Money and payments
Cards and cash
Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted in many stores.
Tipping
Tipping has not been a custom, but has become more commonplace.
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Americas · CaribbeanOutline guideCountry in the Caribbean
Photo: Aneil Lutchman, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands, Trinidad and Tobago, just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Trinidad and Tobago.
Cards and cash
Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted in many stores.
Tipping
Tipping has not been a custom, but has become more commonplace.
English
English is the official language.g. colour, programme, tyre). English Creole (though it is not referred to by locals by that name) is very frequently used for informal communication among locals.
One can purchase a prepaid SIM card and GSM phone from Digicel or bmobile stores for as little as TT$100 and use that card in an unlocked GSM phone for the duration of their stay.
Mobile networks
The tap water is generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water because the public water often has a strong chlorine taste.
The Tobago Tourist Board boasts that "the wildlife in Tobago won't kill you", which is mostly true. The islands do have mosquitoes and isolated cases of dengue fever have been reported.
Covered in the guide
It's a good idea to greet a stranger before asking him or her a question. It's a better idea to avoid strangers when not in the company of others.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Capital city
birthplace of famous calypso artiste "Lord Kitchener"
fastest growing and largest municipality mostly populated by descendants of East Indian indentured labourers
area in northwest Trinidad that is the yachting centre of the country with many facilities for boat owners
south western municipality, which lies on the outskirts of the La Brea Pitch Lake and is known for oil production
Southern city
Scarborough is the main city on the island of Tobago, part of Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean country.
Public transport and paid services in Trinidad and Tobago.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Trinidad and Tobago.
Finding apps for Trinidad and Tobago…
Other ways to travel:Inter-island transport
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Port of Spain · International · POS
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Port of Spain
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 31° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 23° | 23° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 24° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 100 | 61 | 52 | 56 | 117 | 222 | 202 | 202 | 141 | 176 | 213 | 178 |
| Humidity | 77% | 73% | 70% | 69% | 72% | 79% | 82% | 82% | 81% | 83% | 83% | 81% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$60
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$160
Per person, per day
Luxury
$410
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $90 | $240 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $35 | $80 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $35 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $55 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelin Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, health, and terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. State of Emergency On March 2, 2026, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a new nationwide State of Emergency (SOE). This is due to a spike in violent criminal activity that could threaten public safety. During the SOE, the GOTT has imposed the following measures: The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service can: Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities. Search and enter public and private properties as needed. Bail is suspended for those suspected of committing a crime. Members of the Defense Force are following similar regulations as the local police. There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings. The GOTT will monitor the SOE daily. Restrictions may change with little or no notice. Although violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago has dropped greatly since 2024 due to security efforts started during the previous state of emergencies, crime remains a challenge throughout the country. Crime rates are lower in Tobago than in Trinidad. Due to crime risks, U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are not allowed to travel to the following areas in Port of Spain: At any time: Laventille The southern end of Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street (past the General Hospital) Piccadilly Street Besson Street Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah At night: Port of Spain Beaches Downtown Port of Spain Fort George Queen’s Park…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Trinidad and Tobago.
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