Trinidad and Tobago [1] is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands just off the northeast coast of Venezuela. Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt.
Regions Map of Trinidad and Tobago Cities
Other destinationsUnderstandThe islands were first inhabited by Arawak and Carib peoples, who settled here from South America, and whose descendents still make up the majority of the population. The Spanish, French, and Dutch all had a presence here before the two islands came under British control as a single colony in the late 19th century. They became independence in 1962. The two islands have distinct personalities. Trinidad is by far 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 center, especially for petroleum and natural gas production, which make T&T one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Tobago is the less developed, except for tourism, which is its main industry. Both have a share of natural beauty, however. Get inVisa requirementsPassport holders from the countries of Australia, New Zealand, all Asian and Pacific nations require a visa in advance. The only exceptions are South Korea, Israel, and Turkey. No visa is required for USA, Canada, EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and rest of the British Commonwealth except the Commonwealth African countries of Cameroon, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Mexico and all non-Commonwealth/non-EU Caribbean, Central and South American countries require a visa in advance except the nearby countries of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Surinam. Remainder of non-Commonwealth/ non-EU Europe and Africa also need a visa in advance. Both advance and free on-arrival visas (for everyone else) are for a 90-day maximum stay. By planeAir service is available from Miami, Houston, New York (JFK & Newark), Washington DC (with a Caribbean stopover), Atlanta, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA; Toronto, Canada; London, UK; Caracas, Venezuela; Georgetown, Guyana; Barbados and various other islands in the Caribbean. The national airline BWIA is part of the Star Alliance with United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air New Zealand. There is no direct service from Mexico and Central America you have to transfer in Miami or Caracas. Elsewhere in South America usually transfers from Caracas. Continental European countries can transfer in London, though there might be an occasional flight from Germany (to Tobago) on Condor airlines. International departure tax is TT$100 (about US$16.50). If exchanging money on departure, be sure to save a blue TT$100 note for this purpose. By boatTrinidad is a popular location among yacht owners. Most anchor in the Chaguaramas area on the far northwest side of the island. Get aroundThere are regular taxis with a license plate beginning with "H" and "MaxiTaxis" (usually a large passenger van) that go along a specified route. Buses are only used for longer distance travel and not within a city or metro area. Unofficial taxis also exist, but you'll have to ask the locals about them. Car rental is widely available, and driving is on the left side (British style). If planning to go to the other side of the island, 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. Beware of drivers who do not follow the laws of the road. They may not stop a red lights, and make unannounced turns whenever, wherever! Drinking alcohol is permitted while driving. If you're only accustomed to right-side driving (US/ Canada/ Cont. Europe) strongly consider not driving at all. See
DoTalkEnglish is the official language, with English Creole commonly used for informal communication among locals. Also, Hindi, French (mostly Creole or Patois), Spanish, and Chinese. It may seem, at times, you are in a country that only speaks a foreign language, but virtually everyone knows standard (British) English. BuyPrices 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. Just keep your cool, pay the higher price (which is usually rather slight when you convert it back from Trinidad and Tobago dollars to your own currency). EatDue to its varied background, Trinidad and Tobago has excellent and varied food options. In particular, the Indian roots have provided for 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, Indian flatbreads stuffed with chickpea curry, usually some meat, and other items (including green beans, pumpkin, and mangoes). The breads, also known as the skin, can be plain or can have split chickpeas inside. Many stores also sell rotis with skin but shredded up on the side, known as buss-up-shut. Supposedly the origin of this word comes from busted shirt, or old shirt, because the piles of skin resemble an old torn up shirt. Cheap breakfasts of 'sada' roti and 'choka' - vegetables of all kinds are available for about TT$3-4. But the most popular fast snack is a 'doubles', TT$2. This is essentially a type of fried bake with curried channa and your choice of condiments. It is a roadside snack, available everywhere. Eat hot. Another must try in T&T is the infamous Bake 'n 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, including garlic, shadowbenny, and corriander. DrinkCold soft jelly coconut water -- available along the roadsides -- costs about TT$3-4. And do try all the many varied local fruit juices, readily available chilled in most groceries. If you are into teas, then also try the local teas. You will have to go out to the countryside for these, though. SleepLearnWorkTourist visas do not permit employment. Stay safeGenerally, it is best to travel with the sun. When it sets, make sure you are in a safe place with people you trust. This is more important in Trinidad than in Tobago. In Port of Spain, areas east of Charlotte Street become increasingly unsafe (but this shouldn't be considered an absolute boundary -- on some east-west streets you can go a block or two further). Stay out of East Dry River, Belmont, and Laventille. The current trend in criminality is kidnapping for ransom, but it is usually directed at local store owners and other prominent Trinidadian families. Foreigners haven't been targeted yet, but it is advisable to be careful just in case. Stay healthyThe 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. The tap water is generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water. Use your best judgement if in an area where homes collect rain water from the roof, but very few problems reported. Respect It's a good idea to greet a stranger before asking him or her a question. Homosexual behavior is prohibited, and should be kept private. There is no nude or topless bathing anywhere in Trinidad and Tobago (unless, perhaps, you can find a secluded German-owned hotel in Tobago). Avoid all topics related to politics and Black-Indian race relations -- especially the recent corruption conviction of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. In Trinidad, all five of the world's great religions are well represented. Although it has a large Indian Hindu community, there are no taboos that Westerners would have a difficult time getting used to. The cow is not so sacred as to prohibit eating beef or wearing leather. (A few ultra-conservative Hindus may take exception to this, but they are very, very few in number.) Also, the left hand is not considered unclean. Upon arriving in Trinidad a century ago, the Indians lost their former caste, and are considered equal to each other. Occasionally, you might see a swastika, but it has nothing to do with Nazism or anti-Semitism, and is an ancient symbol of the Hindus. Conversely, you might also see the six-pointed star inscribed in a building such as a police station, though it has no direct Jewish implication. Avoid asking exactly where in India a person's ancestors came from, as most people simply don't know. 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 you appreciation, as some visitors who have no intention of visiting or staying with locals end up doing so anyway. Most homes (including a few guest houses) outside the larger towns are not connected to any underground water mains. However, they may still have running water via an electric pump connected to large, round, black outdoor water tank(s). 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. Some Indian-owned homes may have a wash basin mounted in every bedroom of the house with hot and cold running water, yet incredibly they still might not be connected to the underground water mains. Even though this is a lovely tropical island, avoid wearing beach-style clothing anywhere except the beach. Trinidadians are rather sophisticated when it comes to fashion and frown upon this. Contact
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