USEFUL INFORMATION:

Capital: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Population: Trinidad and Tobago's population stands at 1,328,019

Currency: The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. US dollars are widely accepted at an approximate rate of TT $6 to US $1 and you can find rate information at local banks, or the daily newspapers. Euro's and the Pound Sterling (GBP) are not as widely accepted as US dollars.
Traveller's cheques and international credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and malls.
ATM machines are located at the airport, banks, malls, cities and towns.

Language: The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English, but Spanish and to a lesser extent French patois, Hindi and Chinese is spoken by some segments of the population through culture and heritage.

Political Status: Independent nation and Republic within the British Commonwealth

Location: Trinidad and Tobago are the most southern islands in the Caribbean, located a mere seven miles off Venezuela's north eastern coast. The islands are a 3 hour and 19 minute flight from Miami, 4 1/2 hours from New York and 58 minutes from Caracas.

Climate & Weather: Trinidad and Tobago has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average daytime temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius.

Our islands have two main seasons, the Dry Season, from January to May and the Rainy Season, from June to December. In the Rainy Season, mornings are usually sunny, followed by rainy afternoons and fair nights. During this time, our general rainfall pattern is interrupted by days of brilliant sunshine.

Electricity Supply

Trinidad and Tobago’s electricity supply is 110-volt plugs in all rooms.

Time Zone

Trinidad & Tobago Standard Time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4).

Daylight Saving Time

Trinidad & Tobago does not operate Daylight-Saving Time

International Telephone Dialling Code

The International Dialling Code for Trinidad & Tobago is +1 868. Note there are no codes for individual towns and cities in Trinidad & Tobago.

Banking Information

Banking hours are as follows:
Non-Mall Branches
Monday–Thursday: 8.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Friday: 8.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Mall Branches
Monday–Friday: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Currency can also be exchanged at the First Citizens Bank at Piarco International Airport. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation, but the rates for the day are displayed at the banks. Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Most major credit cards are accepted for payment in Trinidad and Tobago. The most frequently used are Master Card and Visa.

Public Transport

Trinidad and Tobago has an extensive network of highways and roads connecting most points of the islands, which makes it relatively easy to get around. Cars, taxis and privately owned minibuses, called maxi taxis, are the most popular form of transport on the islands. If you prefer to do your own exploring and discover the islands at your own pace, moving between Trinidad and Tobago is “no problem” with a daily ferry service between Port of Spain and Scarborough or via a 20 minute flight on the air bridge. For more information on the transport options visit www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/travel-information/getting-around/

Safety

• Valuables should be left in the hotels’ safety deposit boxes.
• Keep the door to your room locked at all times.
• Avoid keeping excessive amounts of cash on your person.
• Avoid wearing excessive jewelry.
• Avoid dark areas, parks or savannahs.
• If there is a problem and you are alone, go to the nearest police/security officer or police station.
• Stay with your group. If you must go out on your own, tell someone where you are going, when and what time you expect to return.