Tobago / Island Essentials

All travellers to Tobago will need to know the essential island facts. The information on Tobago shown below is current (2011/12).

Currency/Credit Cards

The Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TT$) floats on the international exchangeand is currently rated at approximately US$1.00 = TT$6.00. The US dollar is generally accepted in any business used to dealing with tourists throughout the island, but if you are going off the beaten track then it is advisable to always have some local currency to hand. 

Most of the major credit cards (and some debit cards) are accepted anywhere that deals with tourists on a regular basis. However, do not expect local bars or small local restaurants and businesses to accept them. When dining out it might be a good idea to double check payment methods in advance. It is worth noting that certain credit cards may attract an additional charge or may simply not be accepted.

Check-in/Check out

As a general rule check-out times are at around 12 noon and check-in is seldom prior to 3pm, during which time accommodations are made ready for new arrivals. The majority of international arrivals into Tobago are in the mid to late afternoon. If you are arriving earlier than that, from another Caribbean island perhaps, then let your hotel know because they may be able to provide day rooms/shower facilities subject to availability, or may be flexible on check-in.

Departure Tax/Taxes

There is no departure tax between Trinidad and Tobago, however for all other departures TT$100 is inlcuded in your ticket so there's nothing to worry about at the airport. 

All hotel accommodation is subject to a 10% room tax (and a 10% service charge aswell). Some rates include the charges but usually they will be added to your bill, which can make quite a difference to the eventual price. If you are booking direct, make sure you calculate this in when pricing up your holiday. 

A 15% government VAT charge is levied on most goods and services. This is generally included in restaurant prices.

Electricity

Domestic supply is 110/220 volts, 60 cycles. The standard is a flat, 2-pin socket in US style, so remember to take an adapter if need be.

Embassies/Consulates

All representation is in Port of Spain in Trinidad 

Canada - The High Commission For Canada, Maple House, 3-3a Sweet Briar Road, St Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad, t 622 6232, chcpspan@opus.co.tt. 

United Kingdom - British High Commission, 19 St Clair Avenue, St Clair, PO Box 778, Port of Spain, Trinidad, t 622 8960/2748, csbhc@opus.co.tt. 

United States of America - Embassy of The United States of America, 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain, Trinidad, t 622 6371-6,usispos@trinidad.net

Emergencies

Police – 999 or 639 1200 
Fire – 990 or 639 2108 
Ambulance – 990 or 639 2222 
Hospital – 639 2551-6 
Coast Guard – 639 1461

Medical

Your first call in case of a medical emergency should your hotel front desk or villa manager. 

A new general hospital with 100 beds has been constructed at Signal Hill and is due to open by spring 2012. The new facility will replace the Tobago Regional Hospital, which is located above Scarborough, next to Fort King George. There is also a private medical facility Scarborough, and there are health centres or clinics in all the main communities. 

Serious medical cases are referred to Trinidad (by helicopter in an emergency) either to Port of Spain’s General Hospital or the Mount Hope Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, home to the University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences - Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy. 

Vaccinations Check that your coverage for polio and tetanus is up to date. There is no malaria in Tobago, but there are very occasional outbreaks of dengue fever – another mosquito-borne disease. You should take normal precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent during daylight hours and after sunset. Note that Hepatitis A occurs very occasionally and Rabies is present, transmitted by bats. With the exception of Yellow Fever, where a vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one (1) year of age, coming from infected areas, vaccinations are not required for entry into Tobago, however please check with your GP prior to travelling.

Nudity

This is against the law and is not acceptable to the Tobagonians so it is not a good idea to go topless or nude.

Places of Worship

There are many denominations in Tobago, including Anglicans and Roman Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostalists and of course the Hindus and Muslims of Trinidad’s population of Indian extraction who have come to live in Tobago. 

Anglican, Bacolet Street, t 639 9132 
Please call for details. 

Methodist, Cuyter Street, Scarbourough, t 639 2476 
Services on Sundays at 9am 

Moravian Church 639 8760 
There are a number of Moravian churches within the southern part of Tobago. Sunday services - generally either at 7am or 8am. 

Roman Catholic, Bacolet Street, Scarborough, t 639 2136 
Services on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday at 6.25am, Thursday at 5.25pm, Saturday at 6.30pm and Sunday at 8am. 

Please note that the times of church services are subject to change

Service Charge/Tipping

All hotel accommodation is subject to a 10% Service Charge (and a 10% room tax). Some rates include the charges but usually it will be added to your bill and this can make quite a difference to the eventual price, so if you are booking direct, make sure you calculate this in when pricing up your holiday. Tipping for good service is always appreciated. 

In restaurants, check the bill, but a minimum of 10% should be added. 

In private villas and apartments, service is generally not included so all members of staff including the ground staff should be tipped on your departure. Check with the local property manager for guidance. 

A 15% government VAT charge is levied on most goods and services. This is generally included in restaurant prices.

Time Zone

Tobago is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is four hours behind Britain in the winter (GMT) and five hours behind in summer when the northern hemispehere adopts daylight saving time (Tobago does not change its clocks). 

From the USA: Atlantic Standard Time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time during the winter, but on the same time in the summer when Daylight Saving Time is adopted.

Water

Mains water is considered safe to drink in Tobago. It is treated spring water from underground wells. Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets and many brands are bottled on the island and in Trinidad, including Blue Waters, Crystal Waters, Blue Mountain, Dasani and Aqua Pur.