Planning a Trip

Getting There

From North America, Trinidad is one of the most distant islands in the Caribbean. Caribbean Star (tel. 866/864-6272 in the U.S. and Canada; www.flycaribbeanstar.com) services Trinidad from Antigua, Barbados, Curaçao, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and St. Vincent.

In addition, Air Canada (tel. 888/247-2262 in the U.S. and Canada, or 868/669-4065; www.aircanada.ca) flies Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nonstop from Toronto to Trinidad, and British Airways (tel. 800/247-9297 in the U.S. and Canada; www.britishairways.com) has three flights a week (Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday), leaving year-round from London's Gatwick Airport. Most passengers from eastern North America fly American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300 in the U.S. and Canada, or 868/627-7013; www.aa.com), which has one daily flight from New York and another from Miami.

Caribbean Airlines (tel. 800/538-2942 in the U.S. and Canada, or 868/625-7200; www.caribbean-airlines.com), the national carrier, offers service from New York, Miami, and Philadelphia, to Port-of-Spain. The airline also flies from Toronto in Canada and from London in the U.K.

Trinidad is the transfer point for many passengers to Tobago.

Arrivals are at Trinidad's Piarco International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive east of Port-of-Spain.

Getting Around

Trinidad taxis are unmetered, and they're identified by their license plates, which begin with the letter H. There are also "pirate taxis" as well: private cars that cruise around like regular taxis and pick up passengers. Whether you take an official taxi or a pirate taxi, make sure you agree on the fare beforehand; otherwise, you're likely to get ripped off. Maxi Taxis, or vans, can also be hailed on the street. A fare from Piarco Airport into Port-of-Spain generally costs TT$95 (US$15/£7.75). Call Phone-A-Taxi tel. 868/627-8294 for taxi information or to order a cab.

To avoid the anxiety of driving, you can hire a local driver for your sightseeing jaunts. Although it costs more than doing it yourself, it alleviates the hassles of badly marked (or unmarked) roads and the sometimes-bizarre local driving patterns. Most drivers will serve as guides. Their rates, however, are based on route distances, so get an overall quotation and agree on the actual fare before setting off.

If you're brave enough to set out via rental car, arm yourself with a good map and never forget to drive on the left. Visitors with a valid international driver's license or a license from the United States, Canada, France, or the United Kingdom may drive without extra documentation for up to 3 months.

Since the island is one of the world's largest exporters of asphalt, Trinidad's some 7,245km (4,492 miles) of roads are well paved. However, outback roads should be avoided during the rainy season, as they're often narrow, twisting, and prone to washouts. Inquire about conditions, particularly if you're headed for the north coast. The fierce traffic jams of Port-of-Spain are legendary, and night driving anywhere on the island is rather hazardous.

The major U.S.-based car-rental firms currently have no franchises on the island, so you'll have to make arrangements with a local firm (go over the terms and insurance agreements carefully). Count on spending about US$50 to US$100 per day or more, with unlimited mileage included. Your best bet is one of the firms maintaining offices at Piarco Airport. These include Econo-Car Rentals (tel. 868/669-2342), Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389 in the U.S. and Canada, or 868/669-0602), and the simply named Auto Rentals (tel. 868/669-2277). Warning: Although these local car-rental firms technically accept reservations, a car may not be waiting for you even if you reserve ahead of time.

All the towns of Trinidad are linked by regular bus service from Port-of-Spain. Fares are low (about US$1 for runs within the capital). However, the old buses are likely to be very overcrowded. Try to avoid them at rush hours and beware of pickpockets.

Fast Facts

Most banks are open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2pm and Friday from 9am to noon and 3 to 5pm. Citibank has offices at 12 Queen's Park East, Port-of-Spain (tel. 868/625-1046 or 868/625-1049), and 18-30 High St., San Fernando (tel. 868/652-3691). Republic Bank Ltd. (9-11 Park St.; tel. 868/623-1056) and Royal Bank of Trinidad & Tobago Ltd. (Royal Court, 19-21 Park St.; tel. 868/625-7288) are two of the many banks in Port-of-Spain with ATMs. You'll also find ATMs at some big supermarkets.

There is no 24-hour pharmacy. In Port-of-Spain, Star Lite Drugs at Four Roads (tel. 868/632-0516) is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 9:30pm.

The Port-of-Spain General Hospital is located at 169 Charlotte St. (tel. 868/623-2951). Medical care is sometimes limited, and physicians and health-care facilities expect immediate cash payment for services.

The main post office (tel. 868/625-4784) is on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, and is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5pm.