Trinidad in Tobago - Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad in Tobago je narod, sestavljen predvsem iz dveh Karibski otoki, Trinidad in Tobago, tik ob severovzhodni obali Ljubljane Venezuela. Država je najbolj industrializirana in ena najuspešnejših na Karibih. Turizem na splošno ni pomembna panoga (čeprav jih ima otok Tobago sorazmerno več), zato so otoki polni naravne neokrnjene lepote, ki je v večini drugih karibskih držav ni.

Razumeti

Zgodovina

Otoke so najprej naselili Arawak in Carib, ki so se tu naselili s celine Južne Amerike in katerih potomci predstavljajo majhno manjšino prebivalstva. Trinidad je opazil Christopher Columbus, ki je zahteval Španijo. Pod špansko vladavino so številni francoski naseljenci v Trinidadu ustanovili nasade kakava in za njihovo obdelavo uvažali sužnje. Britanci so otok zavzeli leta 1798 in odpravili suženjstvo. Da bi nadomestila pomanjkanje delovne sile, je vlada spodbudila močno priseljevanje iz držav, kot so Portugalska, Francija, Nemčija, Kitajska in predvsem Indija. Trinidad je bil v osemdesetih letih združen s Tobagom. V zgodnjih devetdesetih letih je država sprejemala na tisoče večinoma temnopoltih priseljencev iz drugih karibskih držav, pa tudi Venezuele in Kolumbije. Po drugi svetovni vojni je bil TT združen z drugimi britanskimi karibskimi državami v federacijo Zahodne Indije. Vendar se različne skupine otokov niso mogle razumeti in zveza je kmalu propadla. TT je sčasoma dosegel popolno neodvisnost 31. avgusta 1962. V šestdesetih in sedemdesetih letih je država zaradi velikih nahajališč nafte in zemeljskega plina napredovala in postala najbogatejša država na Karibih. Vendar so se konec osemdesetih let cene nafte znatno znižale, kar je povzročilo velik gospodarski zlom. V tem času je državo zapustilo na tisoče Trinidadcev, ki so iskali boljše priložnosti drugje. V devetdesetih in dvajsetih letih si je država dramatično opomogla, življenjski standard države pa se še danes izboljšuje.

Ljudje

V državi živi svetovljanska družba, v kateri živi veliko različnih ljudstev in kultur, ki živijo skupaj v relativnem miru in harmoniji. Etničen Indijanci tvorijo množico prebivalstva, medtem ko so temnopolti ljudje afriškega porekla druga največja skupina.

Gospodarstvo

Otoka imata različni osebnosti. Trinidad je večje od obeh in je lokacija večine mest in dejavnosti države. Je tudi industrijsko središče države, ki je znano po proizvodnji nafte in zemeljskega plina, zaradi česar je T&T ena izmed najbolj uspešnih držav na Karibih. Tobago je znan po turizmu, ki je njegova glavna panoga in je priljubljena turistična destinacija. Oba otoka imata del naravnih lepot.

Podnebje

Trinidad in Tobago, ki ležijo v tropskih predelih, uživajo na splošno prijetno pomorsko tropsko podnebje, na katerega vplivajo severovzhodni pasat. V Trinidadu je povprečna letna temperatura 26 ° C (78,8 ° F), povprečna najvišja temperatura pa 34 ° C (93,2 ° F). Vlaga je visoka, zlasti v deževni sezoni, ko je v povprečju od 85 do 87%. Otok prejme v povprečju 2.110 milimetrov padavin na leto, običajno v juniju do decembru, ko se pogosto pojavljajo kratke in močne plohe. Padavin je največ v severnem območju, ki lahko sprejme do 3.810 mm (150 in). V sušnem obdobju osrednja notranjost otoka pesti suša. Klima v Tobagu je podobna trinidadski, a nekoliko hladnejša. Njegova deževna sezona se razteza od junija do decembra; letna količina padavin je 2.500 mm (98.4 palcev). Otoki ležijo zunaj orkanskega pasu; kljub temu je orkan Flora leta 1963 poškodoval Tobago, Tropska nevihta Alma pa je leta 1974 prizadela Trinidad in povzročila škodo, preden je dobila polno moč.

Teren

Trinidad prečkajo tri različne gorske verige. Severno območje, odmaknjeno od gorovja Andov v Venezueli, je sestavljeno iz razgibanih gričev, ki so vzporedni obali. Ta razpon se dvigne na dva vrha. Najvišji El Cerro del Aripo je visok 940 m (3.084 ft); drugi, El Tucuche, doseže 936m. Središče se razprostira diagonalno čez otok in je nizko ležeče območje. Ravnina Caroni se razteza proti jugu, ločuje severno in osrednjo verigo. Južno pogorje je sestavljeno iz lomljene črte hribov z najvišjo nadmorsko višino 305m (1001 ft). Na otoku Trinidad so številne reke in potoki; najpomembnejši sta reki Ortoire in Caroni.

Tobago je gorati in v njem prevladuje Glavni greben, ki je dolg 29 kilometrov z višinami do 640 metrov. Obstajajo globoke, rodovitne doline, ki tečejo severno in južno od Glavnega grebena. Jugozahodna konica otoka ima koralno ploščad. Čeprav je Tobago vulkanskega izvora, aktivnih vulkanov ni. Obstajajo številne reke in potoki, vendar so poplave in erozija manj hude kot v Trinidadu.

Prazniki

• 1. januarja: Novoletni dan
• Februarja/v začetku marca: Pust (ni uradni praznik); tik pred pepelnično sredo (post)
• 30. marec: Dan osvoboditve duhovnega baptista / kričarja
• Velika noč (premično)
• Corpus Christi (premično)
• 30. maja: Indijski dan prihoda
• 19. junija: Praznik dela
• 1. avgusta: Dan emancipacije
• 31. avgusta: Dan neodvisnosti
• 24. septembra: Dan republike
• Kurban bajram: (spremenljivka)
• 25. decembra: Božič
• 26. decembra: Boksarski dan

Regije

Mesta

• 10.666666666667-61.5166666666671 Pristanišče Španija - Glavno mesto
• 10.625-61.2791666666672 Arima - rojstni kraj slavnega umetnika kalipsa "Lord Kitchener"
• 10.514444444444-61.40753 Chaguanas - najhitreje rastoča in največja občina, v kateri večinoma živijo potomci vzhodnoindijskih delavcev
• 10.683333333333-61.6333333333334 Chaguaramas - območje na severozahodu Trinidada, ki je jahtno središče države z veliko zmogljivosti za lastnike plovil
• 10.166666666667-61.6666666666675 Točka Fortin - jugozahodna občina, ki leži na obrobju jezera La Brea Pitch in je znana po proizvodnji nafte
• 10.283333333333-61.4666666666676 San Fernando - Južno mesto
• 11.183333333333-60.7333333333337 Scarborough (Glavno mesto Tobaga)

Druge destinacije

• Zavetišče za ptice Caroni in nekdanje posesti sladkornega trsa (zelo prijeten kraj za opazovanje ptic, veliko komarjev)
• Plaže na severni obali (Maracas, Las Cuevas)
• Jezero La Brea Pitch
• Zgodovinsko najdišče Lopinot - muzej, zgrajen na nekdanjem posestvu kakava v lasti francoskega grofa Charlesa Josefa de Lopinota
• Roxborough - severni Tobago, rezervat tropskih deževnih gozdov
• Po otokih - majhni otoki ob severozahodnem polotoku ponujajo miren umik.

Vstopi

Zahteve za vstop

Vsi obiskovalci morajo imeti: potni list, veljaven za čas bivanja, povratno vozovnico, dokazilo o sredstvih za vzdrževanje, naslov v TT, na primer hotel ali družino / prijatelja.

Državljani Združeno kraljestvo, ZDA, Kanada, Države Caricom (razen Haiti), Singapur in večina EGP in latinskoameriške države ne potrebujejo vizuma za počitnice ali posle 90 dni ali manj. Druge narodnosti morajo zaprositi za a vizum vnaprej^{[mrtva povezava]} na veleposlaništvu ali konzulatu TT v tujini. Ob odhodu iz države je na trajekt za Venezuelo plačan davek v višini 5 TT USD.

Z letalom

Glavno letališče je Mednarodno letališče Piarco (POS ^IATA) naprej Trinidad, približno 25 km jugovzhodno od Pristanišče Španija. Direktni letalski prevoz je na voljo v Miamiju, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Orlando, New York (JFK) in Newark, ZDA; Toronto, Kanada; London, Združeno kraljestvo; Caracas in Porlomar, Venezuela; Panama City, Panama; Paramaribo, Surinam; Georgetown, Gvajana; Barbados in različnimi drugimi otoki na Karibih.

Letalske družbe, ki letijo na Trinidad

Caribbean Airlines (National Airline), direktni leti iz Miamija, New Yorka, Ft Lauderdalea, Orlanda, Toronta, Caracasa, Georgetowna, Kingstona, Paramariba, Barbadosa in drugih karibskih otokov v Port of of Spain (POS ^IATA).

Air Canada Rouge, direktni leti iz Toronta

American Airlines, neposredni leti iz Miamija

British Airways, neposredni leti iz Londona Gatwick

Direktni leti družbe Caribbean Airlines iz Severne Amerike, Južne Amerike in iz celotnih Karibov.

Copa Airlines, direktni leti iz mesta Panamá.

JetBlue, direktni leti iz Ft. Lauderdale in New York-JFK.

Surinam Airways, neposredni flihgti iz Paramariba in Curaçaa

United Airlines, direktni leti iz Houstona in Newarka

WestJet, direktni leti iz Toronta

Letalski prevozniki, ki letijo v Tobago

Tobago Mednarodno letališče Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson (TAB ^IATA) ima omejene neposredne storitve, večinoma iz London

Caribbean Airlines, ki ponuja notranje lete iz Trinidada in neposredni let iz New Yorka (JFK)

Virgin Atlantic, direktni leti iz Gatwicka London

British Airways, direktni leti iz Gatwicka v Londonu

Condor, čarterska služba iz Frankfurta v Nemčiji

Mednarodni odhodni davek od leta 2014 znaša 200 TT, kar je vključeno v ceno vaše vozovnice na prodajnem mestu.

Moj čoln

Trinidad je priljubljeno mesto med lastniki jaht. Največ sidri na območju Chaguaramas na skrajni severozahodni strani otoka. The Jadralno združenje Trinidada in Tobaga opravlja storitve nautičarjev, ki so lokalno znani kot "Yachties". Križarke lahko pristanejo tudi v kompleksu križark v pristanišču Španija.

Obiti

Znotraj otokov

Z vožnjo

Delnica TTRS Trinidad in Tobago Ride je varen in samostanski način za obhod. Prenesite aplikacijo in se preverite, preden greste. Voznika lahko plačate v TT dolarjih ali s kreditno kartico, vendar morate vstopiti pred začetkom potovanja. Uber v Trinidadu ne obstaja.

S taksijem

Taksiji so preprosto običajni osebni avtomobili brez posebnih oznak. Njihove registrske tablice pa se začnejo s črko "H". Najdemo jih na taksi postajah, ki so lahko na vogalu ulice ali ob cesti. Taksiji v mestih in mestih so običajno označeni, zunaj mesta pa ne. Vendar pa lahko pred najemom taksija vzamete taksi s strani ceste in vprašate, kam greste, in ceno. Eden plača za posamezen sedež in taksiji si delijo, po želji pa lahko najamete cel avto in če potnikov ne čaka veliko. Letališki taksiji so pri tem izjema, saj je skoraj vedno treba najeti celoten avto.

Obstajajo večji taksiji, imenovani "Maxitaxis" ali preprosto "Maxis", ki gredo po določeni poti. Ti so podobni mini avtobusom in so pobarvani v belo ali bež barvo in imajo okoli sebe barvni trak. Vsak maxi običajno sprejme približno 11 ali 25 potnikov. Barva pasu označuje območje potovanja. Imajo lastne taksi postaje in terminale. V španskem pristanišču maxi odhajajo in prispejo na terminal City Gate, v San Fernandu pa odhajajo in prispejo na avtobusni terminal na King's Wharf. Ti taksiji Maxi potujejo na vzhodno, južno in osrednje območje otoka. Za potovanje na zahod je nekaj določenih območij, kot so Diego martin / Petit Valley / Carenage / Chagaramas maxi, nekaj kilometrov stran od City Gate. Maxi taksi lahko najamete za cel dan na najetem potovanju. O njih se je mogoče predhodno dogovoriti z maxi taksisti. Cene se razlikujejo.

Na voljo so tudi ciganske kabine. Lokalno se imenujejo "PH", ker so zasebni avtomobili, ki so nezakonito uporabljeni za najem. Bodite previdni, saj so vozniki "PH" povezani s kaznivimi dejanji, vključno z umorom, ugrabitvijo in ropom, in nimajo zavarovanja za najete potnike.

Nekaj ​​nasvetov

• Vse takse je treba plačati v gotovini v dolarjih TT. Nekateri vozniki sprejemajo ameriške dolarje, kanadske dolarje ali evre, vendar vam morda ne bodo dali ugodnega menjalnega tečaja. Prav je, da vozovnico vprašate vnaprej. V taksijih Maxi plačajte vodniku ali vozniku, če ga ni. Napitnine ni pričakovati, razen za letališke taksije. Če pa se počutite radodarno, lahko po želji podate namig. Taksisti običajno ne dajejo potrdil.
• Če zapustite običajno določeno pot (običajno po glavni cesti), pred vkrcanjem v taksi obvestite taksista. Nekateri zaradi kriminala ali slabih cest morda ne želijo zaviti z glavne ceste. Če jih ne boste obvestili vnaprej, vas bodo morda preprosto odpeljali blizu cilja in boste morali peš. Maxi taksiji običajno ne bodo zapeljali z začrtane poti, vendar bodo nekateri od njih potnike vprašali, ali lahko ob prevelikem prometu izberejo drugo pot. Če ste v dvomih, ali bodo maxi pogrešali vaš cilj, vprašajte dirigenta.
• Izogibajte se iskanju taksija ali maksija v času prometnih konic (dopoldan in popoldan, vendar je slabše). Taksiji so ponavadi gneči, drugi pa se lahko ustavijo pred taksijem. Neto rezultat je, da je taksi poln, preden doseže postajališče, čakanje pa je lahko zelo dolgo.
• Nekateri maksi in taksisti bodo želeli v vozilo spraviti več, kot je dovoljeno število potnikov. To je nevarna in nezakonita praksa, saj noben potnik ni zavarovan, če je maxi taksi preobremenjen in zaide v nesrečo. Vljudno zavrnite ali vsaj vedite, kaj tvegate.
• Če je vaš taksi ali maksi pripet v nesrečo, čim prej prijavite policijo, da si zagotovite svoje zakonske pravice. Taksisti morajo imeti zavarovanje za vse potnike. Policijska poročila je mogoče osebno predložiti policijski postaji, ki je pristojna. Vprašajte lokalnega. Vedeli bodo. Če vi ali nekdo potrebujete takojšnjo zdravniško pomoč, pokličite 999 ali 990.
• Nekatere taksi postaje bodo od zadaj napolnile taksije. To je pogosteje v mestih in občinah.
• Če želite ustaviti maxi taksi, ko je na njem (tj. Na vašem cilju), pritisnite gumb za ustavitev. Včasih ne bodo označeni, a po zakonu jih morajo imeti maxi taksiji.
• Kajenje v javnih zgradbah je v nasprotju z zakonom.

Z avtobusom

Avtobuse vozi Korporacija za javni prevoz^{[mrtva povezava]} (PTSC) v lasti vlade Trinidada in Tobaga. Avtobusi in avtobusne vozovnice so na voljo v City Gate v mestu Port-of-Spain, King's Wharfu v San Fernandu in različnih drugih terminalih in avtobusnih postajališčih. Za vstop na avtobus je potrebna vozovnica. Vozniki avtobusov ne sprejemajo gotovine ali kreditnih kartic.

S trajektom

Na otoku Trinidad vozi domači trajekt med obema glavnima mestoma Port-of-Spain na severu in San Fernandom na jugu. Vožnja s trajektom je približno 45 minut med cilji, enosmerno potovanje pa stane 15 TT USD (približno 2,50 USD).

Z avtom

Najem avtomobila je splošno dostopen, vožnja pa po levi strani (britanski slog). Obstaja več podjetij, ki najemajo avtomobile, vključno z mednarodnimi verigami, kot sta Budget in Hertz. Obstajajo tudi lokalna podjetja, kot so Auto Rentals, Kalloo's in številna druga. Najbolje je, da avto rezervirate vnaprej. Ob prihodu pa lahko na letališču najamete avto. Registrske tablice najetih avtomobilov so običajno označene z "R" (kar pomeni "Najem") kot prvo črko. Nekateri zasebniki bodo najemali avtomobile s tablicami, označenimi s črko "P" (kar pomeni "Zasebno"), vendar je to nezakonita praksa in je bolje, da najamete avto s tablico "R".

Vendar postaja običajna praksa, da kriminalci ciljajo na voznike najemnih avtomobilov, saj mnogi domačini verjamejo, da so vsi tujci bogati. Tako vse več podjetij za najem avtomobilov zdaj svoje avtomobile opremlja s "P" v upanju, da bi to prikrilo dejstvo, da je avto dejansko najem.

Razmere na cestah in promet

Pazite se voznikov, ki ne upoštevajo cestnih zakonov. Ne smejo se ustaviti pri rdečih lučeh in nenapovedano zaviti. Če ste navajeni le vožnje po desni strani, močno razmislite, da je sploh ne bi vozili. Vozi, da ostaneš živ. Če predvidevate možnost neprijetnosti, zlasti tiste, ki se lahko spremeni v nesrečo na cesti, se ji izogibajte.

Omejitve hitrosti veljajo (80 km / h na avtocestah), vendar redko veljajo. Številni cestni znaki so stari in niso dobro vidni, razdalje pa so označene v kilometrih. Če se dobro vozite, je zabavno doživetje uživati ​​v cestah, še posebej pozno zvečer ali zgodaj zjutraj. Kadar koli se izogibajte prehitrim vožnjam po glavnih avtocestah v času prometnih konic ali okoli Queen's Park Savannah. Razen tega je verjetnost, da vas bodo potegnili, enaka nič.

Čeprav boste videli, da to počne veliko voznikov, je levo zavijanje rdeče v nasprotju z zakonom (kar ustreza desnemu zavoju rdečega v državah z levim volanom, kot so ZDA). Tudi preobrati so nezakoniti.

Taksiji in zlasti taksi Maxi so povezani z veliko nesrečami in smrtnimi žrtvami v prometu. Pogosto se bodo ustavili brez opozorila, da bodo pobrali ali spustili potnike, izvedli tvegane manevre in na splošno vozili nepremišljeno. Čeprav so te morda nezakonite, jih policija, kot kaže, ne moti, razen občasnih pregledov na kraju samem in cestnih blokad. Policijske akcije, ki vključujejo Maxi Taxis in Taksiji, se ponavadi zgodijo, kadar povzročajo resne prometne težave, v tem primeru pa ni redko, da policija in mesto preseli Maxi Taxis.

Ljudje bodo svoja vozila parkirali tudi sredi ceste, kjer ni rame. Počakajte, da se nasprotni pas odstrani, nato zaobiđite parkiran avto.

Na bolj obljudenih območjih, kot sta mesti Port of Spain in San Fernando, bodite pozorni na pešce, saj je jaywalking norma. Prometne signalizacije za prehode za pešce je malo. Poleg tega v večini primerov zahtevajo, da ljudje pritisnejo gumb. Večina ljudi se ne obremenjuje in samo počaka, da se promet zbriši, ali pobegne čez cesto. Bodite previdni, saj lahko udarci pešca, pešačenje ali ne, privedejo do večjih težav kot udarjanje avtomobila.

Čas in razdalja

Če nameravate iti na drugo stran otoka (Trinidad), zgodaj začnite in dovolite cel dan z nič pomembnega na sporedu pozno popoldne. Čeprav otok ni ogromen, lahko nekam pridete dlje, kot si mislite. Z dotokom rabljenih avtomobilov iz Azije (lokalno imenovanimi "tuji rabljeni") in rastočim gospodarstvom je več ljudi v lasti avtomobilov kot kdaj koli prej. Zato zastoji niso redki, zlasti kadar gremo v pristanišče Španija.

Medotočni prevoz

Obstajata dve možnosti za potovanje med Trinidadom in Tobagom - s trajektom in po zraku.

Potovanje z letalom bo stalo 300 TT v obratni smeri ali 150 TT v eno smer na osebo. Na dan je dvanajst letov. Čas letenja je približno 25 minut v eno smer. Caribbean Airlines (http://www.caribbean-airlines.com) izvaja storitev.

Obstajata dve vrsti trajektnih storitev - hitra in običajna.

Potovanje s hitrim trajektom stane 50 TT USD v eno smer in TT 100 USD povratka. Plovili sta T&T Express in T&T Spirit, ki sta v lasti pristaniške uprave Trinidad in Tobago. Potovanje je približno 2,75 ure. Express je hitrejši od obeh ladij, vendar je Spirit novejši in ima boljše zmogljivosti.

Potovanje s konvencionalnim trajektom stane 37,50 TT enosmerno in 75 TT povratno, pot pa je približno 5,5 ure. Plovila so MF Panorama in Warrior Spirit.

Vozila je mogoče vkrcati na trajekt, vendar to povzroči drugačno polnjenje, ki se razlikuje glede na velikost in težo. Povratno potovanje z zasebnim avtomobilom stane 350 TT. To vključuje stroške voznika. Na trajektu verjetno ne boste mogli najeti avtomobila, saj morate pokazati dokumente o registraciji vozila.

Na trajektnih terminalih v Port of Spain in Scarborough lahko kupite samo vstopnice za enodnevna potovanja. Za vstopnice morate kupiti karte pri nekaterih izbranih potovalnih agencijah - v času konic se vozovnice hitro prodajo, zlasti za vozila. Za vozne rede trajektov in potovalne agencije glejte Spletna stran pristaniške uprave.

Glej

Plaže

Priljubljene plaže v Trinidadu so Maracas, Tyrico, 10.783333-61.31 Blanchisseuse  , Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros in Quinam. Večina plaž na severni obali je čudovitih, s praškastim peskom in čisto modro vodo. Los Iros in Quinam sta v redu, vendar je voda Quinam lahko rjava, predvsem zaradi usedlin iz reke Orinoco v Južni Ameriki. Čeprav Maracas in Tyrico nista preveč oddaljena, po plaži ne morete hoditi od enega do drugega.

Plaže v Tobagu so izjemno lepe. Med priljubljene plaže v Tobagu spadajo

• 11.15-60.8172 Pigeon Point. (posodobljeno oktober 2018)
• 11.283333-60.6833333 Angleški zaliv. (posodobljeno oktober 2018)
• Store Bay
• MT Irvine
• Bucco, Grange
• Kanu zaliv

Greben Bucco in najlonski bazen

Buccoo Reef je naravni koralni greben na severni obali Tobaga. Ogledi s čolni s steklenim dnom so na voljo iz Pigeon Pointa in Store Baya. The 11.1724-60.83934 Najlonski bazen.   je območje plitve vode na vrhu grebena. Voda je kristalno čista in izgleda kot najlon iz ribiške vrvi, od tod tudi ime. Tja vas bo pripeljala ladja s steklenim dnom in vam omogočila kopanje.

Ptičje svetišče Caroni

Nahaja se v 10.591389-61.4552785 Močvirje Caroni. (posodobljeno oktober 2018), to je nujno za opazovalce ptic. V ptičjem svetišču gnezdi več avtohtonih vrst ptic, vključno z eno od nacionalnih ptic - škrlatno Ibis (Eudocimus ruber). Ogledi se običajno odvijajo v mraku, ko se škrlatni ibis vrne v močvirje, da se prenoči. Prav tako je dobro nositi debela oblačila (kavbojke in jakno / pulover), saj so komarji v ptičjem zavetišču še posebej hudobni in so sposobni grizljati najdebelejša oblačila.

Divali in Divali Nagar

Hindujski festival luči Divali praznujejo na večini področij Trinidada in nekaj področij v Tobagu. Vsako leto v eni noči med oktobrom in novembrom v notranjosti in zunaj domov ter na javnih mestih prižgejo majhne oljne svetilke, imenovane deje. Poleg tega obstaja praznovanje in festival, imenovan Divali Nagar, kjer so na ogled indijske pesmi, ples, igre in drugi kulturni predmeti. Divali Nagar se odvija v 10.5349729-61.41144866 Spletna stran Divali Nagar. (posodobljeno oktober 2018) v Chaguanas, Trinidad. Številni korporativni sponzorji postavljajo kabine in obstaja celo indijska restavracija na prostem, kjer lahko kupite indijsko hrano, vključno z roti. Divali je državni praznik v Trinidadu in Tobagu.

Živalski vrt Emperor Valley (pristanišče Španija) in botanični vrt

The 10.674204-61.5187467 Živalski vrt Emperor Valley. (posodobljeno oktober 2018), Edini živalski vrt Trinidada in Tobaga ima široko paleto tropskih vrst, vključno z levi, tigri, opicami, pticami in ribami. Nahaja se v prestolnici Port of Spain. Botanični vrt vsebuje veliko vrst rastlin in je tik ob živalskem vrtu, blizu predsednikove hiše.

Fort George (Tobago)

Fort George iz Tobaga ponuja vpogled v kolonialno zgodovino Tobaga in čudovit razgled na ocean.

Dirke koz (Tobago)

Dirke koz v Tobagu na velikonočni torek so tradicija, ki sega v leto 1925. Presenetljivo je, da ima veliko podobnosti s konjskimi dirkami, kjer so lastniki, hlevi in ​​trenerji.

TTPBA Velika dirka

V mesecu avgustu (predvsem v drugem ali zadnjem vikendu avgusta) poteka vsakoletna dirka z motornimi čolni od Trinidada do Tobaga, imenovana Velika dirka.[1]. Začne se na pomolu 1 v Chaguaramasu na Trinidadu in konča na Store Bay v Tobagu. Obstajajo kraji, kjer lahko čolne dirkate v živo (na primer zaliv Maracas). Čolni običajno potujejo po severozahodnem polotoku, nato vzdolž severne obale in nato naredijo čebeljo linijo do Tobaga. Prvi uvrščeni običajno končajo v eni uri.

Jezero La Brea Pitch

The 10.2325-61.6280568 Jezero La Brea Pitch. (posodobljeno oktober 2018) je največji naravni rezervoar asfalta na svetu. Vendar se je komercialno izkopavanje asfalta precej upočasnilo, saj so na voljo drugi stroškovno učinkovitejši materiali za gradnjo cest. Smolarsko jezero je zdaj predvsem turistična destinacija. Številni se kopajo v njenih vodah, ki vsebujejo žveplo, za katerega nekateri pravijo, da ima zdravilne lastnosti.

Usnjene želve na plaži Mathura

Morske želve Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) je mogoče videti na trinidadski plaži Mathura. Vsako leto okrog velike noči se želve vrnejo v Trinidad, da položijo jajca. Ogledi so na voljo pri ohranjevalnih skupinah. Na voljo so tudi možnosti za prostovoljce. Ker so želve ogrožena vrsta, je nezakonito ubijanje želv ali jajc, zato je potrebna previdnost in previdnost, da ne bi motili želv.

Festival dediščine v Tobagu

Vsako leto zadnji teden v juliju in prvi teden v avgustu poteka festival dediščine Tobaga. To je dvotedenska predstava tobagonskega plesa, glasbe, pripovedovanja zgodb, kulture in hrane. Je ogled dolgoletnih tradicij Tobaga in edinstven vpogled v način življenja otoka.

Severna obala Trinidada (Toco / Matelot / Grand Riviere)

Severna obala Trinidada je čudovita in v veliki meri neokrnjena. Obstaja veliko slikovitih plaž in nerazvitih predelov. Na severovzhodnem koncu otoka je vas Toco. Severovzhodni pasat piha dobesedno 24 ur na dan in poležavanje na plaži je lahko precej sproščujoče.

Ali

Predposni karneval

Karneval. Letni festival je ena najbolj znanih stvari o Trinidadu in Tobagu. V tem času je veliko lepih plesov in veliko praznovanja. Vsako leto v nedeljo, ponedeljek in torek pred pepelnično sredo in sezono postnega obdobja na tisoče kostumiranih veseličarjev paradira po ulicah v letni ulični zabavi, imenovani "Največja predstava na zemlji". Spremlja jih glasba iz jeklenih trakov, na velikih zvočnikih na velikih tovornjakih pa predvajajo glasbo kalipso in soco. V pripravi dvodnevnega praznovanja karnevala so še druge dejavnosti, vključno s šotori Calypso (koncerti kalipsa v zaprtih prostorih), tekmovanjem jeklenih trakov "Panorama", monarhom Soca, monarhom Chutney Soca in zabavami na prostem, imenovanimi fešte. Pustni ponedeljek in torek sicer nista uradna praznika, vendar se številna podjetja in vse šole v teh dveh dneh vseeno zaprejo. Karneval izhaja iz francoske tradicije, ki so jo sprejeli afriški sužnji.
Pust je tako dejavnost "Glej" in "Naredi". Človek lahko samo stoji ob cesti in opazuje parado skupin ali pa dejansko sodeluje in "igra mas". Številni turisti sodelujejo v karnevalskih zasedbah. Rezervacija vnaprej je nujna, saj se prostori hitro zapolnijo. Tudi oblikovanje je nujno, saj so številni kostumi zelo skopi. Dejansko so cilji fizične pripravljenosti nekaterih domačinov osredotočeni na karneval. (posodobljeno oktober 2018)

Nočno življenje

V Trinidadu in Tobagu je kar nekaj nočnih klubov, zlasti na območju Chaguaramas, kot so Pier 1, Anchorage, Base in MoBS2. Nekateri zelo priljubljeni nočni klubi so Club Zen in 51 Degrees Lounge v Port of Spain in nočni klub Sting v La Romaine ter Space la Nouba in Prive, oba tudi v La Romaine. Vendar pa je zaradi kriminala potrebna previdnost, zato je dobro biti v skupini in ne sami.

Golf

Golf lahko igrate na več igriščih za golf po Trinidadu in Tobagu. Nekateri tečaji imajo 9 lukenj, drugi pa 18 lukenj. Dva priljubljena igrišča za golf sta igrišče za golf St. Andrews ' [2] v Maravalu (tik pred pristaniščem Španije) in Mt. Igrišče za golf Irvine v Tobagu.

Govori

angleščina je uradni jezik. Besede se pišejo z britanskimi črkovanji (npr. Barva, program, pnevmatika). Angleška kreolščina (čeprav je domačini ne omenjajo s tem imenom) se zelo pogosto uporablja za neformalno komunikacijo med domačini. Večinoma je ustni jezik in se le redko napiše (in nato samo ad-lib). Trinidadski slovar "Cote Ci Cote La" najdete v eni izmed številnih knjigarn v državi in ​​je odličen spomin na spomin na vaše počitnice v Trinidadu in Tobagu. Tu je primer le ene od teh številnih besed, ki imajo radikalno drugačen pomen od ameriške angleščine:

apnjenje ; kar pomeni, da se družite v javnosti s prijatelji

Občasno se slišijo tudi hindujščina, francoščina (večinoma kreolska ali patojska), španščina in kitajščina. Včasih se zdi, da ste v državi, ki govori samo tuji jezik. Ker pa skoraj vsi znajo standardno (britansko) angleščino, ni treba vprašati. Seveda, če nekdo nenadoma začne govoriti v standardni angleščini - bodite pozorni. Morda se zelo pogovarjajo s tabo!

Nakup

Denar

Menjalni tečaji za trinidadski in tobaški dolar Od januarja 2020: 1 US $ - 6,8 TT 1 € ≈ 7,6 TT $ UK 1 £ ≈ 8,9 TT $ Kanadski 1 $ - 5,2 TT $ Tečaji nihajo. Trenutne cene za te in druge valute so na voljo pri XE.com

Valuta je Trinidad in Tobaški dolar, označeno z "TT $"(Koda valute ISO: TTD), znan tudi kot "TT" (izgovarja se najstnik). Tudi ameriški dolarji so splošno sprejeti.

Visa in MasterCards sprejemajo v številnih trgovinah. American Express, Diners 'Club, Discover, JCB in drugi so sprejeti le na nekaterih vrhunskih mestih. Kartice ATM (ABM), ki uporabljajo omrežja Cirrus in Plus, bodo delovale na lokalnih bankomatih in vam bodo omogočale dvige v TT dolarjih, pretvorjenih v vašo domačo valuto. Menjalni tečaj pri dvigu z bankomata je nekoliko boljši kot pri menjavi gotovine. Na nekaterih mestih so tudi bankomati, na primer nakupovalna središča, ki bodo izdajala ameriške dolarje. Večina bankomatov Trinidada in Tobaga ne sprejema PIN-ov, daljših od štirih števk. Pred potovanjem ga spremenite v štirimestno. Bankomati Republiške banke (Blue Machines) sprejemajo šestmestne kode PIN.

Prekuhavanje

Prekuhavanje ni bila v navadi, je pa postala bolj običajna. Nekatere restavracije, zlasti tiste v hotelih ali tiste, ki strežejo tuje turiste, pričakujejo napitnino. Večina ne. Napoved pričakujejo le letališki taksiji. Lokalni taksiji ne.

Nakupovanje

Cene v trgovinah in trgovinah so na splošno prikazane in se ne spreminjajo glede na kupca. Prodajalci na prostem pa so druga zgodba: tujcu bodo verjetno zaračunali drugačno, višjo ceno kot domačini. Nekateri bodo celo predlagali ali zahtevali plačilo v ameriških dolarjih. Lahko poskusite barantati ali pa se preprosto nasmešite in zdržite.

Večina predmetov, razen potrebščin in nekaterih drugih predmetov, ki nimajo ocene, pritegne davek na dodano vrednost (DDV) po stopnji 15%. Davek se pobere ob prodaji.

Uteži in mere

Uteži in mere so uradno v metrikah, vendar ni redko, da se še vedno uporabljajo carske (angleške) enote. Čeprav je večina drugih enot enaka, je cesarska galona večji pri 4,546 L od ameriške galone pri samo 3,785 L.

Jej

Trinidad in Tobago ima zaradi raznolikega ozadja odlične in raznolike možnosti prehrane. Zlasti indijske korenine so dodale nekaterim najboljšim živilom katere koli države na svetu. Če ne prenašate izredno pekoče in začinjene hrane, o tem vnaprej obvestite kuharja ali natakarja.

Priljubljeni v celotnem T&T so okusni rotis, Indijski somuni, polnjeni s kanano (čičerkin curry), običajno nekaj mesa in drugimi predmeti (vključno z zelenim fižolom, bučo in mangom). V Trinidadu je na voljo več vrst roti - sada, ki je podobna pita ali naan; dhalpouri, ki je napolnjen z mletim rumenim cepljenim grahom; in zapreti, bolj prisrčen kruh, svilene teksture. Poceni zajtrki zdaj roti in 'choka' - zelenjava vseh vrst je na voljo za približno TT 3-4 dolarje. Toda najbolj priljubljen hitri prigrizek je "dvojnica". Eno slavno mesto je "George Doubles", ki se nahaja v Woodbrooku pred vedno znanim "Brooklyn Bar". Doubles is curried chick peas enclosed in two pieces of fried bread, and served with your choice of condiments. It is a roadside snack, available everywhere at about TT$2-$4. "Ali's Doubles" is a chain that sells doubles. There are a few locations around Trinidad, mostly in San Fernando. Eat hot.

Phoulourie is another popular roadside snack. Phoulourie are small balls, made of fried ground chick peas and flour. It and other popular snack foods like roast corn, cow heel soup, aloo pies (fried potato pies) and saheena (spinach dipped in batter and fried), are often available from street vendors, especially around the Savannah.

Trinidad and Tobago is also famous for its mouth watering callaloo – a soup made from green leafy vegetables, similar to spinach or kale, sometimes with crab or pigtail added (vegetarians beware!). Callalloo is not the most appetizing of foods to look at, but it is certainly worth a try.

Another must try in T&T is the famous Bake and Shark or Shark 'n Bake. Most easily obtained along the north coast near Maracas Bay, pieces of shark are deep fried, served in cut fried bread called "fried bake", and accompanied by various sauces, most popular of which is a puree of shadow beni (a herb similar to cilantro.)

Another popular food traditionally associated with beach limes is pelau, usually accompanied with coleslaw. Pelau, is not, however, available for purchase at the beach, although you may be able to find it in a creole restaurant.

If you have a sweet tooth, there are many local sweets and candies to sample like Toolum, Tambran Ball, Guava Cheese, Sugar Cake, Paw Paw Ball, Benna Ball, Jub Jub, Kurma, Barfi, Ladoo, Peera. Many of these will be available on the "lookout" on the way to Maracas Beach, and prepackaged in some supermarkets.

A few American-style fast food chains are available including KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut and Burger King. There are also a few franchised eat-in restaurants such as TGI Friday's and Ruby Tuesday. There are a few local chains such as Royal Castle (chicken and chips), and Chicken Unlimited. These local fried chicken chains have a different taste from American or European fried chicken chains. Pizza Boys and Mario's are two popular local Pizza chains. The pizza is quite different from American or Italian pizza.

Chinese food is available in many places from Chinese takeout stores. It is Cantonese style but the spices are uniquely Trinidadian.

Barbecued chicken is another popular Trinbagonian dish. It is similar to American barbecue, but with local spices. There are roadside barbecue stands that sell a box of barbecued chicken (quarter) with fries, salad and garlic bread. One popular place is The Barbecue Hut which is an open air tent where patrons will buy barbecue to sit down and eat or take away. It is on the South Trunk Road in La Romaine, South Trinidad close to the Gulf City mall. Be aware that it is run by Muslims therefore no alcohol is allowed on the compound.

The condiments available in Trinbagonian restaurants are ketchup, plain mustard, garlic sauce, shadon-beni sauce (a cilantro-like herb), hot pepper and many more depending on location. Soy sauce is available in Chinese restaurants, along with an extremely hot Chinese style pepper sauce. If taking hot pepper as a condiment, be warned! je extremely hot! You may see locals putting a lot of pepper on their food, but remember they have been eating it for years so they are accustomed to it. It is best to try a little and if you feel comfortable add more. If in doubt, avoid it. Salt and black pepper are generally not available as in American restaurants.

Local bakeries sell pastries such as beef and chicken pies and currant rolls. They also sell hops bread which are rolls made with white or whole wheat flour. Hops bread is best eaten hot and can be enjoyed with cheese or butter for a quick snack.

Grocery shopping

Grocery stores sell a wide variety of packaged goods and produce. However, for really fresh produce, one can go to the market. Towns usually have a market day (or days) where sellers, usually local farmers, will bring their produce to sell. The Government publishes prices for produce, however one may be able to bargain to get a better price. Again, while weights and measures are officially in Metric, most sellers use imperial units.

Halal food is readily available most food outlets usually have signs. Fast food outlets such as KFC and McDonald's also serve halal food. Many supermarkets also carry a wide range of halal fresh and processed meats as well.

Pijte

Non-alcoholic

The most refreshing drink on a hot sunny day is a large glass of a very cold delicious Mauby, a beverage made with the bark of the mauby tree and spices, such as anise and cinnamon. It is very refreshing and cooling, but may be an acquired taste, since it has a bitter aftertaste.

Cold soft jelly coconut water -- available along the roadsides -- costs about TT$3-4. And do try all the many varied local fruit juices, readily available chilled in most groceries.

Sorrel is a popular drink available during Christmas time. It is made from the boiled flowers of the Roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) plant. It is red in colour and best enjoyed cold. It also has nutritious benefits.

Soft drinks are sweetened with cane sugar, rather than high fructose corn syrup as is the common practice in North America. This gives soft drinks a different taste, which some argue is better.

Malta is a popular drink, made from malt and hops and available from local bars, restaurants and supermarkets. It is high calorie and full of b vitamins, and best enjoyed ice cold.

Alcoholic drinks

Rum

Being a former sugar cane colony, Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its rum. Popular brands of rum are Black Label and Vat 19 by Fernandes and White Oak, Old Oak by Angostura. Some bars will allow you to buy individual rum drinks either straight with or without a chaser, or mixed. Some bars will allow you to purchase a whole bottle of rum, or a "half" which is equivalent to half a bottle. Some bars will sell a "nip" which is less than half. One can also purchase bottles of rum in stores and at duty free stores at the airport to carry home. Puncheon rum is a stronger type of rum (no less than 75% alcohol). It is not quite like moonshine but definitely stronger than regular rum. In fact it may not be legal to take it back with you. However it is legal in Trinidad and Tobago and is available from many local bars.

Pivo

Beer is available and quite popular. The two most popular brands of beer are Carib and Stag, which are brewed locally. Additionally, some imported beer such as Miller is available. Other malt liquor drinks are available, brewed locally, such as Smirnoff Ice, and various stouts (Mackeson, Guinness Export, etc.) There are no microbreweries in Trinidad, and beer-lovers may find the local beers not to their taste. However, a few bars do import a wider variety of beers. Of particular note is the All Out bar at the Queen's Park Oval cricket ground in Port of Spain (94 Tragarete Road), where you will find a reasonable selection of English ales on draft, sold by the pint.

Wine and other spirits

Wine, vodka, tequila and other spirits are usually imported. There are no wineries in Trinidad and Tobago, as the tropical climate is not conducive to the growing of grapes. Many restaurants will serve a range of imported wines, however, and wine bars, such as More Vino in Woodbrook have opened in the past few years.

Laws related to alcohol

Not surprisingly, drinking alcohol in public is not frowned upon in Trinidad and Tobago. It islegal to drink alcohol in public. Public drunkenness may get you arrested only if you engage in disorderly conduct. Also the legal drinking age is 18 yrs. However, during election day, sale of alcohol is prohibited and must not be overtly displayed.

Spi

There are a wide variety of lodging options. There are major hotels such as Crowne Plaza, Hyatt, and the Hilton. There are also smaller guest houses, particularly in Tobago and beach houses at the coasts (especially the East coast). Rates vary. On Trinidad, many cities and towns of limited interest to the typical tourist do not have any official accommodations. Staying with locals may be the only option. However, Trinidad has developed a sporting and cultural infrastructure being multi cultural with different religious denominations and can even boast of having world class facilities for swimming, cycling, football, cricket, netball and the arts. For persons or groups of persons willing to experience or connect with similar groups at competitive rates, guest houses such as The Little Inn and the Miracle Healing cater for these niches.

Nauči se

• University of the West Indies St. Augustine campus
• University of the Southern Caribbean. There is also the
• University of Trinidad and Tobago
• Other smaller colleges offer external degrees and diplomas from foreign institutions such as the University of London and City and Guilds of London.

Be careful where you park. High end hotels like the Nornandie has reported a drastic increase in vehicular break in. One was reported while the secured car park was almost empty and two security guards was on duty.

Delo

Tourist visas do not permit employment. In order to work, one must obtain a work permit for the job and there must be no suitably qualified nationals to fill the job. In addition, to pay taxes, one needs to apply for a BIR file number (used like a social security number) and a PAYE number. One must file tax returns every year if taxes are owed, and pay those taxes.

Ostani varen

Trinidad and Tobago has been known for its increasingly high murder rate although this is associated with isolated areas of the country. The capital Port of Spain, is relatively safe but as with all major cities around the world there are depressed areas which are not safe for tourists. East Port of Spain, areas east of Charlotte Street, become increasingly unsafe and should be avoided as well as Belmont, Morvant and Laventille. The city is known for is vibrant night life with many restaurants, bars, lounges and clubs. It is recommended that you travel with companions at night time and avoid wandering into any side streets. Hotels can provide guidance to assist you. Tobago on the other hand is relatively safe and more tourist friendly.

In previous years crime tended to peak in the Carnival (January-March) and around Christmas (October-December) seasons, but crime activity was year round, but this has now drastically decreased due to the new change in government. But it is still best to exercise some caution at night time, while in Trinidad and Tobago.

For extended stays, register yourself at your country's nearest diplomatic mission. They can provide assistance to their citizens. A listing of diplomatic missions in Trinidad and Tobago is available on the Trinidad and Tobago Government's website.

In an emergency dial 999 from any telephone for the police. Dial 990 for the fire department and 811 for an ambulance. These calls are free of charge from any telephone, including payphones (no coins or cards required). Unlike countries that have reliable police emergency assistance, when dialing "999" in an emergency the police do not always answer the call or show up when assistance is needed.

The islands are in an earthquake zone, though serious quakes are extremely rare.

Ostani zdrav

The Tobago Tourist Board boasts that "the wildlife in Tobago won't kill you", which is mostly true. The islands do have mosquitoes and isolated cases of dengue fever have been reported. The tap water is generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water because the public water often has a strong chlorine taste. Use your best judgement if in an area where homes collect rain water from the roof, but very few problems are reported.

The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence at 3.0% ali 1 in 33 adults, which is 5 times higher than the USA. The best advice is to use caution and use protection if engaging in sexual activity. Condoms are available from pharmacies to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other STD's.

If you need prescription medication, it is best to bring enough with you for the duration of your trip. There is no guarantee that what you need will be available. American OTC drugs are often available in many pharmacies, however, don't expect everything to be available. They may also be under different names whether American or European market names.

Healthcare

Public healthcare is free to everyone in Trinidad and Tobago and is paid for by the Government and taxpayers. Healthcare services are offered on a walk-in basis. There are a few major hospitals throughout the country as well as smaller health centers and clinics located regionally. These can be found on the Ministry of Health'swebsite. The public health facilities are way below the standard of what can be found in developed countries. Industrial action (strikes and sickouts) by doctors and nurses happen from time to time, and some healthcare facilities are overcrowded and understaffed, with older equipment and medicines. As an alternative there are also private healthcare facilities that offer healthcare services. Prices will vary and can be quite expensive. Private doctors are also available on an appointment basis.

Public ambulance services are available to everyone by dialing 990. This service is operated by the fire department. However these may prove to be unreliable since ambulances are limited and fire stations are often far away. Private ambulance services are available. They are generally more reliable but are not free. In an emergency it may be better to arrange one's own transportation to a healthcare facility.

Respect

It's a good idea to greet a stranger before asking him or her a question. It's a better idea to avoid strangers when not in the company of others. There is no nude or topless bathing anywhere in Trinidad and Tobago.

Many Trinbagonians like to discuss sports. Being a former British colony, these discussions usually centre mostly around cricket and football (soccer).

In Trinidad and Tobago, many of the world's great religions are well represented. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Baha'i are popular. Judaism is not very popular and is practised mostly among expatriates. Atheism and agnosticism are not widespread although many people will hold agnostic beliefs without being openly agnostic.

Although Trinidad has a large Indian Hindu community, there are no taboos that Westerners would have a difficult time getting used to. The cow is not so sacred as to prohibit eating beef or wearing leather although Hindus do not eat beef. (A few ultra-conservative Hindus may take exception to all this, but they are very, very few in number.)

Trinidadians can be extremely friendly and hospitable -- especially with guests who share a common religion with them. Be sure to bring small gifts to show your appreciation, as some visitors who had no intention of visiting or staying with locals end up doing so anyway.

Some homes (including a few guest houses) in rural areas are not connected to any underground water mains. However, they may still have running water from a large, round, black outdoor water tank. If staying in such a place, be sure to conserve water -- especially in the dry season (or year-round if it doesn't collect rainwater from the roof). If the tanks run dry, water trucks for refills may be available. However, even underground piped water may be rationed during the dry season. In short, if you are not staying in a major hotel, ask about the water situation.

Povežite se

Trinidad's international area code is 868 under the North American Numbering Plan. From the U.S. and Canada, it's no different than calling other states and provinces (1 868), but costs more. Its top level domain is .tt and its ITU callsign prefixes are 9Y in 9Z.

The telecommunications authority

All telecommunications in Trinidad and Tobago are now under the authority of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). All telecommunications and broadcasting licenses and franchises in Trinidad and Tobago are obtained from and administered by TATT. Complaints about telecommunications service providers can also be made to them.

Landline telephones

Landline telephones are available in larger hotels but may be unavailable in guest rooms of smaller guest houses. The telephone company is Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, which is jointly owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and Cable and Wireless. Local calls incur toll charges, however, calls in the same area code and telephone exchange are billed at a flat rate for the whole call. Hotels, of course, may charge more if you use their telephones. There are calling cafes around the country. For visitors who want to make international calls, it might be a good idea to use calling cafes.

Mobile telephones

Trinidad and Tobago has two active operating mobile telephone carriers - bmobile in Digicel. They both operate under the GSM standard, with bmobile using the 1800MHz frequency band, and Digicel using the 850MHz and 1900MHz frequency bands. There are roaming agreements with GSM carriers such as AT&T (ex Cingular) in the US, however the cost to roam may be prohibitive and calling within Trinidad may incur international toll charges. One can purchase a prepaid SIM card and GSM phone from Digicel or bmobile stores for as little as TT$100 and use that card in an unlocked GSM phone for the duration of their stay. You can also purchase a phone with SIM for that price. CDMA (Verizon) phones will work in Trinidad and Tobago. They will appear to be active due to TSTT's EVDO data only network, but you can make or receive calls on the CDMA network.

Payphones

Pay phones are a hit or miss in Trinidad. Some phones may be vandalized, full and in need of maintenance or simply not working. If you are lucky enough to find a working payphone, you can use either 25 cent coins or calling cards with an 800 number to access them. Some phones also accept phonecards which are pre-paid with a magnetic stripe. Insert the card and make your call. Some phones in hotels and at the airport allow the use of foreign calling cards. Calls to local 800 numbers, 999 and 990 are free.

Internet access

Internet cafés offer Internet access on public terminals at an hourly rate usually from TT$1 to TT$10.

Dialup access is available from TSTT and other independent ISP's. There are monthly plans and pay as you go access. Pay as you go service is available through the 619-EASY service for TT$0.75 per minute. Roaming with foreign ISP accounts is available through an agreement between TSTT and IPASS, inc.

Broadband internet options in Trinidad are available. Two major companies that provide these serives are TSTT (blink) and FLOW (Columbus Communications.)

Wi-Fi access is available in a few places such as Piarco airport, Movie Towne and select hotels and restaurants. It is free of charge right now but this is subject to change. EVDO and EDGE broadband access are also available, but may require contracts and a service commitment. Some hotels and guest houses provide free high speed internet. Always inquire if you don't see it listed on their web site, as it may have been added recently.

There are other options including fixed wireless, DSL, cable modem (only in a few areas) and satellite but these are generally not available to touriststouristshort term stay.

A good discussion of Trinidad and Tobago WiFi options is available at the TTCSwebsite.

Postal facilities

The postal service is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation, TTPost. Postal rates are available on the TTPost website. Post offices are located close to the center of town in many places with red drop-off boxes in some places. Thanks to restructuring of the postal service, TTPost has become comparable to the postal service in many developed countries and is generally reliable. Additionally, other services such as US visa fee payment, bill payment and the purchase of inter island ferry tickets are available from TTPost.

Two way radio

Amateur radio

Ham radio tourism and DXpeditions are very risky in Trinidad and Tobago, mostly because of the difficulty in importing equipment. Please see the nite about importing equipment below.

The internationally allocated ITU prefixes in Trinidad and Tobago are 9Y and 9Z.

In order to operate an Amateur Radio Station in Trinidad and Tobago, one needs a license. If one's country of citizenship is a signatory to the IARP agreement and one holds a license equivalent to US General class (Novice and US Technician licenses are excluded) in that country, one can simply operate with 9y4/home callsign. For example, if your home callsign is W1ZZZ, you operate using 9Y4/W1ZZZ.

Otherwise one will need to apply for a license at TATT. The following are needed:

• Photo ID and photocopy (passport)
• Original and copy of certificate(s) showing a pass in an amateur radio exam, in English or accompanied by an English translation.
• Original and copy of your home amateur radio license, in English, or accompanied by an English translation.
• Form L-2 from TATT website, filled out and photocopied
• TT$20 application fee and TT$100 license fee

Appear in person at the TATT office at 76 Boundary Road, San Juan, Trinidad to apply. Processing time varies. If you want to have the license arranged in advance, it is better to contact the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society TTARS[3]^{[mrtva povezava]} and they can assist you. Foreigners will be granted 9Y4/homecall for the duration of their stay.

It is at the discretion of the Technical officer issuing your license, but generally a license equivalent to US General class and above (or its equivalent) gets full privileges including HF. Technician gets privileges above 30MHz only. In some cases they may deny Novice or Technician class amateurs altogether.

Importing equipment

Importing equipment can be painless and easy or it can be a long, drawn out bureaucratic process. The difficulty of importing ham radio equipment has caused many tourists to simply forget about doing any ham radio activities in Trinidad and Tobago. It is best to operate at a local's station if you can.

You will need to have the equipment type approved by TATT. There is a form on their website. Call them in advance. One should also get a receipt showing the value of one's equipment.

When you go through customs and they search your bags, the customs officer will ask about the ham radio equipment if they see it. You should tell them what it is and show them your license. They will tell you that you need to pay a bond equal to the value of the equipment and you will retrieve it before you leave. Otherwise they will probably seize your equipment and there is no guarantee that you'll get it back. Sometimes you'll just get lucky and they'll tell you to walk through. Sometimes they'll let you go with it but charge 20% customs duty. The law says that ham radio equipment is duty free for nationals. It's a gamble. It is best to not have your radio in the original boxes as this will more likely encourage customs officers to charge you a bond or duty.

You should carry as much of your equipment in your carry-on luggage as possible. Incidents of theft from checked luggage, while not very frequent, do happen.

Repeaters and local frequencies

There are a few local repeaters that you can say hello on. Those are:

• 147.930MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (North)
• 146.940MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (Central/South)
• 147.760MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (Tobago)
• 146.100MHz 600kHz 9Y4NG (Central/South)
• 147.705MHz -600kHz 9Y4TTL (North)

In addition 146.520MHz is often monitored as a simplex channel. In the South (San Fernando) 146.550MHz is monitored and there is also an echolink node run by 9Y4NG on that frequency.

The local custom for a general call on the repeater is to say, "QRZ? This is , is anyone on frequency?"

CB

Citizens Band Radio (CB) is not licensed for use in Trinidad and Tobago. However, changes to the laws by the Telecommunications Authority have indicated that CB will be licensed and legal soon in Trinidad. However, the CB prohibition did not stop many locals from purchasing and using CB's. As a tourist you may not be so lucky. It is best to not carry any CB radios into Trinidad. They will most likely be seized by customs.

Personal radio services (FRS, GMRS, MURS, PMR446)

These are not licensed for use in Trinidad and Tobago. The radios may be seized by customs. Best to leave them at home. It is also illegal to use these within the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago. This means that if you are on a cruise ship or other vessel docked in TT waters, leave the FRS/GMRS/MURS/PMR446 radios off and do not transmit. Other licensed services use those frequencies and you may interfere with them.

Marine radios

Provided your radios are part of your boat's equipment and licensed by your home country, you should not have any issues bringing these in. Bringing these in other than installed in boats could result in them being seized.

Broadcast radio and TV

Radio

Thanks to the liberalization of the telecommunications market, there are now many radio stations on the FM band. Most of the stations play music, with Indian music and calypso/soca being popular.

TV

There are some local TV stations, the major one being TV6 on Channels 6 and 18. Most of them carry local programming, but TV6 carries American series, sitcoms and soap operas. Some stations are cable only whereas others are low power so they are only available regionally. Gayelle The Channel on Channels 23 and 27 is a 100% local television station that can give visitors to Trinidad and Tobago an interesting and entertaining insight into local life and culture. Other local channels include; NCC 4, Synergy TV, Trinity Television and the Islamic Channel.

Cable television is also available. Most major American networks are available on cable including CBS, NBC and ABC. Cable TV is available at hotels and guest houses.

Satellite TV from DirecTV Latin America is also available, but their offerings are not as good as cable and they tend to feature more Spanish language programming.

Big dish satellite TV is also available.