The local currency is the
Trinidad and Tobago dollar (
TT$) , divided into one hundred cents. Coins start at 1 cent and range up through 5, 10 and 25 cents. Notes start at 1 dollar and are in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 100. Keep some in small denominations as supermarkets and bars may exchange TT$100 but taxis and street vendors often can't and should be paid with TT$20 or less.
Travellers' cheques and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, high-class shops and hotels. In smaller establishments and rural areas they are unlikely to take anything but local currency. Personal cheques are not usually accepted in hotels, and most host homes do not have credit card facilities.
As the exchange rate is much more favourable on the islands it is best to buy local currency once you have arrived in T&T. At the time of publication it was around TT$6 to US$1. Piarco Airport Exchange Bureau (6am-10pm) has reasonable rates, although it is not as competitive as the banks in Port of Spain: Republic (Independence Square), Royal (Park Street) and Scotiabank (Frederick Street). In San Fernando try Republic (Coffee Street) and in Arima the Republic (Broadway) or the Royal (corner of Queen and Devenish streets).
Travellers flying into Tobago can change money at the Republic Bank (Mon-Thurs 8-11am & noon-2pm, Fri 8am-noon & 3-5pm) in the Crown Point Airport . Most banks on the island are located in Scarborough; Republic is on Carrington Street, while Scotiabank is on Milford Road and First Citizen on Lower Milford Road.
The TIDCO map of the islands marks the locations of ATM s, which provide cash advances on your accounts at home.
Banking hours vary slightly, but are usually Monday to Thursday 8am-2pm and Fridays 8am-noon and 3-5pm. Most banks in Trinidad's larger malls open and close later (9am-6pm) with no break. Outside banking hours money can be exchanged in the larger hotels in Port of Spain. Most shops and vendors will accept American dollars - pay in small denominations and be prepared to receive your change in local currency.
Trinidad and Tobago are undoubtedly one of the cheapest Caribbean destinations due to their low profile on the tourist market. It is possible to survive on £20/US$28 a day - if you're prepared to take the least expensive accommodation, eat at low-cost cafés and travel by public transport. If you stay at tourist accommodation and eat at finer restaurants, you will need at least £60/US$85 a day. A rental car will add around £30-40/US$45-60 per day.
During Carnival season , all accommodation rates in Port of Spain rise 10-70 percent, as do other prices, including entrance fees, drinks and taxi fares. If you want to enjoy yourself during Carnival, plan on budget at least £100/US$140 a day.
