WELCOME to the birthplace of the calypso and the steelpan and where “carnival” is something to remember. Trinidad & Tobago’s rich culture and ethnic diversity is reflected in our numerous festivals, including the spectacular annual Carnival celebration. Carnival is celebrated the week before Ash Wednesday and is among the largest and most popular in the world. As a tourism destination Trinidad & Tobago has much to offer from traditional sun, sea and sand holidays, to excellent diving, adventure and ecotourism.
Location: Trinidad & Tobago are the two most southerly islands in the Lesser Antilles chain of the Caribbean Islands. Trinidad, the main and larger of the two islands is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the East, Columbus Channel on the South, the Gulf of Paria on the West, and the Caribbean Sea on the North and comprises an area of 1,864 square mile (roughly the size of Rhode Island), 60 miles long and 36 miles wide. Venezuela is Trinidad’s closest neighbour, only seven mile divides them at their closest point.
Tobago, Trinidad’s sister island is only 1/16th the size of Trinidad and lies 21 miles northeast of Trinidad. Tobago has an area of 116 square miles. Fishing and tourism are the principal occupations. Tobago has miles of scenic beaches and there are many resort hotels, lagoons and undersea coral gardens with tropical fish. The most popular of these is Buccoo Reef.
Airport: Piarco International Airport (POS)
Capital: Port of Spain
Language and Culture: Trinidad and Tobago have a cosmopolitan society with an estimated population of 1.3 million. People of African descent make up about 40% of the population. About 40% are of Asian Indian background, and the remainders are of European, Middle East, Chinese or mixed ancestry. This mingling of races has given richness to the national life, unusual in this part of the hemisphere.
The varied population of Trinidad has also introduced a variety of religions. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam exist peaceably side by side. There are Angelican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, Muslim mosques, and Hindu temples, as well as Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches.
Climate & Weather: Trinidad & 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 – May and the Rainy season from June – 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.
The Government: Trinidad & Tobago gained its independence from Great Britain on August 31, 1962. It became a Republic on August 1, 1976. The Head of State is the President. Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister and Government following democratic elections every five (5) years.
Currency: The local currency is the Trinidad &Tobago dollar. US dollars are widely accepted at an approximate rate of TT $6.30 to US$1.00 and you can find rate information at local banks, or the daily newspapers. Euros 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. Automated Teller Machines are located at the airport, banks, malls, cities and towns.
Economy: There are substantial reserves of petroleum and natural gas. Heavy industries such as iron and steel, methanol and nitrogenous fertilizers are advanced. The economy is based on petroleum, natural gas, chemicals, manufacturing, tourism, food processing and beverages.
Telecommunications: The international dialing code for Trinidad & Tobago is 1-868 followed by seven digits. On the islands, use the seven digits alone.
- Cellular Service – With two cellular phone service providers in Trinidad & Tobago – Digicel and the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) – it’s easy to stay connected.
- Cellular service covers both islands and TSTT provides state-of –the-art telecommunications infrastructure that features digital technology and fiber optic systems capable of supporting a wide range of services, including wireless. Both companies also provide roaming facilities. Phones or sim cards can be purchased from licensed B Mobile (TSTT) and Digicel dealers in most villages and towns.
- Internet – Even if you decide to leave your laptop at home, sending and receiving e-mail, chatting online or surfing the World Wide Web is simple and cheap.
- Internet cafes are very popular in T & T and rates start at US .80 cents per hour (there may be an extra charge for the use of webcams, printers and other accessories). Internet access is free at all public libraries.
Banking & Business: Banks are open on Monday to Thursday, 8am-2pm and Friday, 9am-12 noon and 3-5pm. Banks located in shopping plazas and malls are the exception to this rule with business hours from 10am to 6pm.
The principal banks are Citibank, First Citizens Bank, Intercommercial Bank, Republic Bank, RBTT Bank Limited and Scotiabank.
As a rule, the day starts at 8am and ends at 4pm, from Monday to Friday at most Government Departments and private business. Shops open from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday – except for stores in malls, which are open from 10am to 7pm.
Roads: Driving is on the left-hand side.
Electricity: 110/220 volts. If this voltage is different from your home country, some hotels offer adaptors to their guests or adaptors can be purchased from local hardware and electrical stores.
Culinary Styles: Trinidad and Tobago have been influenced by cultures from around the world, which lends local cuisine a flavourful blend of international style. Savour the mouthwatering spices of India, Africa, China, the Middle East and Europe in the distinctive Caribbean Style. Some favorite local dishes include roti, doubles, shark and bake, pelau, callaloo, crab and dumpling and a host of other mouth watering dishes.
Taxes:
- Departure Tax: A departure tax of TT$100.00 must be paid by everyone when leaving T & T – except citizens who have attained the age of 60 years.
- Hotel Tax: This tax of 10% is standard to all hotels and guesthouses in T & T. In addition, hotels may add on their own service and utility fees or security deposits – but this depends on the provider. The best way to find out about these fees is from your hotel or guesthouse.
- Value Added Tax: Value Added Tax, or VAT, is a 15% tax added to goods and services. The prices displayed in stores usually include this tax, unless otherwise stated. Companies registered to charge VAT, must prominently display their Certificate of Registration. Information booklets on VAT are available at the VAT Administration Centre, 20 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain, or any VAT Regional Office. Call 623-4735 or 4737 for more information.
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