property they only reliable agent that regularly has rentals in my opinion is prestigious properties. Their is also a facebook page where a lot more property is advertised by owners and you can also check out enews.tc as they advertise long term lettings there.

groceries depends on whether you are an extravagant eater / drinker or simple. Mines pretty simple and i spend around $350 a month but i dont shop around and only go to IGA, i have been told shopping around can drastically reduce your bill.

property depends on location, generally around 1500 will get you a 2 bed apartment or house but nothing fancy, 2,200 you are looking at a 2 bed 2 bath in a gate community, 2,600 and up you are looking at generally a pretty nice place. you can find places for under 1000 but you wouldnt necessarily want to live in the area.

Hope this helps!

Hi Skip, thanks for your help and the above so far, but still have quite a few questions and appreciate your time!
I am in early interview stages, so not even sure yet but want to get my ducks in a row before I suppose. The company also has a position in Grenada, so could end up there too.
Regarding Turks though, you know roughly how long it takes for work permits to come through? How quick and how painful is it to get a decent bank account, with decent internet banking and a visa debit card, if they have such?
I think the position will either come with accommodation or there will be an allowance, but I am unsure as how much yet, but good to know what Ines needs to budget! What about utilities?
In terms of social life, I realise Turks ain't London, and I am not a golfer either, but surely people must socialise? How and where do u socialise if you don't mound me asking?
Also I am looking for my partner to follow me, would know of any sites for him to look for jobs, waiter or bar is ok, or would it be easier if he comes over and looks then?
Thanks for all your help so far and sorry for all the random questions but I write them up as I think of them!
Cheers Dennis

Hi Dennis,

Not a problem I know how difficult it is to find information on island!

First it may be helpful to know your age and what sort of employment you are looking at as different employers can fast track work permits and also dependent on your age will depend on activities I know about !

For example I work in the finance sector and my work permit came through in around 6 weeks but this was fast tracked, if it isn’t fast tracked it can take a couple of months, one thing you should note is that you need to be off island when it is granted and you pick it up in the airport.

I setup my account with CIBC within an hour and I was given a cash card to use and received my debit card within a month I believe, internet banking was granted in a few weeks.

So accommodation really depends on where you live, there are good areas and bad areas on the island, the bad areas are cheaper but you don’t really want to live in them, you can get a semi-decent apartment for around 1500 and houses can go for 1500 upwards. Preferably if your employer can give you accommodation that would be great, the areas you want to avoid are down town, five keys and south dock and blue hills really, most other ones are ok, it is hard to find rental accommodation though as majority of accommodation on island is let short term as they get better cash.

Utilities depend on usage obviously, where I am at the moment my pool pump sucks majority of my electric to the tune of around $230 without a pool pump and using central air its around $200 I am led to believe. Water on cistern is $165 a load which lasts around 2 months, if you have cistern they usually have run offs from your roof so when it rains your tank fills up! City water im told is around $100 a month.

For social mostly rum punch on the beach, as corny as it sounds.. myself I horse ride and became friendly with the people who run it and our socializing is usually drinks at a bar, they close at around 3am and there are bars that open later. I am not a golfer either, people also have boats but it’s a very expat friendly community so you will find yourself invited round to peoples houses beaches, etc. There are also a lot of charity events which are great fun and lead to great networking.

In my opinion your partner will really find it difficult if you are not married. For a work permit for hospitality I am told it can be quite difficult as majority of these jobs go to locals only and are reserved, if he can prove he is a mixologist or decent barista potentially he would find work but I wouldn’t guarantee it. My partner is in a similar position and is still in the UK and when she comes over she wont work and will potentially just do charity work or look to setup her own business.

For groceries it is completely dependent upon your life style, if you drink a lot etc.

Anything else you know just ask ! 

Cheers Skip

Hi Skip,
again thanks for all the help and answers. Should I ever make it I defo owe you a drink or two LOL
I am 33 and also work in finance and have applied for a FC position in one of the resorts on Turks, still in the early stages though so not sure how much I can bring up with them and not, moved around before, but within in Europe so never really done international moving LOL. One big thing for me is that I have a pretty good positions here in the UK so I wouldn't want to hand in notice before I know I have a work permit.
In terms of activity, a bit of tennis (knocking the ball around) and stuff would do me, I used to play tag rugby and field hockey in ireland - but havent for the past few years. I was looking to volunteer in the dog shelter once over there, as we also have a german shepard and i would miss her quite a bit, plus i thought it would get me out. Charity events also sound very good to me as I do skydive for Great Ormond Street here in august, so i think in time i would be ok.
In terms of my partner, he has 12 years IT experience so I was hoping that might help LOL. He currently works as a Duty Manager and would stay in the UK for a while before considering moving over so would have good experience there after, but I know he wouldnt be happy sitting around all day, and I wouldnt be also.
I already had a look in terms of accommodation and you are right, cant find a lot now. because everything is in early stages I am unsure what work would provide, and if they would allow my partner and possibly a dog - but I guess all these things could be asked when further into the process.
Banking seems to be wherever else I went so nothing too bad, but I would be hoping to move a bit of money around to europe, hence the questions LOL
I just like to get some of my facts right before even considering moving over, and you have been of great help.
Is the cinema i read about still existent?
Also I read that a car is necessary? They seem to be pricey as well? If it was to happen i am trying to gauge how much money i would need during the start up period before being paid.
When is your partner planning on coming over? Is she coming over on the tourist visa first?
Again thanks for all your help.
Cheers Dennis

Dennis,

You are not the only one who owes Skip a drink.

Let me chime about vehicles. First of all, know that I have nothing to do with this business. When I was I Grand Turk the people I met told me that they, just about, treat their vehicles as disposable items. I didn't meet a person who did not import their vehicle from http://www.japanesevehicles.com/.

Hi Dennis,
Just been reading through your thread and exchange with Skip -and thought I'd jump in too with regard to a couple of the points you mentioned.
My position is slightly different, as my husband is living out in TCI while I'm in the U.K. waiting (fingers crossed) to make the move also, although I've spent time out there recently. Cost of a decent car - around 2000 dollars. His first car was a bit less, and as they say, you get what you pay for! Even at a cost of 2k dollars, don't expect anything grand.
I met a lovely lady who is part of a tennis club out there. The members often get together and socialise, and they seem to welcome new members all the time.
My husband is in Chalk Sounds. Lovely and quiet, but you definitely need a car in that area as it's literally at the end of the island and the local taxis don't go to that part. It took him almost 2 months to find decent accommodation and as mentioned by Skip, he was also told to avoid those same areas mentioned. His 2 bed apartment (very lovely) costs $1200 pm, no bills included.
Just thought I'd furnish you with these points in the hope they may help. Best of luck. K.

Hi Dennis I'll send you a message as the conversation is getting specific and of the private nature

absolutely true either from japan or america, the issue is it will take around 6 weeks to arrive and although are better value for money will cost you move at the begining than buying a cheap island car you can get the nissan/suzuki for around $2-3,000

Thank you.

Skip & Dennis - any chance of including me in your private conversation? I won't be insulted if you don't.

Kemiest - im in the opposite situation to you my partner is in Jersey and also waiting to come over in december! well done to him on finding a cheap car for under $2K i havent seen anything around that for a while! most around $2K and up now unfortunately !

And this is true about accomodation, he has been very lucky to find that 2 bed in chalk sound for that price as well! its a lovely area! im hopefully moving into a gated community in a 2 bed 2 bath but that runs for around 2,100 - 2,400 excluding bills so he has done incredibly well!! good apartments take time to find and you need to tell EVERYONE you meet you are looking and something will come up eventually.. my first 6 months i was in an old 90s build without aircon which was an experience

There are a few houses / cottages under 1500 in turtle cove at the moment !

If anyone has any further questions always happy to assist where i can

Kemiest wrote:

Hi Dennis,
Just been reading through your thread and exchange with Skip -and thought I'd jump in too with regard to a couple of the points you mentioned.
My position is slightly different, as my husband is living out in TCI while I'm in the U.K. waiting (fingers crossed) to make the move also, although I've spent time out there recently. Cost of a decent car - around 2000 dollars. His first car was a bit less, and as they say, you get what you pay for! Even at a cost of 2k dollars, don't expect anything grand.
I met a lovely lady who is part of a tennis club out there. The members often get together and socialise, and they seem to welcome new members all the time.
My husband is in Chalk Sounds. Lovely and quiet, but you definitely need a car in that area as it's literally at the end of the island and the local taxis don't go to that part. It took him almost 2 months to find decent accommodation and as mentioned by Skip, he was also told to avoid those same areas mentioned. His 2 bed apartment (very lovely) costs $1200 pm, no bills included.
Just thought I'd furnish you with these points in the hope they may help. Best of luck. K.

i'll send it to you if you want - im not sure how you do group chats in here!

blahblahblah wrote:

Thank you.

Skip & Dennis - any chance of including me in your private conversation? I won't be insulted if you don't.

Thanks Skip. Yes lucky to have found a car for 2k, but as I said, nothing grand for that amount. I think the accommodation was priced as such because the location is very much off the beaten track, albeit lovely. Not many people want to live in such seclusion:-)

Always good to share information on these forums. Never know what might prove useful for yourself or others:-)
Good luck everyone in your respective endeavours - please keep sharing any useful information.

Hi Kemiest,

thanks for the post and the info on cars and living situation. Always good to hear other perspectives :-)
Can I ask when are you planning on going over and what are you planning on doing work wise when over there? Or do you even plan on working?
Cheers Dennis

Guys, I am very grateful for all the different comments and tips. Hopefully it will work out and I eventually get over there.
Once that happens I be happy to meet up for chats and all :-)

Hi Dennis,
I'm hoping to be out there in September.  I'm an English Language specialist, run a small tutoring business from home and carry out tasks for various examination boards. Some of the work I do can be done anywhere - as long as I have good internet connection. I'd also like to explore the opportunity of doing some private tuition in TCI or possibly teach in a school.
Best of luck with everything.
Always nice to hear how people are getting on:-)

Hi everyone,

just came across your topic - highly appreciated, many thanks. Just have a couple of questions as I just got an unexpected job offer and don't know if a family of 4 (two parents, two kids around 7) is going to survive with the budget offered? Currently the contract is about 7.500 USD / month, no further rental allowance. Air tickets to/from TCI and shipping costs for household included. The problem - as already mentioned is - that we are having a fairly well paid job here in Austria and don't want to bring us in a position where we have to count every penny because living costs are so much higher than expected.

Many many thanks and have a great day, Peter

Hi everyone,

just came across your topic - highly appreciated, many thanks. Just have a couple of questions as I just got an unexpected job offer and don't know if a family of 4 (two parents, two kids around 7) is going to survive with the budget offered? Currently the contract is about 7.500 USD / month, no further rental allowance. Air tickets to/from TCI and shipping costs for household included. The problem - as already mentioned is - that we are having a fairly well paid job here in Austria and don't want to bring us in a position where we have to count every penny because living costs are so much higher than expected.

Many many thanks and have a great day, Peter

Hello named_peter,

Welcome to expat.com!

Thank you for asking your questions on the forum.

It is indeed a very difficult decision to make...

How did you apply for this job? Will you be taking your family with you?

I hope that other members will share their experiences with you soon

Cheers,

Yoginee

Expat.com team

@named_peter

Hi Peter,

it honestly all depends on lifestyle.. i think its enough money to try for 12 months if you want to give your family the experience

Hello!

     Have any American expats to TCI relocated with dogs? Even better, horses? Also- do any of you have school aged kids? I grew up expat in Hong Kong and Malaysia so I am familiar with the International Schools. Curious to know how the one in TCI ranks and if it would be affordable for my 6&8 year old daughters.

Thanks!

lisa

Hi Lisa,

cant comment on the kids but on the horses if you were looking to relocate them to TCI there upkeep would be pretty costly as there arent any equestrian shops to get feed etc, it all has to get shipped in. we don't really have any edible grass here. get in touch with provo ponies that could help explain the costs better than I.

on relocating dogs contact bark n bliss on island and they can assist. dogs being relocated is a regular occurrence

@skip84 thank you so much for your reply! I am in the very preliminary fact finding portion of applying to work with horses on the island, so whether my own or horses owned by the company we will have feeding expenses. I’m glad to know that bringing my dogs is an option. After my initial post I did find a list of banned breeds on the island. Thankfully my labs would be welcomed!

@lisa eisele not a problem! is this a new company or an existing company? i would highly advise that you come out for a visit to make sure you think your horses would be able to cope with the heat..

@skip84 existing. If you have opinions one way or another of any programs on island, feel free to PM!

Hi everyone, I've gained quite a bit of knowledge here but I have some more questions if anybody has any knowledge on that. My fiance is relocating to Turks on a work permit and I will be relocating as well. I am currently a dental hygienist but I can hardly find any information on the net about dental hygiene work in Turks.

Do they hire in public health or strictly private?

Would it be easy to get a dental hygienist job in Turks?

Can I save on a dental hygienist salary?

What is even a dental hygienist salary there? I've seen only one single post that say $2500 per month. Is that accurate?

Do I need specific dental licensing to work in Turks or do an exam?

Should I just wait until I get there to look for a job or try getting a job and work permit before coming there?

If dental hygiene doesn't work out I've seen that foreigners can open businesses but I've seen that there are restricted niches. What niches can foreigners explore?

If anyone can shed any light I would be grateful! Thank you

unless you get married i dont believe you can be endorsed on his work permit so you would need to leave every X amount of weeks (i say X because technically its 180 days but they usually give less) your other option is to get a temporary residency visa so you don't have to leave the island to renew your entrance stamp.

on dental hygienist i think there are 3 dentists on island, i suggest you call each and ask about jobs. no idea on salary or licencing you would need to ask the dentist.

finding work once here and contacts through your fiance would probably be easier but doesn't hurt to try before you get here.

on ownership of your own company if you don't get a belonged partner the self employer work permit is $10K and you would need to incorporate a company etc. to get it, its expensive and some jobs are reserved category where only locals can do it. check the business licence ordinance with the TCIFSC