Digital & Print Resources: Trinidad

Online Tools for Travelers

Essential Apps

TT RideShare, Drop
Local ride-sharing applications for city transport.
WhatsApp
Widely used for local communication; connect with tour operators.
Google Maps / Waze
For navigation and real-time traffic; download offline maps.
XE Currency
A useful application for quick currency conversions.
Offline Content
Download entertainment or articles for periods without connectivity.

Helpful Websites & Social Media

Visit Trinidad
The official tourism site for attractions and events.
PTSC
Public Transport Service Corporation for bus routes.
Inter-Island Ferry Service
Check schedules and book tickets for Tobago travel.
Social Media
Follow "Visit Trinidad" or "Trinidad Carnival" for updates.
Local Food Blogs
Discover culinary recommendations and insights.

Print & Literary Guides

Guidebooks

Dedicated Trinidad guidebooks are rare. A general Caribbean guidebook (e.g., "Fodor's Essential Caribbean") may cover it.

Local Maps

Maps are sometimes available at gas stations or tourist centers. Offline phone maps are more reliable.

Trinidadian Literature

Read "Miguel Street" by V.S. Naipaul or "The Dragon Can't Dance" by Earl Lovelace for cultural insights.

Emergency & Health Information

Important Contacts

Police/Fire/Ambulance: 999
Emergency Medical Services: 811
Coast Guard: 999
Port of Spain General Hospital (Public)

Procedures

St. Clair Medical Centre (Private, often preferred)
For lost documents, report to local police for a report.
Contact your embassy for replacement travel documents.
Stay informed about weather advisories, especially June-November.

Continuous Cultural Discovery

Visual Journeys

Search for documentaries on Trinidad Carnival.
Explore films showing steelpan music.
Discover films on Trinidad's natural history.
Visuals offer additional insights.

Auditory Immersion

Immerse yourself in Calypso music.
Listen to Soca rhythms.
Discover local steelpan artists.
Music captures the island's spirit.

Community & Language

Explore Reddit's r/TrinidadandTobago for local insights.
Join relevant Facebook groups for travelers.
Learning Trinidadian Creole phrases offers cultural depth.
Connect with locals online.

Official Contacts & Safety

Essential Emergency Information

U.S. Embassy

15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain
Phone: (868) 622-6371
Assistance for U.S. Citizens.
Emergency citizen services.

Canadian High Commission

Maple House, 48-50 Braemar Road
Federation Park
Phone: (868) 622-6232
Assistance for Canadian citizens.

British High Commission

19 St Clair Ave, St Clair
Phone: (868) 821-2700
Assistance for British citizens.
General citizen support.

Health & Medical Facilities

Public Hospitals

Port of Spain General Hospital.
San Fernando General Hospital.
Emergency services available.

Private Facilities

St. Clair Medical Centre (often has shorter wait times).
Pharmacies are available nationwide.
Consider recommended vaccinations before travel.

General Safety Guidelines

Personal Security

Remain vigilant, especially in urban areas at night.
Avoid displaying valuables openly.
Secure your belongings at all times.

Transport Safety

Use only official, registered taxis.
Confirm taxi registration before entering.
Share your route with a friend or family member.

Precautionary Measures

Staying Aware

Be cautious in crowded areas.
Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.
Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.
Inform someone of your daily travel plans.
Trust your instincts.

Digital Security

Use a virtual private network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi.
Protect your devices with strong passwords.
Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages.
Back up important digital information.
Avoid sharing sensitive details on public networks.

Essential Embassy Contacts

United States

For US citizens needing assistance or emergency services.

Canada

For Canadian citizens requiring consular support.

United Kingdom

For UK nationals seeking emergency aid or guidance.

Lost Document Procedures

Report any lost documents to the local police immediately and obtain a police report. Then, contact your country's embassy or consulate to assist with replacement travel documents.

Cultural Immersion & Practicalities

Deepening Your Connection

Exploring Local Media

Documentaries
Discover films on Carnival, steelpan, and local wildlife.
Music Genres
Immerse yourself in Calypso, Soca, and Steelpan music.
Local Artists
Listen to popular local musicians and bands.

Connecting with Trinidad

Online Communities
Engage with r/TrinidadandTobago on Reddit for local perspectives.
Cultural Appreciation
Explore local art galleries in Port of Spain.
Literary Insights
Read books about Trinidadian history and culture.

Local Publications for Daily Life

Trinidad Express

A daily newspaper providing local news and current events.

Newsday

Another major daily newspaper offering insights into local affairs.

Entertainment Listings

Newspapers often feature sections on events and entertainment.

Practical Language Guidance

While English is the official language, local dialect adds character.
Trinidadian Creole varies from standard English.
Listen to common phrases and expressions.
Locals generally appreciate efforts to speak their dialect.

Phrases

"Good morning/evening" is a common polite greeting.
"How yuh goin'?" means "How are you?".
"Lime" refers to relaxing socially.
"Maxi" means a maxi-taxi.

Learning Beyond Your Stay

Expanding Your Knowledge

Watch more documentaries on Trinidadian history.
Read academic articles on Caribbean studies.
Explore diverse genres of local music beyond Soca.
Follow local photographers for visual insights.

Interactive Learning

Skillshare for photography or cultural courses.
Look for online courses on Caribbean culture.
Join forums dedicated to Trinidadian cultural discussions.
Connect with travel bloggers focused on the Caribbean.

Travel Documents

For emergencies or lost documents, contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance. Their contact details are helpful during unforeseen circumstances.

Digital & Print Resources