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Turks & Caicos - Bringing Alcohol into TCI - Trip Excursions - Car Rental

Turks & Caicos - Bringing Alcohol into TCI - Trip Excursions - Car Rental

Old Jul 28th, 2011, 05:15 AM
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Turks & Caicos - Bringing Alcohol into TCI - Trip Excursions - Car Rental

We are coming to TCI for the first time to celebrate our anniversary! Is it worthwhile to bring alcohol from the US in checked baggage when flying into Provo? We are flying out of Philadelphia, PA on a direct flight. Also, if we should take our own alcohol, how much is allowed? Is it two bottles of hard liquor per person? I just don't want to buy it and then have it confiscated! We are under the impression that alcohol is VERY expensive on the island when purchased at a store. We are NOT doing an all-inclusive package, but we are staying at The Villa Renaissance (which we heard is awesome) in a one bedroom condo. We have always done all-inclusive packages when we have travelled to other destinations so we never had to worry about alcohol before. Any info would be appreciated.

Also, we are thinking of doing some type of excursion. Any suggestions? We saw Provo Ponies and thought that would be fun. We also considered a dinner cruise, but aren't too sure about that one yet. We plan to snorkel, but have our own gear and plan to do that off the beach instead of a boat. What is Snuba like? There isn't any certification required for that is there? We've seen a lot of advertising for Snuba, and we aren't interested in scuba diving (I'm a little claustrophobic and neither of us are certified), so would the cost of Snuba be worth it or is snorkeling enough?

We are also contemplating the necessity of a rental car. We actually are given a 24 hour rental car with our accomodations, but we aren't sure if we might need one for another couple of days or more. We are going to get some groceries for our condo and want to do a little exploring on the island. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help! We are really looking forward to our trip.
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Old Jul 28th, 2011, 05:42 AM
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I can answer some of your questions...liquor is a little more expensive but, not so much more that i would check it in my bags and risk it breaking. You have a short walk to Graceway Gourmet grocery store , they have everything you will need there including the alcohol. BUT, you may be able to buy it at the Phil airport (duty free) as you have a direct flight...check it out.
You may want a rental car longer to drive to Chalk sound, Taylor bay etc or to dine in areas not near VR. There are many restaurants near VR though.
Skip the dinner cruise.
Go to the Snuba website to answer those questions or go to the Trip Advisor forums.
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Old Jul 28th, 2011, 02:56 PM
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compared to my local prices liquor is quite a lot more!! duty free at last US airport is definetly the way to go. i believe there is a 2 bottle per person limit for provo, but duty free will look at your tickets & tell you. they will then take your booze & deliver it directly to your gate. make sure to plan time at the airport to go to duty free & take your ticket in with you.

my bff has done snuba. she liked it but is a diver... provo also has a mini sub that goes out from turtle cove marina that might be a better choice if the snuba makes you nervous.

if it were me i'd want a car every day, but i like to be free to go explore anytime i wish. rental is cheaper than taxi if you use the car daily.

a super romantic restaurant is anacoana at the grace bay club. at least go have a cocktail at their infinity bar.
an interesting excursion is to middle caicos.
another idea is to have someone arrange a private dinner on the beach for you two. also there are excursions that will leave you alone on a deserted cay for a couple hours with lunch & an umbrella.
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Old Jul 28th, 2011, 03:57 PM
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FYI- I'm comparing NYC / LI prices to Provo when I say not much higher...guess it depends where home is.
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Old Jul 29th, 2011, 07:25 AM
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It all depends on the type of liquor you desire and where you purchase on the island. The grocery stores will all be much higher because you are paying for the convenience of being able to "one stop shop" i.e. groceries and booze.
However, there are many liquor stores on the island and none more exquisite or unique as The Wine Cellar (649)-946-4536.
*3,000+ wine varietals
*literally hundreds of rums and various spirits
*comparable prices to the states, and in most cases (especially wines) cheaper
*Beer, you will find, is more expensive
Besides the comparable prices, you will also find items only found on the island, such as the 2 time award winning (PRIRA) local Bambarra Rum.

Hope this is helpful. Have a wonderful Anniversary!!
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Old Jul 30th, 2011, 06:15 AM
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Thank you all for your replies. Does anyone know how much (approx.$USD) a bottle of liquor on Provo might cost? In the great state of Pennsylvania, we have the privilege of all alcohol being controlled by the state. So, nothing can be purchased in regular grocery stores unless they've obtained special liquor licenses (those stores are VERY few). All hard liquor and wine must be purchased at state stores and all beer must be purchased from beer distributors or some bars sell 6 packs. Here is an example...a bottle of pretty good rum costs about $15-$20 in PA. Wine is about $10-$20 depending on the brand. A 6-pack of beer costs a good $7 or $8. I'm not sure how these prices compare to TCI. I guess I'm also not sure what a duty-free shop in Philly would charge either. It's still in PA, but I don't know if they jack up their prices or not. I guess I could check with the Philly airport and our airline. If anyone knows anything that might contribute to that, please leave a post. Thanks!!!
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Old Jul 31st, 2011, 04:38 AM
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duty free has nothing to do with it's location. it's a federal thing. can only be used when at last US airport you use before departing the country. meaning if you live in philly but stop in miami on way to provo you must use the miami duty free. it's cheaper because there are no taxes paid.
i can not quote you prices but i will promise it will be less than Pa state stores a/or provo prices.
as i recall a case of beer on provo runs around $40+
i'm not sure if duty free will reveal it's prices on the phone but it's worth a call to find out. also tell them which airline you'll be using so they can tell you where most convenient location in airport is so you can plan time accordingly.
on your way home you can do this again possibly bringing home some perfume for xmas gifts or caribbean rums...
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