Travellers coming from Spain or member states of the European Union do not need a visa for stays under three months. A return plane ticket and a valid passport are also required.
The official language in Trinidad & Tobago is English, although Hindi is quite widespread as well. Spanish, although the first language taught at schools and is projected to be an official language by 2020, is still not that popular among locals.
Voltage in Trinidad & Tobago is 110 & 220 volts so it is convenient to pack a plug adapter.
Vaccination is not compulsory with the exception of the yellow fever (only for travellers coming from countries with risk of transmission), although it is also advisable to be vaccinated against the rabies. A mosquito repellent should not be missing from your luggage either.
Our recommendation is that you acquire insurance before you travel because public health in Trinidad and Tobago is quite basic.
If you decide to rent a car, know that in Trinidad & Tobago they drive on the left, English-style.
As a rule of thumb, this is a pretty safe country, although it is best to take precaution when moving through isolated areas, especially at night.
Remember to pack summer clothes because the average temperature thought the year is 26 degrees, and it never falls below 20 degrees during the night. The rainy season runs from June - November. Dry season (December - May) coincides with peak tourist season. Most tourists descend between January and March, when hotels get booked up quickly and prices soar. You can travel to Trinidad & Tobago and enjoy this tropical paradise regardless of the season.
Many places accept credit/debit cards (although many do not accept AmEx). However, it's easier to have cash on hand at times. Keep in mind that some places only accept cash (like street food vendors).
In Trinidad, WiFi is not readily available when you are out and about. It is highly likely you will have access to WiFi if you are staying at a hotel or place that normally has tourists come in. You may also have access to WiFi at restaurants, and different Bmobile and Digicel hotspots around the island. If you MUST be on the grid, then your phone provider may have a plan set up for you. Depending on how long you want to stay and your budget, you are certainly able to activate an international plan and use data.
In Port of Spain, the social scene basically revolves around "The Ave," which is an area on Ariapita Street lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. The Ave seemed pretty quiet at the beginning of the week and then people start "liming" (Trini slang for "hanging out") a bit more on Wednesday/Thursday. By Friday and Saturday nights, things are "pumping."
Seafood is abundant in various guises such as curried crab served with dumplings. Pepper sauces make most dishes flaming hot. There is an endless supply of things to eat on the hoof. Snacks include roti (bread stuffed with split peas, shrimp, curry chicken and other random fillings), doubles (folded bread with chick peas) and pastel (raisons, peppers and beef wrapped up in a dasheen leaf). Barbecued chicken is popular as is the side dish callaloo containing a mix of dasheen leaves, crab, coconut milk, thyme and more.
Desserts are seriously sweet. Pamie is a popular (sweet coconut inside a pattie or banana leaf). Trinidad has a wide range of restaurants serving Creole, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Arabic and Thai food. Tobago doesn't have as much diversity but has some great al fresco joints where you can dine on lobster under the stars. Drinks include rum (obviously), beer, wine, spirits, fruit juice, cold soft jelly coconut water and mauby, a bitter beverage made with mauby tree bark, anise and cinnamon.
Shake your booty at Trinidad's world famous carnival. The riotous event with its flamboyant costumes, calypso tents and all night dancing requires stamina but is well worth the effort. If you miss out, you can still enjoy a dose of exuberant Caribbean rhythms; take in soca, calypso, parang or steel pan music.
Train your eyes on some of the most impressive birdlife in the Caribbean. Spot hundreds of species at the Asa Wright Nature Centre or take a boat trip to the Caroni Swamp where you can see the evening flight of scarlet ibis.
Go hiking or biking in Trinidad's Northern Range, a mountainous stretch with coastal views, waterfalls and copious flora and fauna.
Buses run to all the major destinations. Government buses are the shoestring option. Private minibuses are crowded and noisy. Ordinary taxis or share taxis (private cars that drive fixed routes) are quicker and comfier but more costly.
In Trinidad most hotels are in Port of Spain but you can also find accommodation in the mountains and lining the coast. There are plush hotels tucked into the hills and cheap bed and breakfasts but hardly any beach resorts (the next best thing is to rent a beachside villa from the locals).
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