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Phone: +58 (212) 263.1820 / 265.2433/ 236.1940, Fax: +58 (212) 263.9119, info@alboradavenezuela.com
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Trinidad & Tobago
Travel Tips
Local time
The time in Trinidad and Tobago is four hours behind Greenwich Meridian Time, placing it in the Atlantic Standard Time zone. This means that visitors from the United Kingdom and most of Europe will experience time changes of four to six hours. Time on the islands is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time observed on the East Coast of the United States. Trinidad and Tobago do not, however, observe daylight-saving time, which means that in April through October, the time in Trinidad and Tobago will be the same as destinations observing Eastern Standard Time.
The time in Trinidad and Tobago is four hours behind Greenwich Meridian Time, placing it in the Atlantic Standard Time zone. This means that visitors from the United Kingdom and most of Europe will experience time changes of four to six hours. Time on the islands is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time observed on the East Coast of the United States. Trinidad and Tobago do not, however, observe daylight-saving time, which means that in April through October, the time in Trinidad and Tobago will be the same as destinations observing Eastern Standard Time.
Electricity
Trinidad and Tobago has both 115 or 230-volt AC (as in the US) on 60 cycles. You should find out what voltage your hotel or resort uses before you go because these voltages may be different from your home country.
If your hotel's voltage does not match your appliances, you may need to purchase an adapter or transformer before you go or ask if one will be available to you once you check in. Some hotels often will offer their guests these items as part of their service. Some hotels may even have 220-volt outlets, which is what you find in most places in North America. Also, airports will probably carry the necessary equipment for converting your electrical appliances for use on the island.
Trinidad and Tobago has both 115 or 230-volt AC (as in the US) on 60 cycles. You should find out what voltage your hotel or resort uses before you go because these voltages may be different from your home country.
If your hotel's voltage does not match your appliances, you may need to purchase an adapter or transformer before you go or ask if one will be available to you once you check in. Some hotels often will offer their guests these items as part of their service. Some hotels may even have 220-volt outlets, which is what you find in most places in North America. Also, airports will probably carry the necessary equipment for converting your electrical appliances for use on the island.
Its people
Trinbagonians are diverse and varying in a lot of different degrees. They are very giving and family- oriented and helpful. They welcome strangers with open arms; love to party and to have cook outs. Every day is a good day for a river or beach lime.
Trinbagonians are diverse and varying in a lot of different degrees. They are very giving and family- oriented and helpful. They welcome strangers with open arms; love to party and to have cook outs. Every day is a good day for a river or beach lime.
Water and Food
Water
Mainly, water in Tobago is safe to drink, though bottled water is available in supermarkets. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilization is advisable.
Food
While international cuisine and fast food restaurants are widely available on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, to truly get the most of your vacation, sampling the local fare is a must. India, Spain, and other parts of Europe have contributed to the population as well as the local culinary style. Indian cuisine is very prevalent on the islands, especially in the form of spicy curry dishes like lunchtime favorite rotis, a flat bread stuffed with chickpea curry and ground meat. Fresh seafood prepared in Spanish creole style is another local favorite. Africans brought to the islands as slaves have added their own culinary customs to the mix. Adventurous eaters may want to try a local delicacy like armadillo and possum stew.
Water
Mainly, water in Tobago is safe to drink, though bottled water is available in supermarkets. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilization is advisable.
Food
While international cuisine and fast food restaurants are widely available on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, to truly get the most of your vacation, sampling the local fare is a must. India, Spain, and other parts of Europe have contributed to the population as well as the local culinary style. Indian cuisine is very prevalent on the islands, especially in the form of spicy curry dishes like lunchtime favorite rotis, a flat bread stuffed with chickpea curry and ground meat. Fresh seafood prepared in Spanish creole style is another local favorite. Africans brought to the islands as slaves have added their own culinary customs to the mix. Adventurous eaters may want to try a local delicacy like armadillo and possum stew.
Vaccines
Before visiting Trinidad and Tobago, you may need to get some vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/trinidad-and-tobago.aspx
Hepatitis A and Rabies are present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Bats are a problem as far as the transmission of rabies is concerned.
To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.
Before visiting Trinidad and Tobago, you may need to get some vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/trinidad-and-tobago.aspx
Hepatitis A and Rabies are present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Bats are a problem as far as the transmission of rabies is concerned.
To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.
Shopping
You can find goods from all over the world in Port of Spain, but local goods are always available. Special purchases include calypso records, steel drums, leather bags and sandals, ceramics and woodcarvings. Gold and silver jewelry can be good value, as can Indian silks and fabrics. Rum should also be considered. Bright, printed fabrics and other summer garments are available in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in Port of Spain.
Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1600, Fri 0800-1800 and Sat 0800-1300. Some shops stay open later in Port of Spain, and malls are often open till 2100. Shops close on public holidays, especially during Carnival.
Tipping
Vacationers can show their appreciation for services they receive on the island by leaving a generous tip, which is not expected but is always greatly appreciated.
While staying in any of Trinidad and Tobago's hotels or resorts, you will be required to pay a government tax of 15% along with a 10% service charge, which will be added to your final bill. Housekeepers and bellhops may not expect a tip for their service, but just because it isn't obligatory doesn't mean it isn't appreciated.
Most restaurants also add a 10% service charge to bills, which is standard on both islands. If this charge is not applied to your final bill, you are not required to tip, but a gratuity is encouraged, and a tip of 15% is the usual amount given. If your waiter has done a particularly good job, you may want to be more generous.
Banks
There are four major banks that operate on both islands: First Citizen Bank, Scotiabank, The Republic Bank, and The Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT). These banks all keep the same schedule: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Fridays. Banks on the island are generally not open for business on Saturdays and Sundays, but banking facilities in shopping malls and busier areas may stay open until 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
ATM's accepting cards on the Plus/Electron and Cirrus/Maestro networks are available. Visitors to the island will find ATM's in both the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and the Crown Point International Airport in Tobago. ATM's are also available throughout Port of Spain and Scarborough, but become harder to find outside the two major cities.
Valid driver's license
A U.S. driver's license and/or an International Driving Permit are valid for up to 90 days after arrival. Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers, and cars may be pulled over and drivers fined for not wearing seatbelts.
A U.S. driver's license and/or an International Driving Permit are valid for up to 90 days after arrival. Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers, and cars may be pulled over and drivers fined for not wearing seatbelts.
Emergency numbers
The emergency line in Trinidad and Tobago is: Police 999 or 555, Fire 990, Ambulance-Trinidad 811, Ambulance-Tobago 639-4444, and Coast Guard (yachting emergencies) 634-4440.
The emergency line in Trinidad and Tobago is: Police 999 or 555, Fire 990, Ambulance-Trinidad 811, Ambulance-Tobago 639-4444, and Coast Guard (yachting emergencies) 634-4440.
Safety & Security
Trinidad and Tobago are generally safe places to visit, but crime has become a rising issue in recent years. Most crimes committed on the islands are theft related. Vacationers can protect themselves from becoming victims while on vacation by remembering a few safety tips:
-Do not travel alone at night, especially along poorly-lit areas, deserted beaches or scenic lookouts.
-Protect your belongings by storing valuables in safes -if available at your hotel.
-Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large amounts of money in public.
-When making reservations at private accommodations such as villas or private homes, visitors should ensure that 24-hour security is provided.
-Never leave your valuables unattended, especially in cars or in beaches and in other public places that are vulnerable to theft.
-Avoid neighborhoods you don't know.
-Valuables including travel documents should not be left unattended in parked cars, especially in parking lots.
Other recommendations are:
-If your passport, birth certificate, or driver's license is stolen while you are on either island, immediately contact the local consulate or embassy office. The American Embassy can be found at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and can be reached by telephone at 868-622-6372.
-Drugs are not tolerated on the island, and vacationers should be aware that even a small amount of marijuana can lead to serious jail time.
-Taxis available at the major hotels or through pre-arranged pick-ups with reputable companies are generally safe and reliable. Unmarked shared taxis authorized to pick up passengers will have the letter 'H' as the first letter on their license plates.
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are beautiful and exciting places to vacation. Travelers can make the most of their time here by taking a few safety precautions to ensure a safe and unforgettable vacation.
Trinidad and Tobago are generally safe places to visit, but crime has become a rising issue in recent years. Most crimes committed on the islands are theft related. Vacationers can protect themselves from becoming victims while on vacation by remembering a few safety tips:
-Do not travel alone at night, especially along poorly-lit areas, deserted beaches or scenic lookouts.
-Protect your belongings by storing valuables in safes -if available at your hotel.
-Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large amounts of money in public.
-When making reservations at private accommodations such as villas or private homes, visitors should ensure that 24-hour security is provided.
-Never leave your valuables unattended, especially in cars or in beaches and in other public places that are vulnerable to theft.
-Avoid neighborhoods you don't know.
-Valuables including travel documents should not be left unattended in parked cars, especially in parking lots.
Other recommendations are:
-If your passport, birth certificate, or driver's license is stolen while you are on either island, immediately contact the local consulate or embassy office. The American Embassy can be found at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and can be reached by telephone at 868-622-6372.
-Drugs are not tolerated on the island, and vacationers should be aware that even a small amount of marijuana can lead to serious jail time.
-Taxis available at the major hotels or through pre-arranged pick-ups with reputable companies are generally safe and reliable. Unmarked shared taxis authorized to pick up passengers will have the letter 'H' as the first letter on their license plates.
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are beautiful and exciting places to vacation. Travelers can make the most of their time here by taking a few safety precautions to ensure a safe and unforgettable vacation.
