Moving to Trinidad and Tobago

Named after its two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago lies only 6.8 miles (11km) off Venezuela’s northeastern coast. Many expats moving to Trinidad and Tobago are drawn to the tropical climate, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs.

Given its rich and diverse history with native Amerindians and successive eras of colonisation, Trinidad and Tobago is a multicultural dual-island country known for its unique mix of languages, religions, and nationalities. Sizeable expat groups can be found in the cities of San Fernando, Scarborough, and the capital, Port of Spain, with well-established African, Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, and Portuguese communities on the islands.

Living in Trinidad and Tobago as an expat

Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural melting pot has influenced the local lifestyle, cuisine, music, and traditions. Visitors to the country will likely try the local favourite street food known as ‘doubles’, a spicy flatbread with curry chickpeas. The vibrant party scene can be enjoyed year-round, not to mention the colourful annual Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

Behind the allure of a tropical, friendly Caribbean island life, you may be concerned about culture shock as a prospective expat. Thankfully, with cosmopolitan cities and English as the official language, you’ll likely find it relatively easy to settle in.

Despite a relaxed exterior, the Trinidadians and Tobagonians are extremely professional in the workplace. As in neighbouring Venezuela, the oil industry is the main driver of the local economy, so many expats work in the country’s oil refineries.

If you have skills in the electronics and financial industries, you will have access to a fair few employment opportunities. More foreign investors are becoming aware of the potential in Trinidad and Tobago, with its highly educated workforce and modern infrastructure, and are moving to the islands to set up their own businesses.

All of this has contributed to Trinidad and Tobago’s standing as a high-income country which offers modern accommodation, amenities, restaurants, and services that appeal to both local and expat residents.

Cost of living in Trinidad and Tobago

The cost of living in Trinidad and Tobago is generally reasonable compared to many other expat destinations. While some expenses, such as housing and groceries, are affordable, certain goods and services – especially imported items – can be significantly more expensive.

Those earning in a foreign currency will find that their money stretches further, making daily expenses such as accommodation, utilities, and transport more manageable. Although most expat salaries tend to be competitive, those earning in the local currency may need to budget carefully to cover higher costs in certain areas.

Imported goods and luxury items are often priced at a premium, so if you regularly indulge in familiar products from home, it’s wise to factor this into your budget. Most expats moving to Trinidad and Tobago will likely need to purchase and maintain a vehicle, which can be one of the biggest ongoing expenses while living on the islands.

Families and children in Trinidad and Tobago

Families with children can integrate easily into their new lives in Trinidad and Tobago, given the many international schools on the islands and the decent public healthcare system. Still, most expats opt for private hospitals, particularly in Port of Spain, which makes it necessary to invest in health insurance before travelling.

Additionally, while there is crime on the islands, those who take sensible safety precautions, such as keeping their valuables out of sight and being vigilant in crowded places, should not experience any difficulty.

There is also plenty to see and do to keep your family entertained during their downtime. As a beautiful tropical paradise, outdoor activities like swimming, snorkelling, and hiking are some favourite pastimes on the islands.

Climate in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago’s weather is influenced by the islands’ tropical climate. Two main seasons characterise the weather on the islands: dry and wet. The dry season typically lasts from January to May, when the weather is largely sunny and the humidity is low.

June to December marks the wet season, during which humidity and rainfall are much higher. This can sometimes lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Average temperatures range from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C) throughout the year.

Trinidad and Tobago offers expats a balanced lifestyle and a rewarding quality of life. With its great climate, beautiful landscapes, abundance of outdoor pursuits, and well-developed infrastructure, expats living here really do get the best of both worlds.

Fast facts

Population: Over 1.5 million

Capital city: Port of Spain

Largest city: San Fernando

Neighbouring countries: Trinidad and Tobago shares maritime borders with Barbados to the northeast, Grenada to the north, Guyana to the southeast, and Venezuela to the south and west.

Geography: The island of Trinidad comprises more than 90 percent of the land area of Trinidad and Tobago. The much smaller island of Tobago is situated to the northeast of Trinidad. The terrain of both islands is mostly mountainous, with a few areas of plains.

Political system: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Major religions: Christianity and Hinduism. Several other religions are represented in the country, including Islam and Rastafarianism.

Main language: English

Money: While the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD) is the official currency, the US dollar is widely accepted. Some banks allow you to open accounts as an expat through their websites. ATMs are situated across the two islands, especially around the airports.

Tipping: In general, tipping isn’t a normal practice in Trinidad and Tobago, but when someone goes out of their way to do something for free, a small tip is appropriate.

Time: GMT-4

Electricity: 115 volts, 60 Hz. USA-style plugs (types A and B) with two or three flat blades are used in Trinidad and Tobago.

International diallingcode: +1 (868)

Internet domain:.tt

Emergency numbers: For police, dial 999. The number 990 is for fire and ambulance. Additionally, 811 is an ambulance hotline. Tobago’s Emergency Relief line is 211.

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the left. Buses are the most prevalent mode of public transport, but there are maxi-taxis and ferries between and around the islands as well.