Travel and Tourism

EXPATRIATE LIVING, CULTURE & TOURISM

Most of the amenities that expatriates are used to, are easily available in Trinidad and Tobago. On the debate for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2012 professor dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade ( ECTT) presented the report titled : TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO : A SUCCESS STORY IN TOURISM proposing TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012.

Among the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012 to TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO the report outlined:

"Respecting cultural patrimony and traditions in offering to tourists a possibility to participate in impressive paraphernalia festivals such as: Holi, Hosay, Divali, Corpus Christi, Eid Al Fitr and special Tobago Heritage Festival Tobago Fest and Trinidad GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH etc".

Housing

Single family houses are more common in Trinidad and Tobago than townhouses or apartment buildings; however, in recent times the real estate developers have tended to construct more apartment complexes and townhouses. These are being provided with full security guard services.

Medical Facilities

Trinidad and Tobago has many well qualified and trained general practitioners and specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, physiotherapy, cardiology, gastrology and urology, both in private practice, as well as attached to the various health care facilities around the country.

Most common surgical procedures are performed in Trinidad. 24-hour emergency services are available at several of the medical facilities around the country. There is also 24 hour Emergency Air Ambulance available.

  • Schools

    The Educational System

    The educational system in Trinidad and Tobago is based on the British System. There are also schools in Trinidad offering international programmes.

    The primary school system serves children from Standard or Prep 1 to 5 (generally from ages 6 to 11). At the end of the 5th year, the Common Entrance Examination (sometimes referred to as the 11 plus Examination) is taken. The results in this examination determine which secondary school a child will attend.

    There are various types of secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago: 7 year; 5 year; junior secondary; senior secondary and senior comprehensive. The most common is the 7 year school.

    At the end of the fifth year of secondary school, students may take the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations in subjects of their choice, providing the school offers those subjects. Passes in five subjects is the minimum requirement, in most cases, to enter the work force. The Cambridge General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (G.C.E. O’Levels) examinations, which were the standard examinations taken in Trnidad and Tobago prior to the introduction of CXC, is still available in some subjects.

    After 7 years, The Cambridge or London General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (G.C.E. A’Levels) examinations may be taken, usually in 3 or 4 subjects. These exams are required to enter University and are well recognised internationally.

    Access to Schools

    In general, access to nursery, primary, Kindergarten and Montessori schools is not difficult since there are public schools with available space, and several good private schools. Access may require sitting an entrance examination.

    At the secondary level, there are fewer private schools. Access to a public school requires passing the Common Entrance Examination, and is subject to available space in the school of choice. If a place exists, approval has to be obtained from the Ministry of Education.

    International Schools

    Two international schools were open in Trinidad in 1994:

    The International School of Port of Spain (ISPS), which uses an American curriculum and serves elementary (Kindergarten to grade 6) and secondary (grade 7 to 12) students. The Maple Leaf School, which uses the programme of the Province of Ontario, Canada, with a Caribbean component integrated into the programme. The Maple Leaf School serves Kindergarten and grades 1 through 10. Each year, an additional grade is added.

Cost of Living

Port-of-Spain has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Port-of-Spain is currently ranked 118 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 300 international locations. Imported alcohol and cars are costly in Trinidad and Tobago, mainly as a result of the duties and taxes imposed on these items. The airport in Trinidad permits arriving and departing passengers to purchase alcohol and other luxury goods at duty free prices. For overall approximated cost of living, Visit:
http://icsc.un.org/resources/pdfs/2010/pp/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago-10.pdf
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Trinidad...
http://www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm?lid=203

  • Importing a Car into Trinidad and Tobago, Driving Licence, Customs, Board of Inland Revenue, Licensing Offices

    • Obtaining A Driver’s Permit

      In Trinidad and Tobago driving is on the left hand side of the road and almost all vehicles are right hand drive. Under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 48:50, holders of a valid driving permit issued in a number of countries (there are about 100 countries listed) are exempted for a period of three months, from the requirement to hold a driving permit issued under the Act. The three month period commences on the date of arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.

      Following the three month period, they are required to obtain a driving permit from the Licensing Office.

      To obtain a permit, a written and a practical examination on the driving regulations may be required. If the individual applies for the licence and does the regulations test before the three month period is up, he or she will be exempt from doing the practical test. If the individual applies after the three month period, he or she will be required to do both the written and practical tests.

  • Animal Quarantine

    Dogs and Cats brought into Trinidad and Tobago have to be quarantined for a period of up to 6 months. The purpose of the law is to ensure that the country is kept free from rabies. There are, however, certain exceptions.

    Trinidad and Tobago releases from quarantine, dogs and cats coming from rabies free countries. These are: Anguilla, Australia, Antigua, Barbados, Great Britain, Jamaica, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, St. Kitts /Nevis, St. Lucia.

    Health Certificate

    In order to bring pets from any country, the law requires that the dog or cat be accompanied by a health certificate stating that the animal is in good health, and free from infectious diseases and that there has been no rabies in that country over the last 6 months prior to exportation. The health certificate must be issued by a government veterinarian of the country from which the dog or cat will arrive.

    Import Permit

    An import permit is also required from the Animal Production and Health division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources in Trinidad and Tobago, prior to the arrival of the pet in Trinidad and Tobago. This is necessary to ensure accommodation in the Quarantine compound.

    More Details:

    Quarantine & Pet Regulations

  • Tourism and Leisure

    Apart from the many cultural events held in Trinidad all during the year, there is so much to see and do in Trinidad and Tobago.

    Eco-Tourism

    Trinidad has a host of Eco-sites that are easily accessed, such as the world renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre for bird watchers and naturalists; the Wild Fowl Trust in Pointe-à-Pierre; the Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary, home of the country’s national bird, the Scarlet Ibis; and beaches where the endangered leatherback turtles return every year to lay their eggs. There are also a number of hiking clubs which venture through the Rain Forest to the many areas which are not so easily accessed by others.

    Promoting Trinidad and Tobago environmental protection, especially East Coast natural patrimony of wetlands, beaches and ecological and geographical biodiversity that make Trinidad and Tobago unique in the region. Supporting a new concept of tourism friendly to nature, with low nature impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate. Tobago boasts some of the finest coral reefs, such as the Buccoo Reef, and the most serene waters for the scuba diving enthusiasts.

    Offering to tourists not only cultural experience or relaxation opportunities but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to observed in Tobago the impressive Forest Reserve are model achievements in ecological tourism that must be world appreciated.

    Sporting Facilities

    Trinidad has excellent facilities for yachting, boating, golfing, cricket, horse racing, tennis, cycling, fitness and aerobics, and football (soccer).

    Beaches

    Tobago has several white-sand beaches within walking distance from most hotels. In Trinidad, there is Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas and other beaches along the North coast that are within 25 minutes of Port of Spain.

  • Cultural Events

    The country celebrates many religious and national cultural events throughout the year. The steelband, calypso music, tassa drums, parang and folk music are all sounds associated with the rich culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

    Major cultural events include:

    • Carnival in February or March
    • Phagwa, a Hindu festival
    • Hosay, a Muslim festival
    • Tobago’s Heritage Festival in July
    • Divali, the Hindu festival of Lights, where every home and street is decorated with twinkling deyas (small clay pots). This is celebrated on “the darkest night of the month of Kaartik” (around October or November)

    Carnival

    Carnival is the biggest of Trinidad and Tobago’s many festivals. It ranks with New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and Brazil’s Carnival in terms of popularity. The Calypso Monarch competitions, Talk Tents, the steelband competition (Panorama), Kiddies’ Carnival, Parades of Kings and Queens of Carnival, Dimanche Gras, J’Ouvert, Parades of Bands are some of the many events associated with Carnival. These events take place between Christmas and Ash Wednesday. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival has often been touted as the greatest show on earth. More: Tobago Carnival Regatta

    Other Events

    Apart from the many indigenous cultural events, Trinidad hosts a number of cultural events all year round that appeal to those who appreciate the classics. These include the Music Festival, the World Steelband Music Festival, Pan Jazz Festival, ballet and theatre of international quality.

  • Commercial Practices, Cultural Norms and Safety Tips

    Business Hours
    Government office hours are generally from 8.00 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Commercial business hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Shopping Malls are generally open until 7.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Banks are opened Monday to Friday.

    Business Attire
    Businessmen and women doing business in Trinidad and Tobago should be aware that despite the warm climate and the fact that the country is part of the Caribbean, business attire here is conventional business wear. Furthermore, business offices are generally air-conditioned.

    Men
    For office wear, long or short sleeved shirts, worn with ties, are the norm. Jackets are used on more formal occasions.

    Women
    Conventional business suits, or skirts and blouses, are the norm for office wear.

    Outside of business
    Lightweight casual clothing.

    Walking
    There are plenty of places in Trinidad and Tobago for walking. Precautions should be taken when walking at night. It is always best to walk in groups.

    Sightseeing
    Travelling to remote areas of the country should be done in groups, and with persons familiar with the environment.

  • The Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC)

    The Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) is a state enterprise of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, mandated to develop and market Trinidad and Tobago's tourism product and improve the local tourism sector. Formed in May 2005, the TDC is the implementation arm of the Ministry of Tourism, dedicated to realising the vision for tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. This vision is guided by several long-term goals and the intention is for tourism to contribute to Trinidad and Tobago's attainment of developed nation status by the year 2020.

    Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification (TTTIC)

    The Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification (TTTIC) programme (pronounced Tee-tick) is a national certification programme designed to ensure that tourism operators and service providers in Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector conform to prescribed standards of quality in their operations. These standards have been developed through the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), the national standards and certification body, as well as through extensive stakeholder input.

    The TTTIC programme is jointly implemented by the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC), the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) – which conducts third party assessments with the TDC – and the Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Certified operators are fully endorsed by the TDC and THA, and the TTTIC logo is an effective marketing tool and an official assurance to visitors that the certified tourism practitioner has been inspected and satisfies all the requirements of the National Standard.

    For more information in Trinidad contact the TDC’s Quality Control Department at 675-7034 ext 293/308 (Tel), 675-7432 (Fax) or tbro...@tdc.co.tt. You can also visit us at Level 1, Maritime Centre, 29 Tenth Avenue, Barataria, from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

    For more information in Tobago contact the Division of Tourism and Transportation at 639-2125 (Tel), 639-3566 (Fax). You can also visit them at 12 Sangster's Hill, Scarborough.

    The Tourism Development Contact Details
    Level 1, Maritime Centre, # 29 Tenth Avenue, Barataria, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
    Maritime Centre: (868) 675 7034-7
    Piarco International Airport Office: (868) 669 5196/6044, (868) 800-4TNT
    Public Affairs: (868) 638 7962
    Legal and Corporate Services: (868) 638 3560
    Tourism: (868) 675 7432
    Marketing: (868) 675 7338
    Piarco International Airport Office: (868) 669 6045
    TDC Email: i...@tdc.co.tt
    TDC website: http://www.tdc.co.tt/
    Also See: Essential Tourism Contact Details

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