Essential Travel Information for Trinidad and Tobago

Bargaining

In Trinidad and Tobago, bargaining is generally not a widespread custom in formal retail settings such as supermarkets, malls, or established stores, where prices are fixed. However, there are situations where bargaining is acceptable and even expected:

• Open-air Markets and Street Vendors: In markets or with street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, or crafts, some level of bargaining may be expected, although it's not always the case.

• Tourist Services: When dealing with services like guided tours or taxi rides that don't have standardized pricing, you may be able to negotiate the price down a bit, especially during the low tourist season.

• Art and Craft Shops: If you are buying local art or crafts, especially in more informal settings, you might find that the seller is open to some negotiation, particularly if you are buying multiple items.

• Flea Markets: At flea markets or bazaars, bargaining is often considered part of the experience.

• Informal Transactions: For transactions that are not regulated, such as buying something from a roadside vendor, you may find some room for negotiation.

Communication

Trinidad and Tobago generally offer good connectivity options for travelers in terms of Wi-Fi and phone services. Here's what you can expect:

Wi-Fi

• Hotels and Resorts: Most hotels, resorts, and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi to their guests. The quality of the connection can vary depending on the establishment.

• Cafés and Restaurants: Many cafés, restaurants, and eateries, especially in touristy areas and larger cities like Port of Spain in Trinidad or Scarborough in Tobago, offer free Wi-Fi to customers.

• Public Wi-Fi: Some public places, such as airports and shopping malls, provide free Wi-Fi, but the connection may be less secure, so exercise caution when using these networks.

  
  

Mobile Phone Service

• Local Operators: The main telecommunications operators in Trinidad and Tobago are Digicel and bMobile (a service of TSTT, or Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago). They offer a range of prepaid and postpaid services, including 4G data.

• Coverage: Urban and touristy areas usually have good network coverage, including 4G services. However, remote regions, especially some parts of the Trinidadian interior and smaller bays in Tobago, may have limited or no service.

• SIM Cards: Travelers can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards at the airport or from local stores to get local rates for calls, SMS, and data.

• Roaming: If you prefer to use your home country's mobile service, check the roaming charges and coverage before you travel. Some operators offer roaming packages, but these can be expensive.

  
  

Currency

Trinidad and Tobago use the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar, often denoted as TTD or simply TT$. The currency is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes commonly used are in denominations of TT$1, TT$5, TT$10, TT$20, TT$50, and TT$100, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as a TT$1 coin.

Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in urban and touristy areas. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit remote areas or shop at smaller vendors and markets where cards may not be accepted.

ATMs are readily available in cities and most towns, allowing for easy withdrawal of local currency. Do note that foreign cards may incur additional fees for ATM withdrawals, so it's good to be aware of any charges that may apply.

Electric Plugs

In Trinidad and Tobago, the power plugs and sockets used are of type A and B. These are the same types of plugs used in the United States, Canada, and several other countries.

• Type A: This is a flat blade plug with two flat parallel pins.

• Type B: This is a flat blade plug that has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

• The standard voltage is 115 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Time Zone

Trinidad and Tobago are in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone, which is UTC -4:00. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not as deeply ingrained in the culture of Trinidad and Tobago as it is in some other countries like the United States, but it is generally appreciated for good service.