Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Trinidad and Tobago depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for Trinidad and TobagoEmergency Numbers
- General
- 999
Currency
- Name
- Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
- Code
- TTD
- Symbol
- TT$
ATMs widespread. USD accepted at hotels and some tourist businesses. Cards accepted in Port of Spain and tourist areas; carry TTD cash for local markets and taxis.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 115V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
AST (UTC−4) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
January–May is the dry season — Carnival falls in February or March (the greatest show on earth; book accommodation a year ahead). Tobago's Buccoo Reef is excellent January–June. June–December is wet season and also hurricane season (though Trinidad sits south of the main hurricane belt, Tobago can be affected).
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | Some restaurants add service charge — check the bill |
| Taxis | 10–15% | Use official route taxis (maxi taxis) for set routes or book via app for safety |
| Hotels | TT$20–50 for porters | — |
| Dive guides (Tobago) | $5–10 USD per dive | — |
Dress Code
- Casual and tropical throughout
- Modest dress in churches and inland villages
- Carnival: elaborate costumes for those playing mas; casual spectators welcome
- Tobago is more relaxed than Trinidad
Social Etiquette
- Trinis (Trinidadians) are among the most warm, vibrant, and irreverent people in the Caribbean — 'lime' (hang out and chat) is the national pastime
- Carnival is the pinnacle of culture — two days before Ash Wednesday, the entire island shuts down and plays mas
- Steelpan was invented in Trinidad — the sound system for any street party is world-class
- Tobago is quieter, more nature-focused, and deeply proud of its own distinct identity
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ activity was decriminalised in 2023 (court ruling struck down colonial-era laws); social attitudes are mixed
- Drug offences carry serious penalties
- Crime in Port of Spain: apply standard big-city safety precautions; some areas are high-risk at night — ask locals or your hotel for guidance
- Tobago is generally much safer than Trinidad's capital; most tourist areas are safe
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Trinidadian English) | What happening? / Wha' goin' on? | wha' GOWIN on — relaxed greeting |
| How are you? (Trini) | How yuh keeping? | hao yoo KEE-ping |
| No problem (Trini) | No problem, man / We good | noh PROH-blem man |
| Hang out (Trini) | Liming | LYE-ming — to 'lime' = to hang out and chat |
| Excellent! (Trini) | Dat real good! / Ah feeling de vibes! | the most Trinidadian way to express joy |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller