countries

Trinidad and Tobago

Port of Spain · Americas

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Country facts

Flag

🇹🇹

Capital

Port of Spain

Region

Americas

Subregion

Caribbean

Area

5,130 km²

Landlocked

Independent

Yes

UN member

Yes

ISO code

TT · TTO

Official name

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Coordinates

11.00, -61.00

Wikivoyage guide · 63 sections

▸Introduction437 chars

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands, Trinidad and Tobago, just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.

▸History1,770 chars

The islands were first inhabited by Arawak and Carib people, who settled here from the South American mainland, and whose descendants make up a small minority of the population. Trinidad was sighted by Christopher Columbus, who claimed it for Spain. Under Spanish rule, many French settlers established cocoa and sugar cane plantations in Trinidad and imported mostly African slaves to work them. The British seized the island in 1798, and abolished slavery in 1838. To make up for the labour shortage the government encouraged heavy immigration from countries such as Portugal, France, Germany, China, and most importantly India. Trinidad was united with Tobago in the 1880s. Throughout the early 1900s the country welcomed thousands of mostly black immigrants from other Caribbean countries, as well as Venezuela and Colombia. Following World War II, TT was combined with various other British Caribbean countries into the West Indies Federation. However, the different groups of islands could not get along and the federation soon collapsed. TT eventually achieved complete independence on August 31, 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the country prospered thanks to large deposits of oil and natural gas, becoming the wealthiest nation in the Caribbean. However, in the late 1980s, oil prices dropped significantly, causing a major economic meltdown. Thousands of Trinidadians left the country at this time, in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s the country recovered dramatically and the nation's living standards continued to improve. However, due to the decline of oil and gas production and the flourishing of the illegal drug trade in the Americas, Trinidad has seen a decline in its economy and crime rate deteriorate.

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

Nearby in Trinidad and Tobago6

Anguilla

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles north of Saint Martin. Anguilla has everything you might expect from a Caribbean island, with gorgeous bays, some of the best white sand beaches in the world, palm trees and the turquoise ocean all around. That lovely setting is of course what draws most travelers here, and it allows for perfect lazy days of sunbathing and

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are two Caribbean islands that form a country that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico.

▸People815 chars

The country has a cosmopolitan society inhabited by many different peoples and cultures who live together in relative peace and harmony. Ethnic Indians form a plurality of the population, while black people of African descent form the second largest group. There are smaller numbers of Chinese, Syrian and Lebanese, European and American caucasian people as well.

Indian immigration to Trinidad was part of a large indentureship scheme from 1845 to 1917. Most Indians who came to Trinidad came from the Gangetic plain, which is located in what is now the modern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Most of Trinidad’s Indian indentured settlers departed India via the port of Calcutta (Kolkata). Other Indians during the indentureship scheme came from Tamil Nadu via the port of Madras (Chennai).

▸Economy446 chars

The two islands have distinct personalities. Trinidad is the larger of the two, and is the location of most of the country's cities and activity. It is also the country's industrial centre, noted for petroleum and natural gas production, which make T&T one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Tobago is known for tourism, which is its main industry and is a popular tourist destination. Both islands have a share of natural beauty.

▸Climate1,039 chars

Trinidad and Tobago, well within the tropics, enjoy a generally pleasant maritime tropical climate influenced by the northeast trade winds. In Trinidad the annual mean temperature is 26°C (78.8°F), and the average maximum temperature is 34°C (93.2°F). The humidity is high, particularly during the rainy season, when it averages 85 to 87%. The island receives an average of 2,110 millimetres (83.1 in) of rainfall per year, usually concentrated in the months of June through December, when brief, intense showers frequently occur. Precipitation is highest in the Northern Range, which may receive as much as 3,810mm (150 in). During the dry season, drought plagues the island's central interior. Tobago's climate is similar to Trinidad's but slightly cooler. Its rainy season extends from June to December; the annual rainfall is 2,500mm (98.4 in). The islands lie outside the hurricane belt; despite this, Hurricane Flora damaged Tobago in 1963, and Tropical Storm Alma hit Trinidad in 1974, causing damage before obtaining full strength.

▸Terrain1,107 chars

Trinidad is traversed by three distinct mountain ranges. The Northern Range, an outlier of the Andes Mountains of Venezuela, consists of rugged hills that parallel the coast. This range rises into two peaks. The highest, El Cerro del Aripo, is 940m (3,084 ft) high; the other, El Tucuche, reaches 936m. The Central Range extends diagonally across the island and is a low-lying range. The Caroni Plain, extends southward, separating the Northern Range and Central Range. The Southern Range consists of a broken line of hills with a maximum elevation of 305m (1,001 ft). There are numerous rivers and streams on the island of Trinidad; the most significant are the Ortoire River, and Caroni River.

Tobago is mountainous and dominated by the Main Ridge, which is 29 kilometres long with elevations up to 640m. There are deep, fertile valleys running north and south of the Main Ridge. The southwestern tip of the island has a coral platform. Although Tobago is volcanic in origin, there are no active volcanoes. There are numerous rivers and streams, but flooding and erosion are less severe than in Trinidad.

▸Holidays502 chars

January 1: New Year's Day

February/early March: Carnival (not an official holiday); just before Ash Wednesday (Lent)

March 30: Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Liberation Day

Easter (moveable)

Corpus Christi (moveable)

May 30: Indian Arrival Day

June 19: Labour Day

August 1: Emancipation Day

August 31: Independence Day

September 24: Republic Day

Divali: October/November, (variable, depends on lunar calendar)

Eid al-Fitr: (variable, depends on lunar calendar)

December 25: Christmas

December 26: Boxing Day

▸Visitor information25 chars

Visit Trinidad and Tobago

▸Cities536 chars

1 Port-of-Spain - Capital city

2 Arima - birthplace of famous calypso artiste "Lord Kitchener"

3 Chaguanas - fastest growing and largest municipality mostly populated by descendants of East Indian indentured labourers

4 Chaguaramas - area in northwest Trinidad that is the yachting centre of the country with many facilities for boat owners

5 Point Fortin - south western municipality, which lies on the outskirts of the La Brea Pitch Lake and is known for oil production

6 San Fernando - Southern city

7 Scarborough (Capital of Tobago)

▸Other destinations418 chars

Caroni Bird Sanctuary and former sugar cane estates (very nice place to watch birds, many mosquitoes)

North coast beaches (Maracas, Las Cuevas)

La Brea Pitch Lake

Lopinot Historical Site - museum built on former cocoa estate owned by French Count Charles Joseph de Lopinot

Roxborough - Northern Tobago, tropical rainforest reserve

Down the Islands - the small islands off the north-west peninsula offer a calm retreat.

▸Entry requirements and customs1,895 chars

All visitors must have: a passport valid for the length of the stay, a return or onward ticket, proof of funds to maintain themselves, an address in TT, such as a hotel or family/friend.

Citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Caricom member states (except Haiti), Singapore and most EEA and Latin American countries do not require a visa for vacation or business of 90 days or less. Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate of TT abroad.

An E-visa will take 10-14 calendar days to process according to the customer service, but some have received E-visa in 4-7 calendar days

Customs

After retrieving your luggage there are two customs lines: a red line where you declare items and a green “nothing to declare” line. However the green line has scanners and your luggage may be subject to search. If you have items to declare, go to the red line.

Be aware of prohibited and restricted items. Information is here, but it is not comprehensive. The entire list is located in the customs act, chapter 78:02.

Food items and plants are restricted, especially honey, fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy.

Clothing with camouflage patterns is prohibited for import and is not permitted to be worn in public.

Firearms and other weapons are restricted and require import permission from the commissioner of police. Imitation firearms that resemble real firearms are prohibited.

Two way radios and drones require permission from the telecommunications authority for import. Drones also require clearance from civil aviation authorities.

Cash or monetary instruments being brought in or taken out in excess of US$5,000 or TT$20,000 or its equivalents must be declared to customs. This does not include credit/debit cards which have limits of that amount, but does include checks, money orders, stocks and bond certificates and cash.

▸By plane1,143 chars

The main airport is Piarco International Airport (POS IATA) on Trinidad, approximately 25 km southeast of Port of Spain. Direct air service is available from Amsterdam, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Orlando, New York (JFK and Newark-Liberty), US; San Juan, Puerto Rico, Toronto, Canada; London, UK; Caracas and Porlomar, Venezuela; Panama City, Panama; Paramaribo, Suriname; Georgetown, Guyana; Barbados and various other islands in the Caribbean.

Private aircraft may also land and depart at POS and TAB airport.

Flights serving Trinidad and Tobago have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, but are now returning. Caribbean Airlines by far offers flights to the most destinations within the Americas, but does not codeshare with other airlines. This can make connections from other parts of the world such as Asia/Pacific more challenging with self transfer during connections being necessary. Additionally, Caribbean Airlines does not take part in TSA Pre check on the US side.

The Passenger Service Charge (formerly called the International departure tax) is TT$200. It is now included in the cost of your ticket at the point of sale.

▸Airlines serving Trinidad668 chars

Air Canada, direct flights from Toronto (since May 2, 2025)

American Airlines, direct flights from Miami

British Airways, direct flights from London Gatwick

Caribbean Airlines (flag carrier - the national airline), direct flights from Miami, New York, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando, Toronto, Caracas, Georgetown, Kingston, Paramaribo, Barbados, and other Caribbean islands.

Copa Airlines, direct flights from Panamá City.

Frontier Airlines, direct flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico

JetBlue, direct flights from New York-JFK.

KLM, direct flights from Amsterdam

United Airlines, direct flights from Houston (year-round) and New York-Newark (Christmas season and Carnival only)

▸Airlines serving Tobago449 chars

Tobago's Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB IATA) has few direct services. This airport is being rebuilt with scheduled completion in 2025.

Caribbean Airlines, offering domestic flights from Trinidad and a direct flight from New York (JFK)

Condor, offering direct flights to Bridgetown, with connections to Frankfurt and Düsseldorf

British Airways, offering direct flights to Saint Lucia, with connections to London-Gatwick.

▸By boat520 chars

Trinidad is a popular location among yacht owners. Most anchor in the Chaguaramas area on the far northwest side of the island with some anchoring in Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association provides services to boaters, who are locally known as "yachties". Cruise ships can also dock at the Cruise Ship Complex in Port of Spain. There are also boats from South America, particularly Venezuela, which enter via the southern port of Cedros. When departing by ferry, there is a TT$75 passenger service charge.

▸By ride hailing272 chars

TTRS Trinidad and Tobago Ride share is a safe and convenient way to get around. Download the app and get verified before you go. You can pay the driver in TT dollars or with your credit card, but you have to enter before the trip begins. Uber does not operate in Trinidad.

▸By taxi1,931 chars

Route taxis are shared and are simply normal passenger cars with no special markings. However, their license plates start with the letter "H". They are found at Taxi stands which may be at a street corner or at the side of the road. Taxi stands in the cities and boroughs are usually marked, but outside of the city they are not. However, one can hail a taxi from the side of the road and ask where they are going and the fare before hiring the taxi. One pays for an individual seat and the taxicabs are shared, but a whole car can be hired if so desired, and if there are not a lot of passengers waiting. Airport taxis are an exception to this in that one almost always has to hire the whole car.

There are larger route taxis, similar to mini buses called "Maxi taxis" or simply "Maxis" that go along a specified route. These are similar to mini buses and are painted white or beige and have a coloured band around them. Each maxi usually holds approximately 11 or 25 passengers. The colour of the band indicates the area in which they travel. They have their own taxi stands and terminals. In Port of Spain, the maxis depart and arrive at the City Gate terminal, and in San Fernando they depart and arrive at the bus terminal at King's Wharf. These Maxi Taxis travel to the east, south and central areas of the island. In order to travel to the west there are a few designated areas such as the Diego martin/Petit Valley/Carenage/Chagaramas maxi stand located a few kilometers away from City Gate. A maxi taxi can be hired for a whole day on a chartered trip. These can be negotiated directly with the maxi taxi drivers in advance. Prices vary.

Unlicensed "gypsy cabs" are available as well. Locally they are called "PH" because they are private cars illegally used for hire. Use caution as "PH" drivers have been linked to crime including murder, kidnapping and robbery and carry no insurance for hired passengers.

▸Some tips2,307 chars

All taxi fares are to be paid in cash in TT dollars. Some drivers accept US dollars, Canadian dollars or euros. Exchange rates vary. It's okay to ask your fare in advance. In Maxi taxis, pay the conductor, or the driver if there is no conductor. Tipping is not expected except for airport taxis. However, if you feel generous, you can give a tip if you desire. Taxi drivers usually do not provide receipts.

If going off the usual designated route (usually the main road), tell the taxi driver before you board the taxi. Some may not want to go off the main road due to crime or bad roads. If you fail to notify them in advance, they may just drop you off at a close point to your destination and you'll have to walk. Maxi taxis will usually not go off the designated route, however, some of them will ask passengers if an alternate route can be taken if there is excessive traffic. If in doubt as to whether the maxi will miss your destination, ask the conductor.

Avoid looking for a taxi or maxi during rush hour (AM and PM, but PM is worse). The taxi stands tend to be crowded, and others may resort to stopping the taxi before the taxi stand. The net result is that the taxi is full before it reaches the stand and the wait may be exceedingly long.

Some maxi and taxi drivers will want to put more than the legal number of passengers in the vehicle. This is a dangerous and illegal practice, as there is no insurance coverage for any of the passengers if the maxi taxi is overloaded and gets into an accident. Politely decline or at least know what you're risking.

If your taxi or maxi is involved in a crash, make a report to the police as soon as possible in order to secure your legal rights. Taxi drivers are required to carry insurance for all passengers. Police reports can be made in person to the police station that has jurisdiction. Ask a local. They will know. If you or someone requires immediate medical attention, dial 999 or 990.

Some taxi stands will fill up the taxis from the back going forward. This is more common in the cities and boroughs.

To stop a maxi taxi while on it (i.e. to stop at your destination) push the stop button. They will sometimes not be labeled, but by law maxi taxis are required to have them.

Smoking in public buildings is against the law.

▸By bus341 chars

Buses are run by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Buses and bus tickets are available at City Gate in Port-of-Spain, King's Wharf in San Fernando and various other terminals and bus stops. A ticket is required to board the bus. Bus drivers do not accept cash or credit cards.

▸By ferry270 chars

There is a domestic ferry operating on the island of Trinidad between the two main cities

of Port-of-Spain in the north and San Fernando in the south. The ferry ride is approximately 45 minutes between destinations and a one-way trip costs TT$15 (approximately US$2.50).

▸By car953 chars

Car rental is widely available, and driving is on the left side (British style). There are several companies that rent cars including international chains such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. There are also local companies such as Auto Rentals, Kalloo's, Xtra and many others. It is best to reserve a car in advance. Some companies have 2-day minimum renting period

However, one can rent a car at the airport upon arrival. Some private individuals will rent cars, but this is an illegal practice and could be problematic for insurance coverage.

Previously, rental cars were marked with an “R” as the first letter of their license plate. It is becoming common practice for criminals to target drivers of rental cars since many locals seem to believe that foreigners carry large sums of cash. So more and more car rental firms are now outfitting their cars with "P" in hopes that it would disguise the fact that the car is actually a rental.

▸Road conditions and traffic2,867 chars

Beware of drivers who do not follow the laws of the road. Some may not stop at red lights, and make unannounced turns. If you're only accustomed to right-side driving, strongly consider not driving at all. Drive to stay alive. If you foresee the possibility of unpleasantness, especially one that can turn into a road rage incident, avoid it.

Speed limits are in effect (100 km/h on highways). Many road signs are not highly visible at night due to dust and pollution settling on them, with blue color on highways. Distances are marked in kilometers. It is a fun experience, if you can drive well, to enjoy the roads especially late at night or early morning. Avoid speeding on the main highways in rush hour or around the Queen's Park Savannah at any time. The local police (TTPS) has enforce seatbelt usage and drunk driving laws.

Be careful when parking, especially in Port of Spain and San Fernando. Always park in visible, well-lit areas and always park legally. Lock your vehicle and never leave the keys inside. Do not leave visibly exposed valuables in the car, especially luggage, electronics or jewelry. Car theft, break-ins and the risk of being quickly towed by the “wrecker” can leave you without a car and possible charges by the rental company if you have not opted in to insurance coverage.

Although you will see some drivers doing it, it is against the law to make a left turn on red (equivalent to a right turn on red in left-hand drive countries such as the United States). U-turns are also illegal.

Taxis and Maxi Taxis in particular have been linked to a lot of crashes and traffic deaths. They will often stop without warning to pick up or drop off passengers, make risky maneuvers and generally drive recklessly. While these may illegal, the police don't seem to bother them except for occasional spot checks and road blocks. Police action involving Maxi Taxis and Taxis usually happens when they cause serious traffic problems, in which case, it is not uncommon for the Police and the town or city to relocate the Maxi Taxis.

People will also park their vehicles in the middle of the road where there is no shoulder. Wait until the opposite lane clears, then go around the parked car.

In more populated areas, such as the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando, watch out for pedestrians, as jaywalking is the norm. Pedestrian crossing traffic signals are few and far between. Additionally, they require people to push the button in most cases. Most people don't bother and just wait for traffic to clear, or run across the road. Be cautious as hitting a pedestrian, jaywalking or not, can land you in more trouble than hitting a car.

Random, unmarked speed bumps on side streets are prevalent. Large potholes are also prevalent. If renting a car it is better to get an SUV which is more rugged to handle the road conditions.

▸Time and distance475 chars

If you are planning to go to the other side of the island (Trinidad), get an early start and allow the entire day with nothing important scheduled for the late afternoon. Although the island is not huge, getting somewhere can take longer than you might think. With the influx of used cars from Asia (locally called "foreign used") cars and the growing economy, more people own cars than ever. Therefore traffic jams are not uncommon, especially when going to Port of Spain.

▸Inter-island transport1,917 chars

There are two options for travel between Trinidad and Tobago - by ferry and by air.

Traveling by air will cost TT$400 round trip or TT$200 one way per person. There are twelve flights per day. Flight time is approximately 25 minutes each way. Caribbean Airlines runs the service. All seating is main cabin. There is no first or business class.

There are two types of ferry service: passenger and cargo.

Traveling by passenger ferry costs TT$75 one way and TT$150 return for adults. Children 3-11 are charged TT$50 one way and TT$100 return. These are economy fares. Premium class is double the economy fare. Senior citizens 60 years and over who are Trinidad and Tobago nationals with ID get a discount off economy fare only. Vessels are the T&T spirit, Galleons Passage and APT James. The journey is approximately 3-4 hours.

Travelling by cargo ferry costs TT$37.50 one way and TT$75 return, but the journey is approximately 7 hours. One of the voyages is overnight. The Cabo Star is the vessel used. There is no premium class on the cargo ferry.

Infants 2 years of age and under travel at no cost but must be accompanied by an adult.

Vehicles can be taken aboard the ferry, but this incurs a different charge which varies by size and weight. A return trip for a private car costs TT$146.73 one way or $246.78 return. This does not include the cost of a driver. You are unlikely to be able to take a rental car on the ferry since you need to show vehicle registration documents. Heavier vehicles such as pickup trucks cost more and are charged based on weight.

Only tickets for same day standby travel can be purchased at the ferry terminals in Port of Spain and Scarborough. For advance tickets, you must purchase tickets online; at peak times tickets sell out quickly, particularly for vehicles. For ferry schedules and to purchase tickets, see the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd.

▸See3,176 chars

Bird watching at Asa Wright Centre near Port-of-Spain.

Bucco Reef is a natural coral reef on the North Coast of Tobago. The Nylon Pool is an area of shallow water on top of the reef. The water is crystal clear and looks like fishing line nylon, hence the name.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp on Trinidad is a must for bird watchers. Several indigenous species of bird nest in the bird sanctuary, including one of the national birds, the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber).

The Hindu festival of lights, Divali, is celebrated in most areas in Trinidad and a few areas in Tobago. Every year during one night in October-November small oil lamps called deyas are lit on the inside and outside of homes and in public places. Additionally, there is a celebration and festival called the Divali Nagar, where Indian song, dance, plays and other cultural items are on display. The Divali Nagar takes place at the Divali Nagar Site in Chaguanas, Trinidad. Divali is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain is Trinidad and Tobago's only zoo. It features a wide variety of tropical species including lions, tigers, monkeys, birds and fish.

Tobago's Fort George offers a glimpse into Tobago's colonial history and beautiful views of the ocean.

Goat racing in Tobago on Easter Tuesday is a tradition dating back to 1925. Amazingly, it shares many similarities to horse racing, where there are owners, stables and trainers.

In second or last weekend of August, there is an annual power boat race from Trinidad to Tobago called the Great Race.. It starts at Pier 1 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and ends at Store Bay in Tobago. There are places to see the boats racing live (such as Maracas Bay). The boats typically travel around the North West peninsula, then along the north coast then make a bee line to Tobago. The first finishers typically finish in an hour.

The La Brea Pitch Lake near Point Fortin, Trinidad, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt. The pitch lake is primarily a tourist destination. Many go to bathe in its waters, which contain sulphur, which some say has healing properties.

The Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) can be seen on Trinidad's Mathura beach. Every year around Easter, the turtles return to Trinidad to lay their eggs. Tours are available from conservation groups. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Since the turtles are an endangered species, it is illegal to kill the turtles or the eggs, therefore care and caution should be exercised so as not to disturb the turtles.

Every year during the last week in July and first week in August, the Tobago heritage festival takes place. It is a two-week-long show of Tobagonian dance, music, story telling, culture and food. It is a showpiece into Tobago's long held traditions and a unique glimpse into the island's way of life.

The north coast of Trinidad is beautiful and largely unspoilt. There are a lot of scenic beaches and undeveloped areas. At the north east tip of the island is the village of Toco. The North East trade wind blows literally 24 hours per day and lounging on the beach can be quite relaxing.

▸Beaches612 chars

Popular beaches in Trinidad are Maracas, Tyrico, Blanchisseuse, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros and Quinam. Most of the beaches on the North coast are beautiful, with powdery sand and clear blue water. Los Iros and Quinam are okay, however Quinam's water may be brown, largely due to sediment from the Orinoco River in South America. Although Maracas and Tyrico are not too far apart, you cannot walk from one to the other along the beach.

Tobago's beaches are extremely beautiful. Popular beaches in Tobago include Pigeon Point, Englishman's Bay, Store Bay, MT Irvine, Bucco Grange, and Canoe Bay.

▸Pre-Lenten Carnival1,381 chars

Carnival. The annual festival is one of the most famous things about Trinidad and Tobago. There are many beautiful dances and a lot of celebrating around this time. Every year on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, thousands of costumed revelers parade on the streets in an annual street party dubbed "The Greatest Show On Earth." They are accompanied by music from steel bands, with calypso and soca music played on large loudspeakers carried on large trucks. In the buildup to the two day Carnival celebration there are other activities including Calypso tents (indoor calypso concerts), the "Panorama" steelband competition, Soca monarch, Chutney Soca monarch, and open air parties called fetes. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are not official public holidays, but many businesses and all schools close for those two days anyway. Carnival derives from the French traditions which were adopted by African slaves.Carnival is both a "See" and "Do" activity. One can just stand at the side of the road and watch the parade of the bands, or actually participate and "play mas." Many tourists participate in Carnival bands. Booking well in advance is a must as the spaces fill up quickly. Getting in shape is also a must as many costumes are very skimpy. In fact some locals' physical fitness goals are centered around Carnival. (updated Oct 2018)

▸Nightlife393 chars

There are quite a few nightclubs in Trinidad and Tobago, especially in the Chaguaramas area, such as Pier 1, Anchorage, Base, and MoBS2. Some very popular night clubs are Club Zen and 51 Degrees Lounge in Port of Spain, La Penca in Freeport and La Tropical in La Romaine. However, due to the crime situation, caution is advised and it is a good idea to be with a group rather than by yourself.

▸Golf272 chars

One can play golf at several golf courses throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Some courses are 9 holes and others are 18 holes. Two popular golf courses are the St. Andrews' Golf course [1] in Maraval (just outside of Port of Spain) and the Mt. Irvine Golf Course in Tobago.

▸Talk1,542 chars

English is the official language. Words are spelt with British spellings (e.g. colour, programme, tyre). English Creole (though it is not referred to by locals by that name) is very frequently used for informal communication among locals. It's mostly an oral language, and is seldom written (and then just by ad-lib). A Trinidadian Dictionary, "Cote Ci Cote La" can be found at one of the many bookstores in the country and is an excellent souvenir to remember your vacation to Trinidad and Tobago. Here's an example of some words that have radically different meanings from American English:

cunumunu ; foolish person

fete ; party

liming ; meaning to hang out in public with your friends

Also, Caribbean Hindustani, or Hindi, French (mostly Creole or Patois), Spanish, and Chinese are occasionally heard. Spanish has become more prevalent due to the influx of Venezuelan migrants. German is often spoken among German expats in Tobago. However, since virtually everyone knows standard (British) English, there's no need to ask. Of course, if someone does suddenly start talking in standard English, take notice! They may very well be talking to you.

Trinidad and Tobago citizens of Asian Indian heritage usually do not speak Hindi or any Indian language fluently unless they have learned the language for religious or other reasons. In fact, their own dialect, Caribbean Hindustani, is based on an older form of Bhojpuri which was spoken among Indian immigrants from the indentureship era is the predominant Indian language where spoken.

▸Money1,867 chars

The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, denoted "TT$" (ISO currency code: TTD), also known as the "TT" (pronounced teetee). US dollars are also widely accepted. There is an active black market for US currency in Trinidad, offering about TT$8.9 for US$1, as of January 2026. See Eg Currency. Bringing cash can significantly reduce the price of travel. However, the Government has indicated that this practice is illegal. Local TT currency is widely accepted and goods are generally cheap by American standards.

Coins of Trinidad and Tobago come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and TT$1. Banknotes of Trinidad and Tobago come in denominations of TT$1, TT$5, TT$10, TT$20, TT$50 and TT$100. The current series of banknotes issued since 2020-2021 are issued entirely on polymer.

Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted in many stores. American Express, Diners' Club, Discover, JCB and others are only accepted in a few upmarket places. Foreign credit or debit cards are not accepted at pay at the pump gas stations. You will need to prepay either inside the store or at a cashier island outside near the pumps.

ATM (ABM) cards using the Cirrus and Plus networks will work in most local ATMs and will allow you to make withdrawals in TT dollars converted to your home currency. The exchange rate when withdrawing from the ATM is slightly better than when exchanging cash officially at banks and currency exchange but not as good as compared to unofficial black market currency exchange.

There were also ATMs in a few places such as shopping malls that dispensed US dollars but this has since been discontinued due to the foreign exchange shortage. Most Trinidad and Tobago ATMs do not accept PINs longer than four digits. Consider changing it to four digits before you travel. Republic Bank ATMs (Blue Machines) accept six-digit PINs.

▸Tipping225 chars

Tipping has not been a custom, but has become more commonplace. Some restaurants, especially those in hotels or those that serve foreign tourists expect a tip. Most do not. Only airport taxis expect a tip. Local taxis do not.

▸Shopping555 chars

Prices in shops and stores are generally displayed and do not change according to the customer. Outdoor vendors, however, are another story: they are likely to charge a different, higher price for a foreigner than for a local. A few will even suggest or demand payment in US dollars. You can try haggling, or just grin and bear it.

Most items except necessities and certain other items that are zero rated attract Value Added Tax (VAT) at the rate of 12.5%. The tax is collected at the time of sale. Prices are required to be displayed with VAT included.

▸Weights and measures244 chars

Weights and measures are officially in metric, however it is not uncommon for imperial (English) units to still be used. Although most of the other units are the same, the imperial gallon is larger at 4.546 L than the US gallon at only 3.785 L.

▸Eat4,986 chars

Due to its varied background, Trinidad and Tobago has excellent and varied food options. In particular, the Indian roots have added to some of the best foods of any country in the world. If you can't tolerate extremely hot and spicy food, be sure to let the cook or waiter know in advance.

Popular throughout T&T are tasty rotis, which are Indian-style flatbreads stuffed with channa (chickpea curry), usually some meat, and condiments or vegetables such as green beans, pumpkin, or mangoes. There are several types of roti available in Trinidad:

sada, which is similar to pita or naan;

bara, which is a fried flat bread;

dhalpouri, which is filled with ground yellow split peas; and

buss up shut, a heartier bread with a silken texture and a name that refers to a busted shirt.

Cheap breakfasts of sada roti and choka (fire-roasted vegetables) are available for about TT$12.

The most popular fast snack is a doubles. Doubles is curried chickpeas (chnana) enclosed in two pieces of fried flat bread (bara roti), and served with your choice of condiments. It is a roadside snack, available everywhere at about TT$6. Eat hot. One famous spot is "George Doubles" located in Woodbrook outside the ever-famous "Brooklyn Bar". "Ali's Doubles" is a chain that sells doubles. There are a few locations around Trinidad, mostly in San Fernando.

Phoulourie is another popular roadside snack. Phoulourie are small balls, made of fried ground chickpeas and flour. It and other popular snack foods like roast corn, cow heel soup, aloo pies (fried potato pies) and saheena (spinach dipped in batter and fried), are often available from street vendors, especially around the Savannah.

Trinidad and Tobago is also famous for its mouth watering callaloo – a soup made from green leafy vegetables, similar to spinach or kale, sometimes with crab or pigtail added (vegetarians beware!). Callalloo is not the most appetizing of foods to look at, but it is certainly worth a try.

Another must try in T&T is the famous Bake and Shark or Shark 'n Bake. Most easily obtained along the north coast near Maracas Bay, pieces of shark are deep fried, served in cut fried bread called "fried bake", and accompanied by various sauces, most popular of which is a puree of shadon-beni (culantro, which is similar to cilantro but more strongly flavored).

Another popular food traditionally associated with beach limes is pelau, usually accompanied with coleslaw. Pelau, is not, however, available for purchase at the beach, although you may be able to find it in a creole restaurant.

If you have a sweet tooth, there are many local sweets and candies to sample like Toolum, Tambran Ball, Guava Cheese, Sugar Cake, Paw Paw Ball, Benna Ball, Jub Jub, Kurma, Barfi, Ladoo, Peera. Many of these will be available on the "lookout" on the way to Maracas Beach, and prepackaged in some supermarkets.

A few American-style fast food chains are available including KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut and Burger King. There are also a few franchised eat-in restaurants such as TGI Friday's and Ruby Tuesday. There are a few local chains such as Royal Castle (chicken and chips), and Chicken Unlimited. These local fried chicken chains have a different taste from American or European fried chicken chains. Pizza Boys and Mario's are two popular local pizza chains. The pizza is quite different from American or Italian pizza.

Chinese food is available in many places from Chinese takeout stores. It is Cantonese style but the spices are uniquely Trinidadian.

Barbecued chicken is another popular Trinbagonian dish. It is similar to American barbecue, but with local spices. There are roadside barbecue stands that sell a box of barbecued chicken (quarter) with fries, salad and garlic bread. One popular place is The Barbecue Hut which is an open air tent where patrons will buy barbecue to sit down and eat or take away. It is on the South Trunk Road in La Romaine, South Trinidad close to the Gulf City mall. Be aware that it is run by Muslims therefore no alcohol is allowed on the compound.

The condiments available in Trinbagonian restaurants are ketchup, plain mustard, garlic sauce, shadon-beni sauce (culantro, which is a cilantro-like herb), hot pepper and many more depending on location. Soy sauce is available in Chinese restaurants, along with an extremely hot Chinese style pepper sauce. If taking hot pepper as a condiment, be warned! It is extremely hot! You may see locals putting a lot of pepper on their food, but remember they have been eating it for years so they are accustomed to it. It is best to try a little, and if you feel comfortable, add more. If in doubt, avoid it. Salt and black pepper are generally not available as in American restaurants.

Local bakeries sell pastries such as beef and chicken pies and currant rolls. They also sell hops bread which are rolls made with white or whole wheat flour. Hops bread is best eaten hot and can be enjoyed with cheese or butter for a quick snack.

▸Grocery shopping665 chars

Grocery stores sell a wide variety of packaged goods and produce. However, for really fresh produce, one can go to the market. Towns usually have a market day (or days) where sellers, usually local farmers, will bring their produce to sell. The Government publishes prices for produce, however one may be able to bargain to get a better price. Again, while weights and measures are officially in Metric, most sellers use imperial units.

Halal food is readily available most food outlets usually have signs. Fast food outlets such as KFC and McDonald's also serve halal food. Many supermarkets also carry a wide range of halal fresh and processed meats as well.

▸Non-alcoholic1,031 chars

The most refreshing drink on a hot sunny day is a large glass of a very cold delicious Mauby, a beverage made with the bark of the mauby tree and spices, such as anise and cinnamon. It is very refreshing and cooling, but may be an acquired taste, since it has a bitter aftertaste.

Cold soft jelly coconut water – available along the roadsides – costs about TT$4. And do try all the many varied local fruit juices, readily available chilled in most groceries.

Sorrel is a popular drink (similar to cranberry) available during Christmas time. It is made from the boiled flowers of the Roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) plant. It is red in colour and best enjoyed cold.

Soft drinks are sweetened with cane sugar, rather than high-fructose corn syrup as is the common practice in the United States. Some argue that this gives soft drinks a better taste.

Malta is a popular drink, made from malt and hops and available from local bars, restaurants and supermarkets. It is high calorie and full of B vitamins, and best enjoyed ice cold.

▸Rum842 chars

Being a former sugar cane colony, Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its rum. Popular brands of rum are Black Label and Vat 19 by Fernandes and White Oak, Old Oak by Angostura. Some bars will allow you to buy individual rum drinks either straight with or without a chaser, or mixed. Some bars will allow you to purchase a whole bottle of rum, or a "half", which is equivalent to half a bottle. Some bars will sell a "nip" which is less than half. One can also purchase bottles of rum in stores and at duty-free stores at the airport to carry home. Puncheon rum is a stronger type of rum (no less than 75% alcohol/150 proof). It is not quite like moonshine but definitely stronger than regular rum. In fact, it may not be legal to take it back with you. However, it is legal in Trinidad and Tobago and is available from many local bars.

▸Beer675 chars

Beer is available and quite popular. The two most popular brands of beer are Carib and Stag, which are brewed locally. Additionally, some imported beer such as Miller is available. Other malt liquor drinks are available, brewed locally, such as Smirnoff Ice, and various stouts (Mackeson, Guinness Export, etc.) There are no microbreweries in Trinidad, and beer-lovers may find the local beers not to their taste. However, a few bars do import a wider variety of beers. Of particular note is the All Out bar at the Queen's Park Oval cricket ground in Port of Spain (94 Tragarete Road), where you will find a reasonable selection of English ales on draft, sold by the pint.

▸Wine and other spirits319 chars

Wine, vodka, tequila and other spirits are usually imported. There are no wineries in Trinidad and Tobago, as the tropical climate is not conducive to the growing of grapes. Many restaurants will serve a range of imported wines, however, and wine bars, such as More Vino in Woodbrook have opened in the past few years.

▸Laws related to alcohol330 chars

Drinking alcohol in public is not frowned upon in Trinidad and Tobago. It is legal to drink alcohol in public. Public drunkenness may get you arrested only if you engage in disorderly conduct. Also the legal drinking age is 18 years. However, during election day, sale of alcohol is prohibited and must not be overtly displayed.

▸Sleep1,022 chars

There are a wide variety of lodging options. There are major hotels such as Radisson, Marriott (Courtyard and Brix), Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn and the Hilton. There are also smaller guest houses, particularly in Tobago and beach houses at the coasts (especially the East coast). Rates vary. On Trinidad, many cities and towns of limited interest to the typical tourist do not have any official accommodations. Staying with locals may be the only option. AirBnB and other online marketplaces have listings for short and long term accommodations including furnished apartments. However, Trinidad has developed a sporting and cultural infrastructure being multi cultural with different religious denominations and can even boast of having world-class facilities for swimming, cycling, football, cricket, netball and the arts. For persons or groups of persons willing to experience or connect with similar groups at competitive rates, guest houses such as The Little Inn and the Miracle Healing cater for these niches.

▸Learn269 chars

University of the West Indies St. Augustine campus

University of the Southern Caribbean.

University of Trinidad and Tobago

Other smaller colleges offer external degrees and diplomas from foreign institutions such as the University of London and City & Guilds of London.

▸Work370 chars

Tourist visas do not permit employment. In order to work, one must obtain a work permit for the job and there must be no suitably qualified nationals to fill the job. In addition, to pay taxes, one needs to apply for a BIR file number (used like a social security number) and a PAYE number. One must file tax returns every year if taxes are owed, and pay those taxes.

▸Stay safe2,843 chars

Be careful where you park. High-end hotels have reported a drastic increase in vehicular break-ins including where there was security present. Do not leave valuables in your car, especially luggage, cameras, electronics and jewelry. Lock your car and keep the keys with you. Lock the doors while driving as well and disable unlock on park if the vehicle has this feature. Be very careful when parking in downtown areas, especially street parking. Tow trucks ("the wrecker") lurk and very quickly enforce illegal parking. Parking in paid parking lots is strongly recommended over street parking. If you must park on the street, take a photo of the vehicle including signs that describe parking restrictions and note the date and time. If towed you will have to retrieve the vehicle in person at the impound lot and pay the fine (TT$500). Towing has caused damage to some vehicles. Best to avoid it.

Trinidad and Tobago has been known for its increasingly high murder and kidnapping rate. The capital Port of Spain, is relatively safe but as with all major cities around the world there are areas which are not safe for tourists. East Port of Spain, areas east of Charlotte Street, become increasingly unsafe and should be avoided as well as Belmont, Morvant and Laventille. The city is known for its vibrant night life with many restaurants, bars, lounges and clubs. It is recommended that you travel with companions at night time and avoid wandering into any side streets. Hotels can provide guidance to assist you. Tobago on the other hand is relatively safe and more tourist friendly.

In previous years crime tended to peak in the Carnival (January-March) and around Christmas (October-December) seasons, but crimes happen year-round. Exercise caution at night time while in Trinidad and Tobago.

For extended stays, register yourself at your country's nearest diplomatic mission. The United States and other countries allow you to do this online. They can provide assistance to their citizens along with safety alerts and evacuation assistance if needed. A listing of diplomatic missions in Trinidad and Tobago is available on the Trinidad and Tobago Government's website.

In an emergency dial 999 from any telephone for the police. Dial 990 for the fire department and 811 for an ambulance. These calls are free of charge from any telephone, including payphones (no coins or cards required). Unlike countries that have reliable police emergency assistance, when dialing "999" in an emergency, the police do not always answer the call or show up when assistance is needed.

The islands are in an earthquake zone, though serious quakes are extremely rare. The Atlantic hurricane season from June to November rarely affects Trinidad but Tobago may be affected. Those on private boats should be especially aware of weather conditions.

▸Stay healthy1,226 chars

The Tobago Tourist Board boasts that "the wildlife in Tobago won't kill you", which is mostly true. The islands do have mosquitoes and isolated cases of dengue fever have been reported. There are crocodiles in the swamps and catfish can spread diseases through their bite.

The tap water is generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water because the public water often has a strong chlorine taste. Use your best judgement if in an area where homes collect rain water from the roof, but very few problems are reported.

The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence at 3.0% or 1 in 33 adults, which is 5 times higher than the USA. The best advice is to use caution and use protection if engaging in sexual activity. Condoms are available from pharmacies to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other STDs.

If you need prescription medication, it is best to bring enough with you for the duration of your trip. There is no guarantee that what you need will be available. American OTC drugs are often available in many pharmacies; however, don't expect everything to be available. They may also be under different names whether American or European market names.

For information on COVID-19, consult the Ministry of Health.

▸Healthcare1,239 chars

Public healthcare is free to everyone in Trinidad and Tobago and is paid for by the taxpayers. Healthcare services are offered on a walk-in basis. There are a few major hospitals throughout the country as well as smaller health centers and clinics located regionally. These can be found on the Ministry of Health's website. The public health facilities are way below the standard of what can be found in developed countries. Industrial action (strikes and sickouts) by doctors and nurses happen from time to time, and some healthcare facilities are overcrowded and understaffed, with older equipment and medicines. As an alternative, there are also private healthcare facilities that offer healthcare services. Prices will vary and can be quite expensive. Private doctors are also available on an appointment basis.

Public ambulance services are available to everyone by dialing 990. This service is operated by the fire department. However these may prove to be unreliable since ambulances are limited and fire stations are often far away. Private ambulance services are available. They are generally more reliable but are not free. In an emergency it may be better to arrange one's own transportation to a healthcare facility.

▸Respect1,454 chars

It's a good idea to greet a stranger before asking him or her a question. It's a better idea to avoid strangers when not in the company of others.

Many Trinbagonians like to discuss sports. Being a former British colony, these discussions usually centre mostly around cricket and football.

There is no nude or topless bathing anywhere in Trinidad and Tobago.

In Trinidad and Tobago, many of the world's great religions are well represented. Christianity is the majority religion of the country, and there are also significant Hindu and Muslim minorities. Tolerance for religious and ethnic differences is high.

Trinidadians can be extremely friendly and hospitable, especially with guests who share a common religion with them. Be sure to bring small gifts to show your appreciation, as some visitors who had no intention of visiting or staying with locals end up doing so anyway.

Some homes (including a few guest houses) in rural areas are not connected to any underground water mains. However, they may still have running water from a large, round, black outdoor water tank. If staying in such a place, be sure to conserve water, especially in the dry season (or year-round, if it doesn't collect rainwater from the roof). If the tanks run dry, water trucks for refills may be available. However, even underground piped water may be rationed during the dry season. In short, if you are not staying in a major hotel, ask about the water situation.

▸Connect266 chars

Trinidad's international area code is 868 under the North American Numbering Plan. From the U.S. and Canada, it's no different than calling other states and provinces (1+868), but costs more. Its top level domain is .tt and its ITU callsign prefixes are 9Y and 9Z.

▸The telecommunications authority353 chars

All telecommunications in Trinidad and Tobago are now under the authority of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). All telecommunications and broadcasting licenses and franchises in Trinidad and Tobago are obtained from and administered by TATT. Complaints about telecommunications service providers can also be made to them.

▸Landline telephones626 chars

Landline telephones are available in larger hotels but may be unavailable in guest rooms of smaller guest houses. The telephone company is Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, which is jointly owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and Cable and Wireless. Local calls incur toll charges, however, calls in the same area code and telephone exchange are billed at a flat rate for the whole call. Hotels, of course, may charge more if you use their telephones. There are calling cafes around the country. For visitors who want to make international calls, it might be a good idea to use calling cafes.

▸Mobile telephones835 chars

Trinidad and Tobago has two active operating mobile telephone carriers - bmobile and Digicel. They both operate under the GSM standard, with bmobile using the 1800MHz frequency band, and Digicel using the 850MHz and 1900MHz frequency bands. There are roaming agreements with GSM carriers such as AT&T in the US, however the cost to roam may be prohibitive and calling within Trinidad may incur international toll charges. One can purchase a prepaid SIM card and GSM phone from Digicel or bmobile stores for as little as TT$100 and use that card in an unlocked GSM phone for the duration of their stay. You can also purchase a phone with SIM for that price. CDMA (Verizon) phones will work in Trinidad and Tobago. They will appear to be active due to TSTT's EVDO data only network, but you can make or receive calls on the CDMA network.

▸Payphones514 chars

Pay phones are a hit or miss in Trinidad. Some phones may be vandalized, full and in need of maintenance or simply not working. If you are lucky enough to find a working payphone, you can use either 25-cent coins or calling cards with an 800 number to access them. Some phones also accept phonecards which are pre-paid with a magnetic stripe. Insert the card and make your call. Some phones in hotels and at the airport allow the use of foreign calling cards. Calls to local 800 numbers, 999 and 990 are free.

▸Internet access793 chars

Internet cafés offer Internet access on public terminals at an hourly rate usually from TT$1 to TT$10.

Broadband internet options in Trinidad are available. Two major companies that provide these serices are TSTT (blink) and FLOW (Columbus Communications.)

Wi-Fi access is available in a few places such as Piarco airport, Movie Towne and select hotels and restaurants. EVDO and EDGE broadband access are also available, but may require contracts and a service commitment. Some hotels and guest houses provide free high speed internet.

There are other options including fixed wireless, DSL, cable modem (only in a few areas) and satellite but these are generally not available to tourist short term stay.

A good discussion of Trinidad and Tobago WiFi options is available at the TTCSwebsite.

▸Postal facilities539 chars

The postal service is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation, TTPost. Postal rates are available on the TTPost website. Post offices are located close to the center of town in many places with red drop-off boxes in some places. Thanks to restructuring of the postal service, TTPost has become comparable to the postal service in many developed countries and is generally reliable. Additionally, other services such as US visa fee payment, bill payment and the purchase of inter island ferry tickets are available from TTPost.

▸Amateur radio1,736 chars

Ham radio tourism and DXpeditions are very risky in Trinidad and Tobago, mostly because of the difficulty in importing equipment. Please see the nite about importing equipment below.

The internationally allocated ITU prefixes in Trinidad and Tobago are 9Y and 9Z.

In order to operate an Amateur Radio Station in Trinidad and Tobago, you needs a licence. If your country of citizenship is a signatory to the IARP agreement and one holds a licence equivalent to US General class (Novice and US Technician licences are excluded) in that country, you can operate with 9y4/home callsign. For example, if your home callsign is W1ZZZ, you operate using 9Y4/W1ZZZ.

Otherwise one will need to apply for a licence at TATT. The following are needed:

Photo ID and photocopy (passport)

Original and copy of certificate(s) showing a pass in an amateur radio exam, in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Original and copy of your home amateur radio licence, in English, or accompanied by an English translation.

Form L-2 from TATT website, filled out and photocopied

TT$20 application fee and TT$100 license fee

Appear in person at the TATT office at 76 Boundary Road, San Juan, Trinidad to apply. Processing time varies. If you want to have the licence arranged in advance, contact the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society who can assist you. Foreigners will be granted 9Y4/homecall for the duration of their stay. It is at the discretion of the Technical officer issuing your license, but generally a licence equivalent to US General class and above (or its equivalent) gets full privileges including HF. Technician gets privileges above 30 MHz only. In some cases they may deny Novice or Technician class amateurs altogether.

▸Importing equipment1,421 chars

Importing equipment can be painless and easy or it can be a long, drawn out bureaucratic process. The difficulty of importing ham radio equipment has caused many tourists to simply forget about doing any ham radio activities in Trinidad and Tobago. It is best to operate at a local's station if you can.

You will need to have the equipment type approved by TATT. There is a form on their website. Call them in advance. One should also get a receipt showing the value of one's equipment.

When you go through customs and they search your bags, the customs officer will ask about the ham radio equipment if they see it. You should tell them what it is and show them your licence. They will tell you that you need to pay a bond equal to the value of the equipment and you will retrieve it before you leave. Otherwise they will probably seize your equipment and there is no guarantee that you'll get it back. Sometimes you'll just get lucky and they'll tell you to walk through. Sometimes they'll let you go with it but charge 20% customs duty. The law says that ham radio equipment is duty free for nationals. It's a gamble. It is best to not have your radio in the original boxes as this will more likely encourage customs officers to charge you a bond or duty.

You should carry as much of your equipment in your carry-on luggage as possible. Incidents of theft from checked luggage, while not very frequent, do happen.

▸Repeaters and local frequencies556 chars

There are a few local repeaters that you can say hello on. Those are:

147.930MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (North)

146.940MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (Central/South)

147.760MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (Tobago)

146.100MHz +600kHz 9Y4NG (Central/South)

147.705MHz -600kHz 9Y4TTL (North)

In addition 146.520MHz is often monitored as a simplex channel. In the South (San Fernando) 146.550MHz is monitored and there is also an echolink node run by 9Y4NG on that frequency.

The local custom for a general call on the repeater is to say, "QRZ? This is <your callsign>, is anyone on frequency?"

▸CB71 chars

Citizens Band radio (CB) was legalised in 2021. No licence is required.

▸Personal radio services451 chars

FRS, GMRS, MURS, PMR446 are not licensed for use in Trinidad and Tobago. The radios may be seized by customs. Best to leave them at home. It is also illegal to use these within the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago. This means that if you are on a cruise ship or other vessel docked in TT waters, leave the FRS/GMRS/MURS/PMR446 radios off and do not transmit. Other licensed services use those frequencies and you may interfere with them.

▸Marine radios223 chars

Provided your radios are part of your boat's equipment and licensed by your home country, you should not have any issues bringing these in. Bringing these in other than installed in boats could result in them being seized.

▸Radio196 chars

Thanks to the liberalization of the telecommunications market, there are now many radio stations on the FM band. Most of the stations play music, with Indian music and calypso/soca being popular.

▸TV931 chars

There are some local TV stations, the major one being TV6 on Channels 6 and 18. Most of them carry local programming, but TV6 carries American series, sitcoms and soap operas. Some stations are cable only whereas others are low power so they are only available regionally. Gayelle The Channel on Channels 23 and 27 is a 100% local television station that can give visitors to Trinidad and Tobago an interesting and entertaining insight into local life and culture. Other local channels include; NCC 4, Synergy TV, Trinity Television and the Islamic Channel.

Cable television is also available. Most major American networks are available on cable including CBS, NBC and ABC. Cable TV is available at hotels and guest houses.

Satellite TV from DirecTV Latin America is also available, but their offerings are not as good as cable and they tend to feature more Spanish language programming.

Big dish satellite TV is also available.

Argentina

"AR" redirects here. For the U.S. state, see Arkansas. Argentina is a large country in the southern part of South America. It offers a great diversity of climates and landscapes from jungles in the north, great grass plains in the center and frozen mountains in the south. With a history of mass immigration dating from the 1800s - mostly from Europe and other South American countries - Argentina is