Airlines
Tobago is serviced by various international flights, providing an efficient, diversified service to the island, and the facility of direct flights from many of the main gateways in North America and Europe. Caribbean Airlines, British Airways, Condor, LIAT, Monarch, Delta and chartered flights all contribute to improved air transportation to Tobago.
Banks & Money Transfer Agencies
There are five main banking companies in Tobago where foreign currency may be exchanged, money transfers transacted and general international banking services offered. International money transfer agencies like Western Union and MoneyGram also operate through our banks. Numerous Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are stationed around the island.
Business Hours
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Banks: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. Government Offices: 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Currency/Money
Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) floats against other currencies. Presently the buying rate is approximately 6.0 to the US$ and 11.0 to the GBP. Daily rates are quoted in the Press and at the major banks. VISA, Master Cards and AMEX credit cards are generally accepted.
Dress Code
Cool and casual in the day. Reserve swimwear for the beach and pool. Cover up for business, shopping and dinner. Conservative dress for church.
Electricity
110 and 220 volts, 60 cycles.
Emergencies
Emergency Health Services, Ambulance - Dial 639-4444
Fire Emergencies - Dial 990/ 639-2222
Police - Dial 999
General Hospital - 639-2551-6
Late Pharmacies - Scarborough Drugs, Wilson Road, Scarborough, opens until 7:30 p.m. Sundays, until 12 noon. Dial 639-4161
Operator for local assistance - 6211
Operator assistance - 0
Medical Facilities
Scarborough Regional Hospital - 639-2551-6
Scarborough Medical Associates - 639-1115
Scarborough Seventh-Day Adventist Medical Clinic - 639-4014
Added to these are other support clinics in the various districts and villages throughout the island.
Personal Safety & Security
Tobagonians are generally friendly, helpful folk. Although visitors claim to feel at ease because of our high levels of safety, be on your guard and look out for the occasional opportunist. Do not leave wallets, purses and other valuables lying around on the beach, in hotel rooms or in rental cars.
Taxes
Value Added Tax (VAT) of 15% is added to most consumer goods. A hotel tax of 10% is added to the nightly rates, and a service charge of 15% is added at most restaurants.
Telecommunications
Country Access Code: 868.
International Direct Dialing is available at the local Head Office of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), from your hotel or with the use of Companion Calling Cards, which are sold at various retail outlets throughout the island.
Directory Assistance: Dial 6411.
Internet Access is easily available at the many Internet cafés or at the major hotels around the island.
Television
Tobago has three local television stations and one cable channel. Satellite TV and Direct TV can be accessed throughout the entire island, and most areas in and around the capital are able to receive the 42 channels offered by Cable T.V.
Tipping/Gratuities
Generally 10%, unless a service charge is already included on your bill.
Travel
Airport - 13km/8 miles from Scarborough. Taxi fares are displayed at the terminal exit. Departure taxes total TT$100 (children under 5 years are exempt from this).
Customs
Duty-free allowance: 1 quart of liquor, 200 cigarettes/50 cigars, gifts up to TT$1200 a year for persons 17 years and older. Travellers must declare currency which exceeds TT$20,000. or USD$5,000.
Entry Requirements
All visitors must have valid passports for the full length of their stay. Visas are not needed by North American, British, and most European and Commonwealth nations except, Australia, India, Nigeria, Uganda, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Tanzania.
Water
Tap water is treated and processed. Good for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing. To be on the safe side, boil before drinking.
For general visitor information about Tobago, we recommend www.myTobago.info