Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You might need vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (if traveling from a country with risk). Routine vaccines like MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, and Varicella are also recommended. Check the latest from health authorities before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Trinidad and Tobago, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Trinidad and TobagoCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, to show respect. Greet people with a smile and a friendly ”good morning” or ”good afternoon.” Avoid using first names until invited. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, particularly for same-sex couples. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise caution in public spaces. It’s polite to accept food or drinks when offered. Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% is standard if service isn’t included. Women travelers should stay in well-lit, populated areas at night and be aware of their surroundings. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Trinidad and Tobago.
- Doubles: A street food staple, doubles are made of two pieces of fried flatbread filled with curried chickpeas. It’s popular for its affordability and delicious blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Roti: A wrap filled with curry, typically chicken, goat, or chickpeas. This dish reflects the Indian influence on the islands and is a go-to meal for locals and travelers alike.
- Pelau: A one-pot dish with rice, pigeon peas, and meat (often chicken or beef), cooked in coconut milk and caramelized sugar. It’s a favorite at family gatherings and beach limes, showcasing the islands’ Creole cooking style.
- Callaloo: A creamy and flavorful soup made from dasheen leaves, okra, and coconut milk, often served as a side dish. It highlights the African roots in Trinidad and Tobago’s culinary history.
- Shark and Bake: Popular at Maracas Beach, this dish consists of fried shark stuffed in a fried bread roll, topped with various sauces and vegetables. It’s a must-try for its unique taste and beachside vibe.
Tap water in Trinidad and Tobago is generally safe for locals to drink, but as a tourist, it’s advisable to stick with bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Some areas might have older pipes affecting water quality. When in doubt, opt for **bottled water** which is widely available.
In Trinidad and Tobago,
English is the official language and is widely spoken throughout both islands. The majority of the population is fluent in English, making it easy for travelers to communicate. However, you may encounter a unique local dialect known as Trinidadian Creole, which incorporates elements of English, African languages, Spanish, and French. While this dialect can be vibrant and colorful, most locals will switch to standard English when conversing with visitors.
In urban areas, such as Port of Spain and San Fernando, English is predominantly used in business, education, and media. In rural areas, you might hear more Creole, but English remains the primary means of communication. Tourists can generally expect friendly interactions and assistance in English, whether in restaurants, shops, or during tours.
Overall, English proficiency is high, making Trinidad and Tobago a welcoming destination for English-speaking travelers.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Trinidad and Tobago is TTD (TT$).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs easily in urban areas like Port of Spain and Scarborough. They dispense Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD). Note that ATMs can be scarce in rural areas, so plan accordingly.
Cash: Always carry some TTD, especially for small vendors and rural spots. While cards are accepted in many places, smaller businesses often prefer cash.
Currency to Bring: Bring U.S. dollars if you can. They’re widely accepted and easy to exchange for TTD. Euros are less common, so you might face higher exchange fees.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are generally accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. However, always check first, especially in smaller establishments.
Exchanging Money: Exchange your currency at banks or authorized exchange bureaus for the best rates. Avoid exchanging at airports due to unfavorable rates.
Tipping in Trinidad and Tobago isn’t obligatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common if a service charge isn’t already included. For taxis and other services, rounding up the fare or adding a small amount is generally sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.