Travel Information & Tips

Money Matters

The local currency is the TT (Trinidad and Tobago) dollar. The current exchange rate is about TT$6.80 for US$1.00 US. The national currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD), which comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Coins come in 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. Credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) are widely accepted at business and ATMs and foreign currency can be changed at local banks.  

Major banks include First Citizens Bank, Republic Bank, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), JMMB and Scotiabank. Daily banking hours are 8:00 am-2:00 pm Monday-Thursday and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Fridays (regular branches) and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (shopping mall branches).  

  

Taxes

A 12.5% goods and services tax called Value Added Tax (VAT) is added to goods and services. There is a 10% hotel tax, and some hotels add service and utility charges.  

  

Business Hours

Office hours for government offices and the private sector generally from 8:00am – 4:30pm for the private sector. However, several corporate sector and privately-owned businesses will conduct business outside these hours. Some government services, especially those requiring cash payments, may close by 2:00pm. 

   

Phone Services

There are two major providers cellular phone service in Trinidad and Tobago: Bmobile and Digicel. Both offer great mobile services and roaming facilities. International cellular roaming services are available and if visitors have installed a roaming application in their home country, they can simply turn on their sets and make calls.  Prepaid phone cards in several currencies for mobile phones are available for sale at all Bmobile and Digicel customer service centres and from many other vendors across the islands. Look for the ‘Phone Cards Available Here’ sign.

  

Internet and Wi-Fi:  

Most accommodation providers offer internet access and WiFi to guests to clients. Additionally, both Bmobile and Digicel have 4G networks and offer portable Wi-Fi devices. There are also free Wi-Fi Hotspots at various locations across the island where visitors often frequent. 

 

 

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Travel tips for your Tobago holiday 

• Stay connected: If you plan to holiday in Tobago for a considerable length of time, you should consider getting a local SIM card from Digicel or Bmobile, both of which offer prepaid SIM cards and plans inclusive of unlimited data.  

• Stock up on sunblock: Tobago is known for its warm climate, with temperatures averaging 30° - 32°C and the UV Index can reach as high as 12. As you explore all of the unspoilt gems of the island, it’s very important to protect your skin during the day. Wearing sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves where possible can go a long way in protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Limit exposure during midday hours or seek shade.

• Learn some Tobago twang: Although English is the official language, there are a number of words and phrases that are influenced by French, Spanish and Dutch cultures. Learning some key phrases can enrich your cultural experience, make you feel more comfortable and connect with the local community during your stay.