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Trinidad is the most southern of the Caribbean islands, at only 20 km from the northern coast of Venezuela. Trinidad is also the biggest of them, with a surface of 4,660 square km. Trinidad and the neighboring Tobago, 34 km northeast, form an independent nation (Trinidad and Tobago Republic), within the British Commonwealth. (map)
The main island, with a rectangular shape, has its highest point at the Aripo hill, 930m. above sea level.
Tobago, a smaller island, is covered by exuberant vegetation, and with beautiful beaches. Its highest point (570m) is at the northern zone.
Official Holidays
January 1st New Year
March/April Good Friday
Holy Week Easter Monday / Indians Arriving Day
June 19th Labor Feast
August 1st Discovery Day / Emancipation Day
August 31st Independence Day
September 24th Republic’s Day
December 25th Christmas Day
December 26th Christmas Box Day
Events Calendar
Hosay, the muslim winter festival. Takes place in February/March with processions, music and dancing. Originally at this festival, Muslims honored their dead people, but now it’s a lively celebration, with music concerts, dancing and drinking.
Phagwa, the Hindu New Year, coincides with the March full moon.
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival. These celebrations reach their climax, on Monday and Tuesday previous to Ash Wednesday. Though it’s not an official holiday, most of the shops close in these days.
On Tuesday, just after Holy Week, takes place a goats race known as Buccoo, which has become a great social event in Tobago.
June is the month of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim New Year, and also the end of Ramadan.
At the end of June, takes place the Heritage Festival, aiming to keep alive the cultural legacy of African slaves. In many towns are music concerts and traditional dances.
Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is staged in October/November, to honor Lakshmi goddess. Hindus living in Trinidad & Tobago in this day, light hundreds of lanterns.
PLANNING THE TRIP
Banks and Exchange
The Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TT$) is the official currency. Almost all hotels, restaurants and shops accept known credit cards.
First Citizens Bank has an exchange office at the Piarco airport. (Phone no. 669 2489).
Tourist Information Abroad
Morris Kevan International Ltd.
International House, 47 Chase
Side, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 6NB
Phone no. 0181 367 3752
Fax no. 0181 367 9949 in the U.K.
Sales Marketing and Reservations Tourism Services, (SMARTS)
7000 Blvd. East, Guttenberg, New Jersey 07093
Phone no. 201 662 3403
Fax no. 201 869 7628 in the USA
Websites
www.VisitTnT.com
www.tidco.co.tt
PRACTICAL TIPS
News
RADIO AND TV
There are ten radios in Trinidad. Likewise, there are two state owned TV channels, and two private (CNN TV-6 and AVM Television), programming bulletin news, romantic India films, and musical clips. In some hotels have satellite TV.
NEWSPAPERS
Every day are published in Port of Spain, the Trinidad Guardian and the Trinidad Express. The Tobago News, is a weekly publication covering all social events.
Phone And Fax
Area code is 868. You better use a phone card for international calls, some can only be made through an operator. You can send faxes and telegrams from any post office, or from some hotels.
Tourist Information Local Offices
Trinidad
TIDCO (Tourism and Industrial Development company of Trinidad & Tobago Limited)
10-14 Phillips Street, Port of Spain
Phone no. 623 6022/1932/4
Fax no. 623 3848
Tourist information office, Piarco.
Phone 669 5196
Tobago
TIDCO, Unit 12, IDC Mail
Sangster’s Hill, Scarborough
Phone no. 639 4333
Fax no. 639 4514
Tourist information office,
Crown Point airport,
Phone no. 639 0509
Medical Assistance
There are two modern hospitals in Trinidad: the Mount Hope Medical Complex near Port of Spain (phone no. 623 2951), and the Adventist Hospital, Western Main Road, Port of Spain (phone no. 622 1191). In Tobago is an hospital at Scarborough (phone no. 639 2551).
Emergency Numbers
Police: 999
Firemen and ambulances: 990
Shopping
The Normandie Hotel has a modern mall with a wide range of shops where you can see the famous batik textile, shirt shops.
Handicraft, and all kinds of souvenirs. You can also make some interesting shopping at the Charlotte Street mall, and at the St. Ann’s Road shops. If you want to buy traditional music (calypso and soca), go to Rhyner’s Record in Prince Street, Port of Spain.
Voltage: 110 AC 60 cycles / 220 AC, 60 cycles
Night Life
Night fun is granted in Trinidad, specially during carnival, when the whole island is a big party. Some of the most important hotels organize music concerts and shows for their clients. Likewise, there are bars and dancing halls ideal for those wanting to dance till dawn.
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