Basic Etiquette in Trinidad & Tobago:

• Trinidad & Tobago is a conservative, although very friendly, society. So, expect to be treated with due respect and very politely. This is, however, expected from you in return.
• Instead of “good morning”, people tend to acknowledge one another on the street with a nod of the head. The same gesture is used instead of “alright”. This is usually the norm outside the cities.
• Life here follows a particularly slow rhythm so delays in meetings and other arrangements are common. Just be tolerant and flexible and you will soon align with the pace of the island and feel much less stressed.
• Using obscene language in public, as well as public drunkenness are extremely frowned upon. At the same time, local couples tend to be very undemonstrative in public.
• Beachwear should only be worn at the beach, while topless and nude bathing are prohibited. The same applies to camouflage clothes and items made from camouflage material, which are illegal (this even includes children’s toys and clothing).
• Smoking in enclosed public spaces is strictly forbidden.
• Due to the heavy traffic and unpredictable driving, renting a motorcycle is not advisable. Renting a bicycle, on the other hand, may come in handy when getting around the quieter roads in areas of Tobago or Trinidad, such as Tucker Valley in Chaguaramas.

Tipping

A 10% tip is expected in Tobago. In Trinidad, this is not obligatory, even for route taxis or private taxi drivers. In case the 10% service charge is added to your bill, which is the case with many restaurants, tipping is not necessary but certainly welcomed. For resorts and hotels, leaving a few dollars for the chambermaid is considered polite.

Electricity

The local current runs on either 220 or 110 volts (standard frequency of 60 Hrz). Please note that the current might be sluggish at times, especially in Tobago, and that power outages are common. This is why many hotels have generators. As for the sockets, the most used types are the flat two-pronged plug pins, although you may also find plugs with a third, round pin.

Internet

Free Wi-Fi is available across nearly all guesthouses and hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as many bars, cafes, and coffee shop chains. Of course, you can buy unlimited Wi-Fi on the go while travelling across the country via Skyroam Solis at one flat daily rate in more than 130 countries (this is a pay-as-you-go payment). Nevertheless, please do your own research and see what suits you best.

LGBTQ Travellers

At the moment, the government is under serious pressure to change the existing law that forbids and even punishes homosexual men exhibiting affection for one another in public. Nevertheless, Trinidad and Tobago is much less homophobic than other Caribbean islands. In fact, there are several gay bars in the capital of the country, but the overall scene is still quite underground.

Driving in Trinidad & Tobago

Your patience will be put to the test when driving around, and you should be alert at all times, as the roads are always packed and there are many one-way streets downtown Port of Spain. As drivers, the locals are quite courteous and will not hesitate to offer parking or other advice. However, beware because they tend to stop at short notice and take turns without signalling first, and even drive at night with one head or tail light. They may also stop in the middle of the street and leave their vehicle to chat with a friend or buy a snack. Honking is also quite common here but is generally used as a thank-you gesture for something.

Now, if you want to rent a car, you will have to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driving licence. Please note that most car rental agencies will require a cash or credit card deposit of nearly US$170 at the moment of this writing. As for the rental prices, they vary and usually include unlimited mileage and 3rd-party insurance. Finally, if you don’t want to be liable for damage, kindly consider getting a collision damage waiver and pay a few extra dollars (if your home insurance does not cover that for you already).

Note: It is against the law to drive without being properly dressed. This means wearing a top, such as a T-shirt. Also, to be able to drive in Trinidad and Tobago, you will need a valid international driving licence or a driving licence issued in the Bahamas, Germany, the UK, Canada, or the USA. Then, you can drive a car or motorbike for up to 90 days. To be allowed to drive for more than 90 days, you will need to head to the Licensing Division that’s located in Port of Spain (Wrightson Road), and apply for an extension.

Getting around

The following means of transport are all great ideas to get around the country:

• Bus Services – They refer to both private services delivered by minibuses (aka maxi taxis) and large public buses, the majority of which run from City Gate (and terminate there), in Port of Spain, which is also referred to as South Quay. There is also a priority bus route that is much faster than others and runs through the east-west corridor of Trinidad. In Tobago, the buses depart from and terminate at Sangster Hill Road Terminal, in Scarborough, and pass through the entire island. As for tickets, they need to be bought in advance from either of the two terminals mentioned above. Finally, the bus services operate from around 4:30 in the morning to approximately 21:00. Also, check the colour of the maxi taxis as they are indicative of the set route each one follows – the yellow run around Port of Spain and the western tip, the black in and around Princes Town, the green in the south and the centre, and the red in the east.
•  Private Taxis – They are unmetered so always negotiate a price before getting inside one. Also, ensure that the taxi has a “P” letter on their number plate.
• Route Taxis – They operate in the same way as shared taxis and depart from stands across the largest towns, run on set routes, and serve 4-5 passengers at a time. You can identify them from the “H” on their number plates. Please note that a route taxi will not leave its stand unless it is full.
• Water Taxis – They are a quick and time-saving option to get from Port of Spain to Chaguaramas.

You may also use the ferry and the fast catamarans that make the journey between Trinidad and Tobago in nearly 3 hours, or even the plane and get from one another within 20 minutes or so via the national carrier (Caribbean Airlines) that runs nearly 20 flights connecting the two islands daily.