Travel Information
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
So you're ready to plan your travel to Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Conference 2013 – “CONTENDING AS ONE”. Here is some information to get you started.
HOW DO I GET TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (T&T)?
Several major airlines make regular and chartered flights to Trinidad and Tobago.
A number of cruise lines also visit, although schedules are less frequent.
You can call your local travel agency to discuss your options, contact airlines directly or visit reputable travel websites online to search for flights.
Scheduled flights are operated by Aeropostal, American Airlines, Avior, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Condor, Continental, Copa, LIAT, Martin, Monarch, Surinam Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Others offer charter flights.
Pay special attention to the baggage specifications/charges for your airline.
WHAT DO I NEED TO ENTER THE ISLANDS?
Entry Requirements:
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
The Caribbean Conference 2013 - “CONTENDING AS ONE” - is being held at Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Attendees are encouraged to stay at this location.
(Book your room as early as possible to benefit from the discounted rate). However, there are a number of hotels, guesthouses and bed & breakfast establishments in Trinidad & Tobago.
OUT AND ABOUT IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Here is some information to help you get what you need quickly and easily while in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). And should things go a little awry, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered there too.
HOW DO I GET AROUND T&T?
Trinidad and Tobago admittedly aren't the easiest places for the uninitiated to navigate unless you do your homework or are armed with a healthy helping of street smarts.
There are five basic ways of getting around T & T:
WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE WHILE IN T&T?
Like much of the planet, there is crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, you should observe the same precautions that you would at home. Always be aware of your surroundings; don’t venture into deserted or unfamiliar areas alone; don’t wear extravagant jewellery; secure your valuables. At the hotels use the safe if available or locked suitcases.
CAN I USE FOREIGN CURRENCY TO PAY FOR GOODS AND SERVICES?
It is advisable to change your money to our official currency, the TT dollar, either at your local banks (if available) or upon arrival. There are cambios at the airport and you can reconvert any TT currency before your departure. US dollars are accepted by very few establishments in Trinidad and Tobago at approximately TT$6.5 to US$1. However, Most ATMs will give advances on debit/credit cards in TT dollars and banks will convert your cash. You can also use your debit/credit cards at most vendors.
WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS HOURS FOR MALLS, SHOPS, BANKS AND SUPERMARKETS?
Generally, most shops open for business from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Stores in Port of Spain close at 2:00 pm on Saturdays; however the malls are open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm - Monday to Saturday. Most businesses, including malls and shopping plazas, are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Groceries and some pharmacies are the exception.
Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. However, on Fridays, banking hours are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and then 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Banks in malls are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm - Monday to Friday. All banks are closed on weekends.
WHAT IS THE ACCEPTABLE RATE FOR TIPPING?
This is left to your own discretion; however you can follow the guidelines below:
WHAT DO I DO IN CASE OF A HEALTH OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY?
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have several modern private hospitals and a network of public hospitals, district health centres and community clinics. In the case of a medical emergency your hotel can recommend doctors, dentists or the nearest hospital. Treatment is free to non-residents at all public health facilities. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority is given to emergency cases.
For minor complaints, common over-the-counter medicines can be purchased at local pharmacies. In the capital and major towns, pharmacies are usually open from 8:00 am until 9:00 or 10:00 pm - except on Sundays and Public Holidays.
WHAT OTHER PRACTICALITIES CONCERNING T&T SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
WHAT SHOULD I PACK (as applicable)?
HOW DO I GET TO MY DESTINATION FROM THE AIRPORT?
Find out if your hotel/guesthouse provides an airport transfer and arrange this service in advance. Unless you are being met privately, take an authorised taxi from the airport to your destination. There are set fares for various destinations. At the Piarco International Airport authorised taxi drivers are usually seated just outside the customs area in the airport terminal. Authorised private taxis have licence plates beginning with “H” (for “Hire”). You can also rent a car from auto rental agencies situated in the airport terminal.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET TO SPEND ON ITEMS LIKE FOOD AND TRANSPORT?
The information below offers general guidelines. Prices quoted in US$
FOOD:
Street Food: $0.40 - $3.00
Restaurants: $10.00 - $110.00
Fresh Produce/Grocery: $50.00 per week (fresh vegetables, meat/fish and seasonal fruits) for two adults
TRANSPORT:
Rental Cars (per day): $50.00 and up
Public Transport (one-way)
Bus: $0.31 - $3.00
Maxi Taxi: $0.31 - $5.00
Route Taxis: $0.31 - $10.00
Taxis: $10.00 - $30.00
Note:
WHERE CAN I GET FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING T&T?
Tourism Websites: http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/ and http://www.discovertnt.com/
Visa Information: http://www.immigration.gov.tt/Services/Visas.aspx
Immigration Information: http://www.immigration.gov.tt/
Conference Website: www.contendingasone.com
Public Transport: http://www.ptsc.co.tt/
So you're ready to plan your travel to Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Conference 2013 – “CONTENDING AS ONE”. Here is some information to get you started.
HOW DO I GET TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (T&T)?
Several major airlines make regular and chartered flights to Trinidad and Tobago.
A number of cruise lines also visit, although schedules are less frequent.
You can call your local travel agency to discuss your options, contact airlines directly or visit reputable travel websites online to search for flights.
Scheduled flights are operated by Aeropostal, American Airlines, Avior, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Condor, Continental, Copa, LIAT, Martin, Monarch, Surinam Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Others offer charter flights.
Pay special attention to the baggage specifications/charges for your airline.
WHAT DO I NEED TO ENTER THE ISLANDS?
Entry Requirements:
- A passport valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond intended stay.
- Non-residents require documentation of return or onward travel and a valid local address
- Visas requirements (for a visit of up to 90 days): although not required for Caricom nationals (except Haiti), citizens of the United States, the European Union and British Commonwealth (with some exceptions), please click here to confirm.
- For more information, visit the Immigration Division of Trinidad & Tobago.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
The Caribbean Conference 2013 - “CONTENDING AS ONE” - is being held at Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Attendees are encouraged to stay at this location.
(Book your room as early as possible to benefit from the discounted rate). However, there are a number of hotels, guesthouses and bed & breakfast establishments in Trinidad & Tobago.
OUT AND ABOUT IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Here is some information to help you get what you need quickly and easily while in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). And should things go a little awry, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered there too.
HOW DO I GET AROUND T&T?
Trinidad and Tobago admittedly aren't the easiest places for the uninitiated to navigate unless you do your homework or are armed with a healthy helping of street smarts.
There are five basic ways of getting around T & T:
- Private taxis (holds up to 4 passengers) - Several private taxi companies operate. Available at the airport and larger hotels; otherwise summoned by phone.
- Public route taxis and maxi-taxis (also called maxis) – these can transport between 12 to 25 people and stop to pick up or drop off passengers as necessary, servicing specific routes from designated taxi stands. Legal, registered taxis have license plates beginning with “H” (for Hire) and are unmetered as fares are fixed; confirm fare in advance (TT$2 – $15).
- Buses (range of passengers) - The Public Transportation Services Corporation (PTSC) operates scheduled bus services (TT$2 – $12).
- A rented car - Local and international car hire/rental companies operate nationwide. Plan your trip and drive defensively. Be mindful of oppressive levels of traffic during peak rush hours and note that Trinidadians (Trinis) drive on the left side of the road.
- A tour operator – A trusted and licensed tour operator would be needed for trips that are further afield, or trips to protected or restricted areas.
WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE WHILE IN T&T?
Like much of the planet, there is crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, you should observe the same precautions that you would at home. Always be aware of your surroundings; don’t venture into deserted or unfamiliar areas alone; don’t wear extravagant jewellery; secure your valuables. At the hotels use the safe if available or locked suitcases.
CAN I USE FOREIGN CURRENCY TO PAY FOR GOODS AND SERVICES?
It is advisable to change your money to our official currency, the TT dollar, either at your local banks (if available) or upon arrival. There are cambios at the airport and you can reconvert any TT currency before your departure. US dollars are accepted by very few establishments in Trinidad and Tobago at approximately TT$6.5 to US$1. However, Most ATMs will give advances on debit/credit cards in TT dollars and banks will convert your cash. You can also use your debit/credit cards at most vendors.
WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS HOURS FOR MALLS, SHOPS, BANKS AND SUPERMARKETS?
Generally, most shops open for business from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Stores in Port of Spain close at 2:00 pm on Saturdays; however the malls are open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm - Monday to Saturday. Most businesses, including malls and shopping plazas, are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Groceries and some pharmacies are the exception.
Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. However, on Fridays, banking hours are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and then 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Banks in malls are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm - Monday to Friday. All banks are closed on weekends.
WHAT IS THE ACCEPTABLE RATE FOR TIPPING?
This is left to your own discretion; however you can follow the guidelines below:
- Private Taxi Drivers: 10% of the fare
- Service staff at a restaurant: 10% to 15 % of total bill
- Spa Attendants: 10% of total bill
WHAT DO I DO IN CASE OF A HEALTH OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY?
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have several modern private hospitals and a network of public hospitals, district health centres and community clinics. In the case of a medical emergency your hotel can recommend doctors, dentists or the nearest hospital. Treatment is free to non-residents at all public health facilities. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority is given to emergency cases.
For minor complaints, common over-the-counter medicines can be purchased at local pharmacies. In the capital and major towns, pharmacies are usually open from 8:00 am until 9:00 or 10:00 pm - except on Sundays and Public Holidays.
WHAT OTHER PRACTICALITIES CONCERNING T&T SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
- Driving: on the left. Seatbelts are required. Visitors can drive up to ninety (90) days on valid foreign/international licenses. Use of cell phones is prohibited while driving unless hands-free.
- Taxes: 10% room tax + 11.5% service at hotels, Value Added Tax (VAT) 15% on goods and services
- Water: tap water is safe to drink (boil to be safer); bottled water widely available
- Country phone code: +868
- Mobile (cellular) telephone: bmobile (TSTT) and Digicel operate on GSM networks; prepaid SIM cards available for unlocked phones. Prepaid phones available at the airport.
- Public WiFi & Internet: There's free WiFi at Piarco Airport, and at a growing number of "hot spots" nationwide.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK (as applicable)?
- Passport (must be valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond intended stay)
- Valid driver’s license
- Money ( TT$ or US$)
- Bible, Songbook, Notebook, Quiet Time journal
- Toiletries
- Medication (prescription or OTC)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Cool Clothing (please include a sweater as the conference rooms may be cold).
- Electrical adaptor or transformer (if applicable). T&T: 115v/230v, 60Hz
- NB: It is illegal in T&T for civilians to wear military or camouflage clothing.
HOW DO I GET TO MY DESTINATION FROM THE AIRPORT?
Find out if your hotel/guesthouse provides an airport transfer and arrange this service in advance. Unless you are being met privately, take an authorised taxi from the airport to your destination. There are set fares for various destinations. At the Piarco International Airport authorised taxi drivers are usually seated just outside the customs area in the airport terminal. Authorised private taxis have licence plates beginning with “H” (for “Hire”). You can also rent a car from auto rental agencies situated in the airport terminal.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET TO SPEND ON ITEMS LIKE FOOD AND TRANSPORT?
The information below offers general guidelines. Prices quoted in US$
FOOD:
Street Food: $0.40 - $3.00
Restaurants: $10.00 - $110.00
Fresh Produce/Grocery: $50.00 per week (fresh vegetables, meat/fish and seasonal fruits) for two adults
TRANSPORT:
Rental Cars (per day): $50.00 and up
Public Transport (one-way)
Bus: $0.31 - $3.00
Maxi Taxi: $0.31 - $5.00
Route Taxis: $0.31 - $10.00
Taxis: $10.00 - $30.00
Note:
- The prices quoted are broad estimates and do not include T&T’s 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) or service charges
- Car rental rates are subject to seasonal increases.
WHERE CAN I GET FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VISITING T&T?
Tourism Websites: http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/ and http://www.discovertnt.com/
Visa Information: http://www.immigration.gov.tt/Services/Visas.aspx
Immigration Information: http://www.immigration.gov.tt/
Conference Website: www.contendingasone.com
Public Transport: http://www.ptsc.co.tt/