The official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$). Coins are of one, five and 25 cents, and there are bill denominations of one, five, 10, 20 and 100. Keep bills of TT$20 or smaller for making change with taxi drivers or street vendors.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Most banks have ATMs and will give cash advances on credit cards and change money. If you change money, keep your receipt so you can reconvert any currency before your departure (you cannot convert Trinidadian money outside the country). Banks are usually open Monday-Thursday 8 or 9 am-2 pm, Friday 8 or 9 am-1 pm and 3-5 pm.

Monday-Thursday 8 or 9 am-2 pm, Friday 8 or 9 am-noon and 3-5 pm.

All hotels add a 10% government tax. Prices for almost all goods and services include a 15% VAT.

Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. If it isn't included, tip 10%-15%.

The best time to go is January-May, when it's coolest and the least rainy. Daytime temperatures reach the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. Because of the trade winds, it rarely feels excessively hot. June-November is the rainy season, when the islands are subject to more clouds, rain and humidity. (Some accommodations close during this time, but those still open offer dramatic discounts.) Both islands are usually outside the path of hurricanes. Take a sweater or jacket, because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit.

Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. Skimpy clothing is fine for the beach but nowhere else. Nude or topless sunbathing is against the law (though you may encounter it in some secluded areas). Casual clothing is appropriate during the day and for evenings at most restaurants. But you'll notice that locals love to dress up—Trinidadians more than Tobagonians. Men may want to take along a coat and tie—several restaurants require them in the evening. Long pants and good shoes are recommended for hiking in the forest. Depending on the season, some travelers may find the nights cool. Long sleeves are never a bad idea to fend off mosquitoes around dusk.

Many hotels have either a computer for guest use, Wi-Fi or data ports for those traveling with laptops. Public libraries offer free Internet access, and Internet cafes are common.

Postal service is reliable and cheap, but larger shipments are better off with a carrier service.

The main daily newspaper is Trinidad Guardian, and there are two daily tabloids: Trinidad and Tobago Express and Newsday. All are a bit larger on the weekends and offer coverage of local entertainment.

It's easiest and least expensive to make international calls from the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad (TSTT) office, off Independence Square at Edward Street. For the sake of convenience, you might want to consider purchasing a phone card, available for TT$15, TT$30 and TT$100 and for sale in shops, pharmacies and groceries or from the phone company. Look for red signs with "Phone Card" written in yellow. Local calls cost TT$0.25 at phone booths, but at least four times as much if you are calling a cell phone. Dial 6211 for local directory assistance and 0 for international assistance. For rapid response in emergencies, dial 999.

To use your cell phone, you must register with TSTT and pay for a sim card and activation fee. Mobile phones are also available for rent.

There is regular air service to Trinidad's Piarco International Airport (POS). Connections are available to Tobago's Crown Point Airport (TAB). Generally, Tobago can be included in an airline ticket to Trinidad at no extra cost. We strongly recommend that visitors book their interisland flights before leaving home: Making arrangements while in the islands can be difficult and time-consuming.

Connecting transportation:

A taxi ride between Port of Spain and the airport costs about US$25. Allow plenty of time to get there because of traffic congestion.

Local buses have improved in recent years. You must purchase tickets at convenience shops before boarding one, however. PTSC buses are cheap, comfortable and fast transportation connecting Trinidad's larger cities. Maxis (minibuses) hold 10-20 people and follow set routes but no timetable. After 8 pm, these become unreliable. Route taxis are also available.

The local driving style is chaotic, so maximum insurance is suggested. Rental cars (manual transmission, for the most part) have steering wheels on the left side of the car (as in the U.S.), but driving is on the left half of the road (as in the U.K.). Current U.S., Canadian or international driver's licenses are required but are only good for a three-month period. If you are planning to stay longer, you will be required to take an oral examination.

Ferries operate between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The trip can last from two to five hours, depending on the ferry, and the seas can be rough (check locally for details).

Several cruise lines include both islands on their itineraries.

Tourist Offices

Trinidad and Tobago: Tourism Development Company, Level 1, Maritime Centre, #29 10th Ave., Barataria. Phone 868-675-7034. Fax 868-675-7722.

Trinidad and Tobago does not have tourist offices in North America, but for the U.S. and Canada, a toll-free number is available to receive a brochure in the mail and very basic information: 800-816-7541.

Trinidad and Tobago Embassies

Canada: High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 75 Albert St., Suite 508, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7. Phone 613-232-2418. Fax 613-232-4349.

U.S.: Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, 1708 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20036. Phone 202-467-6490. Fax 202-785-3130. There are also consulates in Miami and New York.

Foreign Embassies in Trinidad and Tobago

Canada: Canadian High Commission, Maple House, Tatil Centre, 3-3A Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair, Port of Spain. Phone 868-622-6232. Fax 868-628-2581.

U.S.: U.S. Embassy, 15 Queen's Park W., Port of Spain. Phone 868-622-6372 or 868-622-6176. Fax 868-628-5462.