Trinidad and Tobago Overview

Trinidad and Tobago Overview

GENERAL

Official name of the state

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Capital

Port of Spain.

Geography

As a country located in North America according to politicsezine, Trinidad and its little sister island Tobago are located off the Venezuelan coast. In the north of Trinidad there is a mountain range, at the foot of which lies the capital Port of Spain. South of Port of Spain, the country descends towards the west coast. In the Caroni swamps there is a bird sanctuary, which is home to the scarlet ibis. The north and east coasts offer wonderful beaches. The plain in the middle of Trinidad is mainly used for agriculture.

Government

Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1976. Constitution of 1976. Bicameral Parliament: House of Representatives with 41 elected MPs and Senate with 31 appointed members. Elections take place every five years. Independent since 1962 (former British colony).

Head of state

Anthony Carmona, since March 2013.

Head of government

Prime Minister Keith Rowley, since September 2015.

Electricity

110 V, 60 Hz. US adapter recommended.

Time zone

Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Overview

The following items can be imported into Trinidad and Tobago duty-free (people aged 17 and over):

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1.5 l wine or spirits (only opened bottles);
Perfume for personal use;
Gifts and personal effects up to a maximum value of T $ 3000.

ECONOMY

Business etiquette

A light suit or costume is appropriate. The best time to travel on business is from December to April (excluding the Christmas season).

Business hours:
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Economy

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc.
(Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
PO Box 499, Port of Spain
Tel: 637 69 66.
Internet: www.chamber.org.tt

Business contacts

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc.
(Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
PO Box 499, Port of Spain
Tel: 637 69 66.
Internet: www.chamber.org.tt

COMMUNICATION

Phone

Dial-up remote service.

Cellphone

Digital and analog network, not compatible with GSM telephones. A dual-band mobile phone is required to make calls on the islands. All European providers have a roaming contract with TSTT (Telecommunications Services of T&T) (Internet: www.tstt.net.tt), but this does not apply to every type of contract. The network operator is TSTT Cellnet (Tel: 800 CELL or 653 23 55; Fax: 625 5807). Cell phones can be bought on site. They cost around 90-100 € (800-1000 TT $), including a prepaid card for 20-25 €. Cell phones can be purchased from TSTT Cellnetcan also be rented. The transmission / reception area for mobile communications is comprehensive in Trinidad, while mobile communications are only available to a limited extent on Tobago.

Internet

Internet provider is TSTT Internet Services (Internet: www.tstt.net.tt). There are numerous internet cafes on the two islands.

Post Office

The main post office is on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. In Tobago, the main post office is in Market Square, Scarborough. The main post offices are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In smaller towns, post offices are often closed at lunchtime and otherwise the opening times are not so precise. Airmail to Europe takes about a week.

Radio

Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.

SHOP

Overview

Rum and Angostura, calypso music, straw and sisal work, steel drums, summer clothes, leather bags, sandals, ceramic ware and wood carving.

Shop opening times: Mon-Thu and Sat 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. In Port of Spain some shops are also open longer. Shops are closed on public holidays and especially during Carnival.

NIGHTLIFE

Introduction

There are some nightclubs in Trinidad and hotels also offer entertainment programs. In addition, calypso and limbo dances, steel band shows or disco music ensure evening entertainment.

CULINARY

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels

The selection ranges from hotels of international chains to smaller private hotels. Prices are very different, 10% tax and VAT are added to all invoices. Information is available from the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association, c / o Trinidad & Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (see addresses)

CULTURE

Religion

26% Catholics, 22.5% Hindus, 7.8% Anglicans, 5.8% Muslims and other Christians.

Social rules of conduct

Manners: Liming, chatting extensively, is an extremely popular pastime. Above all, people like to talk a lot about cricket. Hospitality is very important and people are often invited to private homes.

Clothing: Casual clothing is common, and short-sleeved appearances can also be found at social events and business meetings. Swimwear belongs on the beach, however.

Tip:
Most hotels and inns charge 10% service charge, otherwise 10-15% is common.

CLIMATE

Best travel time

Tropical climate tempered by trade winds from the northeast. The dry season lasts from November to May. It is hottest between June and October, and heavy rain showers can be expected every day.

COUNTRY DATA

Area code +1 868 Area (sqkm) 5128 Population 1222363 Population density (per sqkm) 238 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 990

Trinidad and Tobago Overview