North America › Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago

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Caribbean twin-islands of tropical contrasts

Trinidad and Tobago stands out as a vibrant Caribbean nation with diverse landscapes and rich cultural traditions. The main island features mountains, rainforests and long sandy beaches where locals gather for music festivals like Carnival each year. Tobago offers quieter shores surrounded by coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Both islands share a history shaped by African, Indian, European and indigenous influences seen in food, language and celebrations. The climate remains warm throughout most of the year with occasional showers during the rainy season.

Country
Climate zone: Tropical rainforest

Tropical rainforest: Equatorial climates with year-round high temperatures and heavy rainfall, supporting dense evergreen forests and rich biodiversity.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details
Safety: 4.7
General Safety:4
Health & medical:6
Accessibility:4
Tap water:6
Read details
Tourist English: 5/5
English is the official language of Trinidad and Tobago, and virtually all locals speak it fluently. You'll have no trouble communicating with anyone from hotel staff to street vendors to taxi drivers throughout both islands.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Trinidad and Tobago Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Great for Caribbean culture and nature. Relax on tropical beaches, watch birds in rainforests, enjoy vibrant festivals and explore coral reefs.
Place score
6.6
Best at:
Islands
9
Sea
8
Local cuisine
8
Music
8
Beaches
7
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
❤️ 7
Couples
🛡️ 6
Travel Beginners
Trinidad and Tobago – Quick facts
Power Grid: 115 V, 60 Hz
Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
Diagram of a Type A power plug
Type B:
Diagram of a Type B power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
£1 ≈ TTD 9.04
Cashless info: Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are accepted in most businesses in Trinidad and Tobago, including credit card payments at larger hotels and restaurants.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Trinidad and Tobago, but small tips for good service in restaurants (10-15%), hotels, and taxis are appreciated.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in some areas in Trinidad and Tobago, but it is generally not permitted in public spaces like beaches and parks.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available in some places.
Carnival
(February/March)
A world-famous festival with music and parades
Independence Day
(31 August)
Celebrates independence from Britain
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police), 990 (Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber
Other: Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and the world-renowned Carnival festival. The country offers rich history and natural beauty.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
☀️
Jan
🔥
Feb
🔥
Mar
🔥
Apr
🔥
May
🔥
Jun
🌦️
Jul
🌦️
Aug
🌦️
Sep
🌦️
Oct
🔥
Nov
🔥
Dec
High season: Jan. - April
Shoulder season: May - Aug., Dec.
Crowdedness: 6 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Carnival, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (February or March): flights and accommodation book out months ahead, parties start weeks earlier
Differences between the islands: Tobago is best for beaches and diving January to May, Trinidad for Carnival, birdwatching and food year-round
Leatherback turtle nesting March to August, mainly at Matura and Grande Riviere in Trinidad and on Tobago's beaches

Why travel to Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity packed into two distinct islands. Trinidad offers vibrant cultural experiences including the world-famous Carnival, alongside rainforest hiking and bird watching opportunities in its Northern Range. Meanwhile, Tobago provides a more laid-back atmosphere with stunning beaches, coral reefs and a slower pace of life. The cultural experience is enhanced by the nation's diverse heritage, influenced by African, Indian, European and indigenous traditions, which is reflected in its music, cuisine and festivals. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The climate can be extremely hot and humid, particularly during the wet season from June to December, with temperatures regularly reaching 34°C. While Trinidad has more developed infrastructure, it experiences higher crime rates than Tobago, so standard safety precautions are advisable, especially in certain areas of Port of Spain. The wet season also brings heavy rainfall, which can sometimes lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

🏙️Cities & Regions
  • 1 Arima
    A vibrant town in Trinidad’s central highlands, Arima offers a mix of colonial architecture and modern amenities. Known for its bustling market, historic churches and nearby natural attractions like the Aripo Falls and lush rainforest trails.
🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Queen's Park Savannah
  • 2 Pigeon Point beach
  • 3 Asa Wright Nature Centre
  • 4 Argyle Waterfall Parking
  • 5 Pirate's Bay
  • 6 Bucco Reef
  • 7 La Brea Pitch Lake
  • 8 Maracas Bay
  • 9 Fort George
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Englishman's Bay
  • 2 Chaguaramas
  • 3 Manzanilla Beach
  • 4 Store Bay
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Main Ridge Forest Reserve
  • 2 Argyle Waterfall Parking
  • 3 Little Tobago
  • 4 Bucco Reef
  • 5 La Brea Pitch Lake
  • 6 Caroni Swamp
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Trincity Mall
  • 2 Scarborough Market Car Park
  • 3 Gulf City Mall
  • 4 Long Circular Mall
  • 5 C3 Centre
  • 6 The Falls At Westmall
  • 7 Central Market
  • 8 Creole Kitchen
  • 9 MovieTowne Mall
🎈Events
  • Trinidad Carnival (February/March)
  • Tobago Heritage Festival (July-August)
  • Divali Celebrations (October/November)
  • Tobago Jazz Experience (April)
  • Hosay Festival
  • Great Race (August)
  • Blue Food Festival (Tobago)
  • Tobago Goat Racing Festival
  • Phagwa (Holi)
  • Borough Day (Tobago)

Knowledge before you go

  • Book Carnival dates early for vibrant street parties and steelpan music.
  • Use maxi-taxis or H-licensed taxis; rent cars cautiously due to left-side driving.
  • Prioritize Tobago's pristine beaches like Englishman's Bay and Pigeon Point for relaxation.
  • Avoid isolated beaches at night and hiking alone to minimize petty crime risks from opportunistic thieves.

How to travel to Trinidad and Tobago

Most international visitors arrive in Trinidad and Tobago through Piarco International Airport in Trinidad, which has connections to major cities in North America, the Caribbean and some European destinations. A smaller international airport, A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, serves Tobago with fewer international connections. Cruise ships occasionally dock at Port of Spain and Scarborough during the Caribbean cruise season. Ferry services connect the two islands, with the journey taking approximately 2.5-3 hours.

Access summary

  • Port of Spain: Fly to POS from US/Caribbean; taxis to city.
  • Tobago (Scarborough): Fly to TAB direct or ferry from POS.
  • Caribbean Airlines hub at POS; no alliance, regional network.

Where to stay in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury resorts to guesthouses and vacation rentals. Trinidad has more business-oriented hotels, particularly in Port of Spain, while Tobago features more beach resorts and vacation properties catering to tourists. The Crown Point area in Tobago is popular for its proximity to beaches and amenities. All-inclusive resorts are available, particularly in Tobago, though they're less common than in other Caribbean destinations. Prices tend to spike during Carnival season in Trinidad and during winter months in Tobago.

How to get around Trinidad and Tobago

Getting around Trinidad and Tobago varies by island. In Trinidad, rental cars provide the most flexibility for exploring, though driving can be challenging with aggressive local driving styles. Public transportation includes buses and maxi-taxis (shared minivans) that connect major towns and cities. In Tobago, the smaller size makes it easier to navigate, with taxis being a popular option for tourists. Water taxis connect Port of Spain to San Fernando in Trinidad, while ferries operate between the two islands several times daily.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-36 %
Daily expenses in Trinidad and Tobago are around 36% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to TTD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£51
£115
£294
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£26
£60
£143
🍝 Food per day
£22
£51
£138
🚕 Transportation per day
£3
£4
£13
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£28
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£7.50
🍟 Fast food combo
£6
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£8.50
☕ Cappuccino
£2.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.50
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.55
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£8.50
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.80
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£7
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£35
🤧 Cold medication
£5.50
💇 Basic haircut
£7

Safety information overview

General safety
4
Trinidad and Tobago has varying safety levels. Trinidad, especially Port of Spain, has higher crime rates than Tobago. Avoid isolated areas after dark, secure valuables and use registered taxis. Tobago is generally safer but still exercise normal precautions in tourist areas.
Health & Medical
6
Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but may be limited in rural areas. Port of Spain and Scarborough have the best hospitals. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue can occur, so use insect repellent consistently.
Accessi­bility
4
Accessibility varies widely across Trinidad and Tobago. Major hotels and newer facilities offer some accessibility features, but historical sites and natural attractions often present challenges for mobility-impaired travelers. Public transportation has limited accessibility options.
Tap water
6
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major towns and hotels, though many visitors prefer bottled water for taste. In rural areas, stick with bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive throughout both islands.

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