Trinidad - Wikitravel. Trinidad. For other places with the same name, see Trinidad (disambiguation).
Trinidad is the larger of the two islands that make up the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Taxis are available to most destinations. You may also arrive on the sister isle of Tobago at Crown Point International where you can take a 1.
Piarco or opt to take a ferry from Scarbrough to Port of Spain. The following information was correct as of May 2. It starts in the West with the capital Port of Spain and ends at Arima. Transport is easy attained along these routes. Legitimate taxi license plates always start with an 'H' (for 'Hire'). Taxis, for the most part, drive along a fixed route. The exception is for taxis which take passengers into neighborhoods, in which case you must inform the driver of the destination street.
HEAD OFFICE. Phone: (868) 623-2611/6291. Northern Area Office Phone: (868) 623-5070 Broadway Phone: (868) 624-0720 St James Phone: (868) 628-1705: EASTERN AREA. The Port has been the gateway to the capital of the Twin Island of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for more than seventy years, but was officially name the Port.
Expect the driver to wait until the taxi is full (usually four passengers) before leaving, so you might have a long wait at quiet hours. Always ask the driver to make sure where the route goes, and if you are in the right taxi stand. There are usually multiple taxi stands to different destinations in close proximity. The route fees are fixed (typically $3 to $5 TT, but going up to $2. TT for long routes), but ask the fare before leaving. If you don't wish to wait, or need to go off- route, negotiate with the driver and you can get the taxi all to yourself. The main advantage of taxis is that there are typically fewer stops (getting there faster) and you can ask the driver to place bulky packages in the trunk.
![Transport In Trinidad And Tobago Transport In Trinidad And Tobago](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/07/bd/cc/91/trinidad-tobago-shuttle.jpg)
A warning: air conditioning is not mandatory or typical. You can call them from anywhere and they will come pick you up. These are usually nicer than 'normal' taxis: better maintained, newer and always air- conditioned. The drawback is is much higher cost (expect to pay at least $1.
TT). They carry 1. They are always painted white with horizontal stripes on the sides (red, green, yellow,brown and black). The color of the stripe used to identify the route, but this is not strictly enforced. Typically, Maxis that travel the East- West corridor between Arima and Port of Spain have a red stripe, Port of Spain to Chaguanas: green. Maxis typically can be flagged along any 'Main' road (any road with 'Main' in its title: Eastern Main Road, Western Main Road, etc.) as well as the Priority Bus Route (which runs from Arima to Port of Spain).
![Transport In Trinidad And Tobago Transport In Trinidad And Tobago](http://www.tramz.com/tt/tt15b.jpg)
Main road routes are usually congested and slow, but slightly cheaper. The fee depends on distance traveled, but expect to pay $3 TT minimum (also known as a Short Drop). To flag a maxi, extend your arm upwards and indicate using your fingers how many passengers want to board. Ask the driver to make sure he is going where you wish to be. Passengers must press a buzzer located above their seat to indicate that they wish to disembark (if stopping before the end of route).
My Trinidad Jobs Port of Spain, the Caribbean, Caribbean Job Opportunities and Careers in Trinidad and Tobago from My Trinidad Jobs, list of professional jobs in. Your pet needs a cat or dog passport to enter Trinidad Tobago including an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, Blood Titer Test and a veterinary certificate. Trinidad and Tobago: island country of the southeastern West Indies. It consists of two main islands—Trinidad and Tobago—and several smaller islands. Forming the.
The Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association strives to serve our nation’s construction sector by promoting the skill, integrity and responsibility of. The Office of the Prime Minister provides professional and other support to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
If you don't know the area, ask the driver. Some maxis (particularly the larger ones) employ a conductor. The conductor collects money and indicates where you should sit. He is easily identified by the wad of cash in his hand and his occasional hustling- cry to potential passengers. Air conditioning is not typical. Tickets can be purchased at terminals, and are usually less than $1.
TT. They are normally air- conditioned. Aside from the rather erratic driving of many of the locals, the main problem with getting about like this is that the road signs tend to be rather sporadic and inconsistent, and there don't appear to be any good maps available. As a result, you need to be prepared to spend rather a lot of time getting lost. The service is friendly and reasonably efficient.
![Transport In Trinidad And Tobago Transport In Trinidad And Tobago](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/umP8q59EcUw/hqdefault.jpg)
Bear in mind though that you will need a valid credit card and be over the age of 2. Asa Wright Nature Center. There are cottages to stay in, but one doesn't need to be an overnight guest to visit.
Knowledgable guides will lead you through this former cocoa plantation, pointing out interesting species of birds, lizards, and other animals that you may encounter on the way. Staff put out fresh fruit everyday to attract birds, so that even sitting on the wide and comfortable veranda, a guest will be entertained by the local fauna. The entry cost is 6. TTD (1. 0 usd) for foreigners and 3. TTD (5 USD) for locals.
This is for a day pass. Paria Arch on the North Coast of Trinidad. Carnival celebrations - Steelpan, soca music, calypso, all birthed in T& T is celebrated in the festival of Carnival occurring on the two days just before the Catholic season of Lent. Come early if you can to enjoy as many of the pre- Carnival events occurring in the weeks leading up to Carnival, some of which are free of charge. Ask a local about visiting a panyard to hear the steelband players practise. Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), with its Head Office located in the capital city of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, provides a wide range of services. Ministry of Works & Transport Welcome to the official website of the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT). This platform has been created to provide information. As one of the frontline Ministries within the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is leading the drive to position Trinidad.
Call any of the tour operators to reserve a spot in the boats that traverse the Caroni Swamp to get a breathtaking view of the national birds in flight at sunset. Bring a worthy camera and lots of repellant and sunscreen.
![Ministry Of Transport In Trinidad And Tobago Ministry Of Transport In Trinidad And Tobago](http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/045335f7b7d348ef82708681bbfae15f/the-trinidad-and-tobago-flag-fbg35h.jpg)
Divali celebrations - ask a local for more details on the festival of light. North Coast Beaches. They are all accessed via the North Coast Road and are accompanied by lesser known beaches as well as other interesting sights. Rent a car and make a day of it. Beware the winding roads if you are not a confident driver.
Mount Saint Benedict. Visitors are warmly welcomed.
There is a lovely guest house, Pax Guest House . The cost is minimal for the tea service. The entire complex is peaceful and because it is situated so high on the mountain, it is wonderfully cool. The Stations are along a rather steep road, requiring exercise for the body and soul. There is a beach nearby, so this can be a dual tour/sea bathing outing.
Toco/Matelot/Grand Riviere - superb scenery, some beaches, leatherbacks which come up every night to lay their eggs during esting season. Tobago beaches are great for camping. Also a must- see the coral reef at Buccoo; Nylon Pool, and Fort King George. Itineraries. Other influences include Chinese (fast food Chinese places are only outnumbered by bars), and to some extent English and French. Relatively recently there has been a strong influx of American fast food: Subway, KFC and Pizza Hut are common sights.
Most Trinidadians love meats of all kinds, but due to a significant Hindu population, there are many good vegetarian offerings. India has some similar street fare, which is its probable origin. Tasty and cheap, many consider doubles a good quick meal or snack. They consist of curried channa (a. Extra toppings include mango and other chutneys, as well as pepper sauce. In local lingo, doubles are ordered by referring to how much pepper is desired.
One may order a . Doubles vendors usually also sell fried potato pies, called . Prices are around $3 . This place also serves other East Indian savouries such as kachourie and saheena (made with green vegetables) which are usually quite tasty. Served with sweet sauce these can be sampled without the stinging taste of pepper, unless you request it. Not all places that serve Doubles are capable of distinguishing/serving pepper- free food. Then, tear a piece from the top 'free' bara (if you ordered pepper or chutney, now is the time to distribute it evenly) and then use it to scoop up some channa before consumption.
The process continues with the 'bottom' bara until all the channa is consumed. Practice will enable you to get some channa with every bite with none left over. This process can be messy, so it is always wise to spot a source of water for washing hands before you start eating. A warning: one grain of channa will almost invariably roll off the wax paper and drop on your shoe.
In some places, there might be 2. This makes bar- hopping easy. Bars constantly blast soca, reggae, dancehall and calypso music to attract customers. Carib is a sweet, nutty lager, probably the most popular. Stag has a slightly deeper flavor. Also try a Shandy Carib; Carib beer mixed with ginger or sorrel soda. Coconut Water - Straight from the coconut.
Coconut vendors typically stack hundreds of coconuts on their trucks, and let you choose your own. Chug, or drink with a straw.
When you are done, the vendor will sometimes chop your coconut in half, then cut a thin wedge for you to use as a spoon to eat the jelly. Bottled coconut water is almost always stale, flat and diluted. Mauby - a brisk, ice- tea like drink made from a bark extract. If made prepared directly from the bark expect a bitter taste. The concentrate form is sweeter and easier on virgin taste buds.
Sorrel - Usually made and served at Christmas time, this drink can also be found in various bottled formats in grocery stores. It's always best when made fresh from the sorrel flower, either using a dried version, available in packages (from Jamaica) or the fresh flowers bought in the market at Christmas time. The juice is made by boiling the flowers to extract the flavour and colour then sweetening and flavouring with spices.
Peanut Punch - A rich, cold blended milk drink flavored with peanut butter, sold in cafes and by road side vendors. A light meal substitute. Peardrax - A soft drink that originated in the United Kindgom that become popular in Trinidad and Tobago. Partially fermented pear juice, which is pasteurized and carbonated. A unique local favorite. Rum - In the Caribbean, rum is the obvious drink of choice. Angostura is the biggest provider on the island, with White Oak, Royal Oak, Single Barrel, 1.
A local favorite is rum and coconut water, simply delicious and refreshing! Puncheon is a high- proof rum for serious benders. One combination, called . You may also try babash (illegally made rum) which is only available under- the- counter in rural areas. Seamoss - A thick blended drink made from seamoss (a component of which is agar, which is very gelatinous) and condensed milk. Sold at the same places as peanut punch.
Stay safe. The following areas are known as crime hot- spots and should be avoided both during the day and night. Laventille has frequent gang related murders, almost on a daily basis.
Trinidad and Tobago - Wikitravel. Trinidad and Tobago. Location. Flag. Quick Facts. Capital. Port of Spain. Government Parliamentary Democracy. Currency Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD). Area 5,1. 28 sq km.
Population 1,4. 65,8. July 2. 00. 6 est.).
Language English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish, Chinese. Religion Roman Catholic 2. Hindu 2. 4%, Anglican 1. Muslim 6%, Presbyterian 3%, other 2.
Electricity 1. 15/6. Hz (North American plug). Country code +1- 8. Internet TLD . tt. Time Zone UTC - 4. Trinidad and Tobago.
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. Trinidad was discovered by Christopher Columbus, who claimed it for Spain.
The Spaniards brought their diseases but the Arawaks and Caribs were not used to their diseases so some soon died out. Under Spanish rule, large numbers of French settlers established cocoa plantations in Trinidad and imported slaves to work them. The British seized the island in 1.
To make up for the labor shortage the government encouraged heavy immigration from countries such as Portugal, France, Germany, China, and most importantly India. Trinidad was united with Tobago in the 1. Throughout the early 1. Caribbean countries, as well as Venezuela and Colombia.
Following World War II, TT was combined with various other British Caribbean countries into the West Indies Federation, but the different countries could not get along and the federation soon collapsed. TT eventually achieved complete independence on August 3. Throughout the sixties and seventies, the country prospered thanks to large deposits of oil and natural gas, becoming the wealthiest nation in the Caribbean. However, in the late eighties, oil prices dropped significantly, causing a major economic meltdown. Thousands of Trinidadians left the country at this time, in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Throughout the 9. In Arima, the Carib community celebrate their feast every August. Trinidad is the larger of the two, and is the location of most of the country's cities and activity. It is also the country's industrial centre, noted for petroleum and natural gas production, which make T& T one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Tobago is known for tourism, which is its main industry and is a popular tourist destination. Both islands have a share of natural beauty.
In Trinidad the annual mean temperature is 1. The humidity is high, particularly during the rainy season, when it averages 8. The island receives an average of 2,1. June through December, when brief, intense showers frequently occur. Precipitation is highest in the Northern Range, which may receive as much as 3,8.
During the dry season, drought plagues the island's central interior. Tobago's climate is similar to Trinidad's but slightly cooler. Its rainy season extends from June to December; the annual rainfall is 2,5.
The islands lie outside the hurricane belt; despite this, Hurricane Flora damaged Tobago in 1. Tropical Storm Alma hit Trinidad in 1. This range rises into two peaks. The highest, El Cerro del Aripo, is 9. El Tucuche, reaches 9.
The Central Range extends diagonally across the island and is a low- lying range. The Caroni Plain, extends southward, separating the Northern Range and Central Range. The Southern Range consists of a broken line of hills with a maximum elevation of 3. There are numerous rivers and streams on the island of Trinidad; the most significant are the Ortoire River, and Caroni River. There are deep, fertile valleys running north and south of the Main Ridge.
The southwestern tip of the island has a coral platform. Although Tobago is volcanic in origin, there are no active volcanoes. James - fondly known by locals as the city that never sleeps. Other destinations. They may also obtain a visa waiver on arrival, provided that. All visitors require a passport valid for the length of their stay and a return or onward ticket. They must also show proof of funds to maintain themselves, and provide an address in TT, such as a hotel or family/friend.
Lauderdale, Houston, Orlando, New York (JFK), and Newark, USA; Toronto, Canada; London, UK; Caracas and Porlomar, Venezuela; Panama City, Panama; Paramaribo, Suriname; Georgetown, Guyana; Barbados and various other islands in the Caribbean. This is not well at all signposted. To catch the bus, first purchase a ticket from the newsagency inside the terminal. This will be $4. TT (6. USD). You cannot pay on the bus, so ensure you get this ticket.
There will also be a timetable showing departure times. They are approximately every hour. The bus stops on the second traffic island outside of the terminal. You should see a very small sign.
Most anchor in the Chaguaramas area on the far northwest side of the island. Alternatively, to get your attention, they will beep their horn at you as they approach. One pays for an individual seat and the taxicabs are shared, but a whole car can be hired if so desired, and if there are not a lot of passengers waiting. Prices can be agreed upon before embarkment.
These Maxi Taxis travel to the east, south and central areas of the island. In order to travel to the west there are a few designated areas such as the Diego martin/Petit Valley/Carenage/Chagaramas maxi stand located a few kilometers away from City Gate.
Locally they are called . Use caution as . If your taxi or maxi is involved in a crash, make a report to the police as soon as possible in order to secure your legal rights. To stop a maxi taxi while on it (i. Smoking in public buildings is against the law.
Buses are run by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The ferry ride is approximately 4. TT$1. 5 (approximately US$2. However, one can rent a car at the airport upon arrival.
The license plates of rental cars are usually designated with an . So more and more car rental firms are now outfitting their cars with . They may not stop at red lights, and make unannounced turns whenever, wherever! If you're only accustomed to right- side driving (US/ Canada/ Cont. Europe) strongly consider not driving at all. Basically, it is driving based on common sense. Drive to stay alive.
If you foresee the possibility of unpleasantness, especially one that can turn into a road rage incident, avoid it. It is a fun experience, if you can drive well, to enjoy the roads especially late at night or early morning.
Avoid speeding on the main highways in rush hour or around the Queen's Park Savannah at any time. Other than that, chances that you will be pulled over are next to nil. Look for signs indicating where U- Turns are not allowed. Distances are marked in kilometres. Some rural areas off the main highways may have homes whose ground floors are paved with cow dung and dirt, called .
Although the island is not huge, getting somewhere can take longer than you might think. Caribbean Airlines (http: //www. The Express is the faster of the two ships, but the Spirit is newer and has better facilities.
Vessels are the MF Panorama and Warrior Spirit. A return trip for a private car costs TT$3. This includes the cost of the driver.
You are unlikely to be able to take a rental car on the ferry since you need to show vehicle registration documents. For advance tickets, you must purchase tickets from some select travel agencies - at peak times tickets sell out quickly, particularly for vehicles.
For ferry schedules and travel agencies, see the Port Authority website . Tobago's beaches are extremely beautiful. Get this from the PTSC terminal on South Quay Road. Make sure to purchase a return ticket as there're no ticket vendors at the beach. This bus leaves every 4. The reef is not in pristine condition due to years of abuse and neglect. Please refuse any offers of shoes for walking on the coral as this will destroy what is left of the reef.
Glass Bottom Boat tours are available from Pigeon Point and Store Bay. Tours generally take place during dusk as the Scarlet Ibis returns to the swamp to roost. It is also a good idea to wear thick clothing(jeans and a jacket/sweater) as the mosquitoes in the bird sanctuary are especially vicious and are capable of biting through the thickest of clothing.
Divali is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago. The gardens are a perfectly picturesque picnic spot, despite the sparse amenities. Volunteer opportunities are also available. It is a two week long show of Tobagonian dance, music, story telling, culture and food. In fact some locals' physical fitness goals are centered around Carnival. Pier 1, Anchorage, Base, Mo. BS2 to name a few.
Some very popular night clubs are Club Zen and 5. Degrees Lounge in Port of Spain and Sting nightclub in La Romaine, as well as Space la Nouba and Prive, both also in La Romaine. Also the popular Rising Star on Rushworth street. However, due to the crime situation, caution is advised and it is a good idea to be with a group rather than by yourself. Some courses are 9 holes and others are 1. Two popular golf courses are the St.
Andrews' Golf course . Irvine Golf Course in Tobago. English is spoken with a strong accent in Trinidad and Tobago, so it can take some getting used to understanding the locals. English Creole (though it's not referred to by locals by that name) is very frequently used for informal communication among locals. A Trinidadian Dictionary, . Here's an example of just one of those many words that have radically different meanings from American English.
Also, Hindi, French (mostly Creole or Patois), Spanish, and Chinese are occasionally heard. It may seem, at times, you are in a country that only speaks a foreign language. However, since virtually everyone knows standard (British) English, there's no need to ask. US dollars are also widely accepted. As of December 2. Republic Bank ATMs (Blue Machines) accept six- digit PINs.