Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. There's an airport departure tax of TT$100, payable in local cash or U.S. dollars. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Languages: English (official), Hindi, French Patois, Spanish.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Protestant, Roman Catholic, Spiritual Baptist), Hindu, Islamic.
Time Zone: 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts or 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 868, country code;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
The official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$). 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 sometimes 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-3 pm, Friday 8 or 9 am-1 pm and 3-5 pm.
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 are in 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. Both islands are usually outside the path of hurricanes. Take a sweater or jacket, because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit.
| What to Wear | Top  |
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. 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.
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| Internet Access | Top |
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.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
You can mail letters and postcards at any TT Post, which are widespread. Look for the black-and-white sign. They are open Monday-Friday 7 am-5 pm, and some open on Saturday, as well.
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The main daily newspaper is the 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 cheapest 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.
| Transportation | Top |
Trinidad's main airport, Piarco International Airport (POS), is about 20 mi/32 km southeast of Port of Spain. There is a TT$100/US$20 departure tax to all destinations, except Tobago. Airport Information Offices Piarco, phone 868-669-4868, ext. 4114.
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.
Rental cars are in short supply, but those available go for about US$45 a day and up. The best places to rent are at the airport, at the cruise-ship terminal, elsewhere in Port of Spain and in San Fernando. A U.S., Canadian or international driver's license is required. The roads in Port of Spain are crowded and chaotic with weaving traffic; in the country, they are narrow and winding. Driving is on the left. Never leave anything of value inside a rental car: Theft is rampant.
Ferry service is available daily between Trinidad and Tobago. The ride, which takes two to five hours, costs about US$17 round-trip. The ferries depart four times daily, with the first ferry leaving at 6:30 am for Tobago. They leave from the docks in the heart of Port of Spain. Ferry times change monthly and at short notice. For a full schedule of sailing times, visit the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Web site, http://www.patnt.com, or call 868-623-2901, ext. 160.
There are three types of taxis—regular taxis (look for the H on license plates), route mini taxis (which hold five or six people and repeat a set route in the cities) and maxi taxis (they are color-coded, hold as many as 12 people and follow a set route, but they go to the suburbs and other parts of the island). Maxi taxis traveling to locations outside the city can be boarded at the City Gate transport hub on South Quay. They have a standard price, and you must pay before boarding to be covered by the operators' insurance.
Taxis can be stopped anywhere along their routes. Calling ahead is sometimes preferable, and you should agree on the price before entering the cab. Standard rates for trips from the airport are posted at the airport, but extra luggage or late hours incur extra charges. Taxi stands exist in Port of Spain and other locations throughout the country. St. Christopher Taxi Co-op can be reached at 868-627-2257. The Piarco International Airport Co-op Society can be reached at 868-669-1689.
