Photo: Kate, Mayaro 1995: Mark Meredith

Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation for being easy-going and friendly. It should not be forgotten, however, that in a small, developing country you might not always find all the conveniences you would expect to find at home.

Transport Public transport can be unpredictable, especially in rural areas and in Tobago. An unofficial system of route taxis and maxi-taxis (minibuses) supplements the buses. Route taxis are privately-owned vehicles whose drivers operate like miniature buses, picking up and dropping off passengers along a designated route. Fares are never more than a few TT$. This is how most locals get around: just ask anyone how to find the particular route you need. Maxi-taxis operate on the same principle, but with larger vehicles; they hold anything up to 24 passengers, and traverse the main routes, sometimes at breakneck speed.

Gas stations Outside urban areas, these may be scarce. Check your gas gauge before launching out on an extended tour. In Tobago, gas stations tend to close early; and weekends are particularly tricky, since some close on Saturday and others on Sunday. Banks These are plentiful in the towns and cities, less so in the countryside. Many have ATMs which accept international cards. In Trinidad, there are banking and foreign exchange facilities at the airport. In Tobago, there is one small bank at Crown Point Airport; all other facilities are located in Scarborough, the capital.

Money Credit cards are widely accepted in the main towns and tourist areas; but at smaller establishments and in rural areas, they are not very useful. Travellers’ cheques may also be regarded askance; it’s a good idea to carry small amounts of TT$ cash. US$ cash is generally acceptable; but don’t expect to get the same exchange rates on the street as you would at the bank.

Vive la difference!
No two societies are identical: customs differ, values vary. Here are a few brief warnings, that should help prevent misunderstandings.

Dress This is essentially a conservative society, despite its surface flamboyance. Women in particular

Photos: Mazanilla River: Mark Lyndersay

should avoid provocative attire unless they wish to attract some fairly loud male attention. Beachwear should be kept for the beach; elsewhere casual and comfortable clothing is the norm. High fashion is appropriate for evening wear, particularly in sophisticated Trinidad. Topless or nude sunbathing is socially unacceptable, and against the law. Tobago in particular is a society steeped in religious values, so these restrictions should be respected.

Cameras While generally friendly and open to visitors, most locals are not accustomed to being the focus of photographic interest. A camera pointed at someone without permission could cause offence, particularly at private events such as religious gatherings, weddings and funerals. It’s always best to ask before taking a picture.

Crime Just because we look like paradise doesn’t mean we’re perfect. Take the same precautions you would at home: avoid questionable areas, particularly after dark; don’t carry large amounts of money or wear a lot of tempting jewellery; be careful about accepting rides from (or giving rides to) strangers. Women should avoid sunbathing solo on lonely beaches; and everyone should be wary of ingratiating young men who insist on being your guide, whether you want them or not. Basically, this is a non-threatening society, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Drugs Are illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. Period. No exceptions for personal use. If you are found in possession of any illegal narcotic substance (including marijuana), you are in serious trouble. Our prisons are not the nicest place to spend your vacation.

Eco-notes
Manchineel trees (also known as Poison Apple) grow along the shoreline in some areas. They are easily identifiable by their gnarled gray trunks, shiny bright green leaves, and the small yellow-green “apples” that they produce in profusion. Avoid contact with any part of this tree: its sap is an extreme irritant, causing painful blisters, and its fruit are poisonous. Don’t even shelter beneath a manchineel during a rainstorm, as the runoff is equally unpleasant. Stay clear!

It is illegal to buy or export many wildlife products in Trinidad and Tobago; and it may be illegal to import them into your country of origin as well. Tortoiseshell jewellery comes from the endangered Hawksbill sea turtle; black coral trinkets mean irreparable damage to our reefs. Both may be confiscated by the authorities on your return home. Wildlife skins, live birds, and even exotic plants, may all end up costing you much more than you paid for them. And they represent irresponsible and criminal destruction of our beautiful natural environment. Enjoy our wildlife — but please don’t buy it.
Donna Yawching