Kathleen ODonnell - Trinidad Adventure Guide

The value of the TT$ floats in the international currency market and the exchange rate varies. At press time, it was running at about $6.18 TT to $1 US for traveler's checks exchanged at banks. Sometimes US dollars will get you more TT dollars than traveler's checks, sometimes less.

While it is almost always better to use traveler's checks for security, you can comfortably pay with US dollars in many places. Since the exchange rate for dollars usually is less than for travelers checks, your purchases will end up costing a little more. It ends up being just a few cents per dollar and for the convenience, it's often worth it. Hotels will almost always quote prices in US dollars for accommodations and you can readily pay with traveler's checks or credit cards.

Credit cards are welcomed for most major expenses. Check ahead of time to see which of your cards will give you a more favorable exchange rate. Of the two cards we have used in Trinidad and Tobago, one saved us a few dollars on each transaction and you can guess which one we use now. Charges you make in Trinidad and Tobago will appear on your credit card bills almost immediately, which is not always the case when you make credit card purchases while abroad.

Exchanging traveler's checks in Trinidad is most convenient in Port of Spain, where there are many banks from which to choose. All are open from 8 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8 AM to noon and 3 to 5 PM on Fridays. Generally, there are not long lines so it goes fairly quickly. Should you run short of cash, you will find banks in almost all towns.

To exchange traveler's checks in Tobago, it is usually more convenient to use Republic Bank at Crown Point Airport. It is open from 8 AM to 3 PM Monday through Thursday and, on Friday, hours change to 8 AM to 1 PM and 3 to 5 PM. They are closed on weekends and holidays. Republic has two locations in Scarborough on Main and Carrington Streets and there are several other banks there as well. All have similar hours, but parking is a problem. Hotels will almost always exchange traveler's checks for you, but the rate will not be as good as at the bank.

Exchanging money at the bank is a problem if you are staying in the northeastern end of the island; there are no banks there, so plan ahead.

Trinidad & Tobago is relatively close to the equator and could be oppressively hot, but it's not. Tempered by cooling trade winds, the average year-round temperature in Trinidad is 83 F or 29 C. In Tobago, the average daily temperature is 84 and 74 at night. If your hotel room has good cross ventilation and screens, you'll be able to enjoy the cooling night time breezes and forget all about air conditioning; you won't need it.

The sun is very strong in this part of the world, so you'll need a good sunscreen; also remember to drink lots of water.

Both islands have distinct dry and rainy seasons , though rain does sometimes fall during the dry season which is January through May. Rain will come on fast and leave just as quickly, but for a few moments it's a refreshing break from the sun. Rainy season begins in June and lasts through December. These months tend to be cooler than the dry season, which is hottest in April and May.

Trinidad and Tobago differ in annual rainfall and even within these small islands, rainfall differs significantly from place to place. Some areas are lush year-round, with an average of 90 inches of rainfall. Others are quite dry, like the grasslands in Tobago. A visit to either island in spring will provide you with lots of greenery to see, but not as much as a rainy season visit.