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
