Trinidad and Tobago are twin sisters, an independent British Commonwealth. Like twins, they each have their own personality. Trinidad is the wild one; regionally cosmopolitan and bustling with a dense population. Tobago is the quiet sister, with her calm reefs, slow pace, and serene beaches.
Tobago gets its name from a smoker’s pipe, after a long pipe called the Tavaco used by the Caribs, early peoples of the islands. Historically, the island was the object of much fighting between French, Dutch, and British forces, ending up under British rule in 1814. The quiet island is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Rolling, forested hills and sandy, wave-pounded beaches are surrounded by coral reefs rich in marine life. The finest beaches are found on the north coast, creating an idyllic backdrop for kitesurfers and windsurfers to bask in the Caribbean winds.
Several international flights serve passengers arriving on Tobago at Crown Point International Airport (TAB).
Departure Tax
TT$100 (Trinidad & Tobago currency accepted only)
With tropical trade winds offering cooling breezes, Tobago’s temperatures average 84°F by day and 74°Fby night, rarely climbing above 90°F or dipping below 70°F. The rainiest months are between May and November, with near daily showers rarely lasting more than a few hours between sunny skies.
International area code: 868. From the US, dial the area code plus seven-digits like any other North American call. Major communications numbers include: MCI?800-888-8000, Sprint?800-877-8000, and AT&T?800-225-5288.
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$). US and Canadian dollars also widely accepted?clarify first when obtaining a price quote.
Meals
- Low-end: US$1-6
- Middle: US $6-12
- High: US$12-40
- Gourmet: US$40+
Lodging
- Low-end: US$20-50
- Middle: US$50-100
- High: US$100-300
- Deluxe: US$300+
Passport & Visa
US, Canadian, and British citizens require passports and ongoing or return tickets. For tourist or business stays of less than six weeks, visas are not required. Upon arrival, you will fill out an immigration card’save the copy you receive for your departure.
Tobago hotels may operate either 110- or 230-volt AC (60 cycles), so inquire ahead of time in case you need an adapter.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all visitors.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for those who may make intimate contact with local residents, especially for stays longer than 6 months.
- Routine Immunizations: All visitors should have up-to-date tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations.
- Yellow Fever: Required for visitors arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.
- Rabies: recommended for those at risk for animal bites.
Official language: English. Several other languages and dialects are also spoken.
Tobago is considered to be somewhat safer than Trinidad. Nighttime crime has been reported in certain downtown areas, such as Port-of-Spain, near Independence Square, Wilson Street, and the Market of Scarborough. Carnival season brings out the pickpockets?be on guard. Never leave valuables unattended, particularly at the beach. Rather than locking valuables in the car, keep them in the hotel safe. Let common sense guide you.
UTC/GMT ?5 (summer), UTC/GMT ?4 (winter)
Hotels assess a 10% government value-added tax (VAT) on rooms. Larger hotels and restaurants add a 10?15% service charge. General guidelines: add 10?15% tip to taxi drivers and waiters plus US$1 per bag for skycaps and bellboys.
