Includes information on business customs, travel advisory, visa requirements, currency, language, health, local time, business hours and holidays, acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, temporary entry of materials and personal belongings,etc.
Last Published: 7/20/2019

Business Customs

Business discussions are usually conducted in a very straight forward manner. English is widely spoken and most businesspeople are skilled and technically knowledgeable. Furthermore, most agents and distributors have visited the United States and often handle several American product lines.  Some cultural differences between the U.S. and TT exist. Variations in pace and style may be most noticeable and sustained personal contact with potential business partners is expected.

Business people are friendly, valuing personal contact and courtesy. First names are freely used after the initial meeting. Dress is Western in style, and tends to be more formal than in the United States. Standard office wear for men is suit or sport-coat and slacks. Women generally wear dresses, skirts, or pantsuits.

Travel Advisory

Travelers should check The Department of State Consular Information Sheet for Trinidad and Tobago.

Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required of U.S. citizens for entry to TT. U.S. citizens do not need a visa if their visit to Trinidad and Tobago is for business or social purposes and their stay is for 90 days or less. Work permits are required for compensated and non-compensated employment, including missionary work. Visas are be required for travel for purposes other than business or tourism. For more information, see http://www.immigration.gov.tt/Services/Visas.aspx. Questions pertaining to visas should be directed to the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 467-6490, or the TT Consulates in Miami or New York.

Currency

The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar. Travelers’ checks and foreign cash may be exchanged at commercial banks. There are government authorized money changers located at the airport. ATMs are widely available and international credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and many retail shops.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telecommunications networks are reliable and users can access the U.S. and other countries by direct dial. The country code for Trinidad and Tobago +1 (as in the United States), and the area code is 868. Costs, though falling, are higher than in the United States. Mobile phone users can access third generation (3G) and 4G or Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks and services in Trinidad and Tobago (Digicel and BMobile), with theoretical speeds of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps). The mobile phone standard is GSM, not CDMA. There are two main mobile telephone providers. Broadband and wireless internet services are available, as are cable TV and satellite services. All major hotels offer Wi-Fi internet. Since electric current is the same as in the U.S. (110 volt, 60-cycle AC), transformers are unnecessary.

Transportation

Trinidad and Tobago has well-developed infrastructure, including two international airports and paved roads and highways. Major airlines such as American, United, JetBlue, and Caribbean Airlines operate scheduled daily flights to and from the United States. There is a daily inter-island ferry service between Port of Spain, Trinidad and Scarborough, Tobago, as well as multiple flights. Goods and services are regularly distributed throughout the island, even to the most remote areas. Driving is on the left side of the road. There is no rail transport. There is a water taxi service between Port of Spain and San Fernando. Buses operate from hubs in Port of Spain, Chaguanas, San Fernando, and in Tobago. Route and private taxis are available, but it is suggested that private taxis be used by visitors. Local and international car rental services are available. Road traffic is extremely heavy during the day; sufficient time should be allowed between appointments.

Language

English is the official language.

Health

Medical care is generally not up to U.S. standards. While care at some private facilities is better than at most public health facilities, patients may be expected to prove their ability to pay before assistance is given, even if emergency care is needed. Doctors and dentists in most specialties, many with overseas training, are available. Air ambulance service is available for emergencies.

Almost all prescription drugs can be bought locally. Tap water is potable. Dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika are present. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's automated information line for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747). 

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad and other health information, consult the World Health Organization's website.

Local time, business hours, and holidays

Local Time: GMT-4 (Equivalent to EDT in summer; one hour ahead of EST in winter). Daylight savings time is not observed.
Standard business hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for government and most other offices.

Banking hours vary:
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Mondays to Thursdays
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Fridays
Shopping mall branches: 9:00/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Please visit this link for a list of national holidays

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Temporary entry of personal and household effects are allowed duty and VAT free once the person is in possession of an approved work permit per Customs Act 78:01 Schedule 2, 6a and 6b.

A wide range of housing is available, from large, modern houses with pools to condominiums or townhouse apartments. Residential areas are within convenient commuting distance of all commercial and industrial areas. Rental and purchase costs vary, although prices have gone up substantially since the 2007 boom in energy prices.
Rental prices in Port of Spain suburbs for small houses comparable to U.S. middle class homes are $3,000-$5,000 a month. Executive-type houses rent for $5,000-$10,000 a month. Reputable real estate agents are available.

Travel Related Web resources

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.