Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago - Travel Guide

Trinidad and Tobago offers a vibrant blend of cultures, stunning natural beauty, and a lively carnival atmosphere. From the bustling markets and diverse culinary scene of Trinidad to the pristine beaches and lush rainforests of Tobago, it's a destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

TrinidadTobagoPort of SpainCaribbeanWest Indies

🇹🇹 Country Information: Trinidad and Tobago

CapitalPort of Spain

CurrencyTrinidad and Tobago dollar ($)

Language English , Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Hindi, French, Spanish, Chinese

Phone Code+1

Electricity115V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary in restaurants (10
15% if service charge is not included), for taxi drivers (rounding up fare), and for hotel staff (a small amount for good service)
No need to tip casual street vendors

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops
Bringing some cash for smaller vendors and emergencies is advisable
No official black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is appreciated but sometimes flexible
Politeness and respect are highly valued
Dress modestly, especially in religious places
Using "liming" (hanging out) is a common social activity
During Carnival, inhibitions are lowered and dancing is encouraged

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 2018. While societal acceptance is growing, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face some discrimination.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, including for cannabis, though personal use amounts of cannabis have been decriminalized

Special Laws

Littering is strictly enforced and can result in fines
Public nudity is illegal
Jaywalking can result in fines

Common Phrases

ByeLater (Trinidadian Creole)

HelloHello (Standard English)

Thank youThank you (Standard English)

Good MorningGood Morning (Standard English)

How are you?How you doing? (Trinidadian Creole)

Climate

Climate Zone: Equatorial Monsoon

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov
Wet season (heavy rainfall, potential for flooding): Jun
Dec

Getting There

Fly directly to Piarco International Airport (POS) in Trinidad or A
N
R
Robinson International Airport (TAB) in Tobago
Average flight times from major North American cities are 4
6 hours, with costs varying widely ($400
$800+ round trip)
Inter
island ferry service connects Trinidad and Tobago (3
4 hours, $10
20 USD)
Private boat charters are also available

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and a common way to get around both islands
Agree on a fare before starting your journey
Maxi
taxis (shared minibusses) are popular for local routes and more affordable
Ride
sharing apps are not widely available or commonly used
Car rentals are available for independent exploration

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio, etc
) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers
Yellow Fever vaccination proof is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission
Malaria risk is generally low, but consult a healthcare provider for specific recommendations based on your itinerary
Consider motion sickness remedies for ferry trips or winding roads
Probiotics can be helpful for adjusting to new foods

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available from major local providers such as bmobile and Digicel
Providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly may offer eSIM plans for Trinidad and Tobago
Check their availability and plans specific to the region

Local Cuisine

Doubles street_food

Doubles are a quintessential street food, consisting of two soft, fried flatbreads called 'bara' wrapped around a savory, curried chickpea filling. Th

Bake and Shark must_try

This signature dish features fried or baked flatbread ('bake') filled with generous portions of fried shark meat, topped with a variety of fresh veget

Callaloo regional_speciality

A thick, creamy soup or side dish made primarily from dasheen or taro leaves, okra, coconut milk, and sometimes crab or salted meat. It is a fundament

Pelau regional_speciality

Pelau is a savory one-pot dish where rice, meat (usually chicken or beef), and vegetables are cooked together with coconut milk and caramelized sugar,

Roti (Curry) must_try

Roti, specifically 'Buss-up Shut' or 'Dhalpuri' roti, is a flatbread often served wrapped around a curry filling of chicken, goat, shrimp, or vegetabl

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Trinidad Carnival Fete Tickets tour_or_activity

Book 6–12 months in advance

Tickets for popular fetes (parties) sell out extremely quickly, often within hours of release, and demand for the few weeks around Carnival is astronomical.

Accommodation in Port of Spain (Carnival Period) Accommodation

Book 6–12 months in advance

Hotels and guesthouses in the Port of Spain area surrounding Carnival dates sell out far in advance and prices increase drastically.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Ferry between Trinidad and Tobago Transport

Book 1–3 months in advance

The ferry is the main inter-island transport for travelers and locals; high-demand periods (holidays, summer) often see tickets selling out, especially for vehicle slots.

Domestic Flight between Trinidad (POS) and Tobago (TAB) Transport

Book 1–2 months in advance

Domestic flights, particularly on weekends, holidays, and during peak season, have limited capacity and may sell out or increase significantly in price.

Fun Facts

1. Pitch Lake in Trinidad is the world's largest natural asphalt deposit, covering about 100 acres, and visitors can walk on its semi-solid surface.
2. Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of the steel pan, which is the only acoustic musical instrument to be invented in the 20th century.
3. In 1977, Trinidad's Janelle Penny Commissiong became the first Black woman in history to be crowned Miss Universe.
4. The Nylon Pool, a natural, shallow, crystal-clear swimming pool with a sandy bottom, is located in the middle of the ocean near Tobago.

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