Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Turks and Caicos Islands - cash only, or do cards work too?
Turks and Caicos doesn’t operate a formal metro or bus system. You’ll see some minibuses and shared vans used by locals, but they’re all unofficial and only take cash. No one takes cards - not drivers, not riders. There's also no Uber or Bolt here. Most tourists either rent a car or rely on expensive taxis. If you're planning to move around on a budget, bring cash and ask locals where the jitneys run - but it’s not always reliable.
There’s no public transport infrastructure in TCI like you’d find in big cities. No metro, no government buses. Locals rely on unmarked private vans - think of them as informal ride shares. These vans are cash-only, with no signage, no tickets, and definitely no card readers. It’s quirky and kind of charming but not tourist-friendly. If you're planning to move around, you’ll either need to rent a car or bring enough cash for occasional jitney rides.
I assumed there’d be a local bus service, but nope - no metro, no proper buses. Locals use jitney-style vans, which are super informal and don’t accept cards. I took one from near Grace Bay to a market on Leeward - you just hop in and pay a couple of bucks in cash. Honestly, it’s more like hitching a ride than using public transport. If you’re planning to use local options, carry USD in small denominations.
There’s no metro or official bus system in Turks and Caicos. What they have are shared local vans, often called “jitneys” or “dollar vans” - especially around Providenciales. They’re informal, unregulated, and always cash-only. No cards, no apps. Fares are cheap (usually $2-3), but you need small bills and sometimes wait on the roadside to flag one. Don’t expect fixed stops or schedules. If you're relying on public transport here, bring cash and patience.