TRAVEL WARNING
Overview Trinidad and Tobago
Country-specific safety information
Crime
The number of violent crimes in Trinidad and Tobago is high. Gang crime, not least of which is drug trafficking, has a large share in this. During the period around public holidays (Christmas, Carnival), there has been a regular increase in pickpockets, casual robberies and similar offenses. General, subjectively irrelevant disputes should not be underestimated.
In Trinidad, and there especially in Port of Spain, but also in the other larger cities, there is a risk of robbery and burglary. The use of force, sometimes also with the use of firearms, is not shied away from. Visiting downtown Port-of-Spain east of Henry Street and the Beetham, Laventille, Morvant and Sea Lots districts is strongly discouraged, and caution is advised in the Belmont district. The same applies to Carapo, a district of Arima.Attacks on foreigners have also occurred in other residential areas, in shopping centers and at the excursion destinations Fort George and Lady Young Lookout. When visiting the city center (Downtown) as well as at public events, bags and wallets should be ensured. Cruise ship passengers should join organized shore excursions and not individually explore the city center of Port of Spain and the area around the port area.
On the access roads to Piarco Airport (Beetham Highway and Lady Young Road) it happens that parking cars are attacked by criminal gangs in order to rob the occupants.
On Tobago, caution should be exercised in Charlotteville and Minister Bay / Bacolet. But also in the south-west of Tobago (e.g. in Buccoo, Bon Accord, the area of Black Rock and Lambeau) there have been repeated pickpockets and robberies in the past. There have also been repeated break-ins and attacks in guest houses, single villas and hotel complexes. German tourists were also repeatedly affected. In your own interest, you should therefore ensure that the chosen accommodation (fencing, security service, etc.) has an appropriate security standard. Women traveling alone are advised to exercise particular caution. Lonely beaches should always be avoided because of the risk of raids in both Trinidad and Tobago.
The risk of robberies increases significantly after dark. Travelers should not resist to reduce the risk of violence.
Basically, caution is advised when walking in less busy areas / parks of larger cities / settlements, especially after dark. Special attention should be paid to the environment: earplugs or headphones that suppress acoustic sensations should therefore not be worn.
It is also strongly advised not to take hitchhikers with you or to hitchhike yourself. Caution should also be exercised when using taxis and maxi taxis (minibuses).
Drunk driving and the resulting erratic driving style is a common problem.
Valuables such as jewelry should be avoided and cash should only be carried to the extent absolutely necessary. It is advisable to only take photocopies of important documents (ticket, passport) with you and to deposit the originals in the hotel safe.
Piracy
Sailors should note that robberies on anchored ships or ships near the coast or cases of piracy in the Eastern Caribbean occur sporadically and take appropriate measures (caution with spontaneous guests on board, self-protection at night). Emergency calls to the Police / Coast Guard over 999 (cellular phone) may be more reliable than emergency calls made over mobile maritime radio.
MONEY
Currency
1 Trinidad and Tobago dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: TT $, TTD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 TT $; Coins in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
Few hotels, major car rental companies, and major tour operators accept US dollars.
Credit cards
MasterCard and Visa are accepted in many banks, shops, as well as larger hotels and car rental companies. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. ATMs are available in banks, shopping malls and at the airport, and withdrawal fees can be high.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Note: The ATMs in Roxborough are often broken. The ATMs in Scarborough and Crownpoint are the most reliable. It is best to make a stop at Crownpoint on the way from the airport to Speyside to withdraw money.
Bank opening times
Mon-Thu 8.30 a.m.-2 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of national and foreign currencies is unlimited, but there is an obligation to declare from an amount equivalent to TT $ 20,000.
There is no limit to the export of local and foreign currencies, but a declaration is required from an amount equivalent to TT $ 5,000.
Currency Exchange
Money can only be changed in authorized banks and hotels. There may be delays when exchanging back in foreign currencies.
LANGUAGE
Overview
In Trinidad and Tobago, a country located in North America according to programingplease, the official language is English. French, Spanish, Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Chinese, and Creole (patois) are also spoken.
