Trinidad & Tobago

Staff Writer

Golf Courses at a Glance

• St. Andrew's Golf Club
  Ph: 868 629 2314
  Over a century old, the championship course, also known as Moka, is located in the hills of Trinidad.

Map

FAQ

1. What and where is Trinidad & Tobago?

The islands of Trinidad & Tobago are the southernmost of the Caribbean archipelago. Trinidad is actually on separated from Venezuela by a seven mile strait. The capital of the country is Port of Spain, located on Trinidad. Tobago, the smaller of the two, is a strip of land best known for its unspoiled natural appeal.

2. Do I need any special documents once I get there?

Citizens of the United States need to bring a valid passport in order to gain entry into the country. For those planning on staying for longer than three months, a visa is required.

3. Will I suffer from any jet lag?

Well, that of course depends on where in the world you are traveling from, but Trinidad and Tobago is in the Eastern Standard time zone, but it does not observe daylight savings time like the United States, so it will be an hour ahead of the east coast in the winter.

4. What type of temperature should I expect?

Consistent with the rest of the Caribbean, the average temperatures in Trinidad & Tobago reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the maximum usually around 89 degrees. On the whole, temperatures are slightly cooler on Tobago than on Trinidad, due to more constant trade winds.

5. What is the official language and currency?

The official language is English and the currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$). A floating rate system is in place, with the conversion usually wavering around $1US = $6TT.

6. What kind of taxes will I pay during my stay?

At the hotels, there is a constant service charge of 10 percent, as well as a room tax of 10 percent. The value added tax is 15 percent on all goods and services. Finally, there is a departure tax of $100TT to be paid in local currency.

7. Besides golf, what are some worthwhile activities?

Yachting, sport fishing, scuba diving and tours of the ecological wonders that exist on the islands are the most popular of activities. Depending on the time of your trip, you may be fortunate enough to experience one Trinidad & Tobago's many festivals and events. At the forefront is the annual carnival, held over two days in late February or early March.

Transportation Information

Airlines making scheduled and charted flights to Trinidad and Tobago include Air Canada, American, BWIA, British Caledonian, LIAT, Air Caribbean and Surinam.

For getting around once you arrive, car rental agencies are located in Port of Spain, San Fernando as well as at the Piarco International Airport on Trinidad. Visitors from the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the Bahamas, or the U.K. may use their country-issued driver's licenses for a period of up to three months. Remember to drive on the left, and be cautious of animal crossings, especially in the rural parts.

Additionally, buses are available and taxis run about TT$2 to TT$10 on average.

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