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Holidays in Tobago - travel information
Business hours
As a general guide you can expect the following, however our local agents will, of course, be able to provide you with precise information.
Banks: 8am - 2pm, Monday to Thursday, and
8am - 5pm on Friday.
Shops: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am - 1pm on Saturday
(in some areas many retailers stay open for much longer. Some shops close
between 12 noon and 1pm).
Supermarkets: 8am – 8pm Monday – Saturday.
Government offices: 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Clothing
Casual, light comfortable clothing is appropriate during the day as well as in the evening. No restaurants expect gentlemen to wear jackets in the evenings. Beachwear should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long trousers and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking.
Credit cards and currency
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. The Trinidad & Tobago Dollar (TT$) is the local currency in Tobago. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favourable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere. Many establishments will accept payments in US Dollars with change being given in local currency.
We suggest you take US$ or £GB and exchange them for local currency. Travellers cheques are safer than cash.
There are ATM machines all of the banks – 5 in Scarborough and 2 in Crown Point. There is also an ATM in the supermarket in Canaan.
Driving
We recommend that you pre book your car or jeep at the time of booking your holiday. Not only will this guarantee your vehicle but we can often pass on special offers that are not available in resort. Our car hire partners will arrange all the necessary permits and licences as well as insurance, and your vehicle will normally be delivered to, and collected from, your accommodation. Whilst most of the main roads are in good condition, the quality can vary in country locations and potholes are commonplace. Please note that driving is on the LEFT. Remember to take your driving licence with you.
Electricity
Please consult your accommodation fact sheet (which we will send out with your tickets), for details about plugs and sockets etc at your particular hotel or villa.
Medical facilities
All hotels will offer necessary assistance as will our agents, Destination Tobago. Pharmacies are generally well stocked with all the usual medications, but we advise you to take sufficient supplies of any medication that you normally take. There is a general hospital with an Accident & Emergency department in Scarborough. There is also a private clinic in the Triangle Building in Scarborough.
Mosquitoes and other pests
Whilst Tobago has very few creepy crawlies and the like, tropical places do produce tropical insects, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance. We suggest you take precautions by using repellent creams and sprays. These are very effective and should be used from dusk to dawn.
Postal information
The main post office is in Scarborough. There are sub post offices in all towns and most villages. Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday between 8am – 4.15pm. All hotels will arrange posting of cards and personal mail.
Telephones
Local calls are inexpensive and telephones are readily available. Many European mobile phones will work in Tobago however it is advisable to check with your service provider before travelling to confirm roaming facilities. Nearly all hotels have direct dial telephones in the bedrooms. Calling cards are also available and can be purchased at many shops.
Tax and tipping
Restaurant bills have an added 10% service charge as well as 15% VAT.
Valuables
Lock up as you would at home. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes and we advise you to use them. It is sensible to only carry a minimum amount of cash with you when you are out and we would suggest that you do not take valuables to the beach or leave possessions on view in your hire car. The police emergency number is 999 in Tobago.
Safety and security
Virtually all the thousands of visitors to Tobago each year have happy and trouble-free holidays. Tobago is a friendly island and visitors are very much welcomed. However, even in these idyllic surroundings you should not become complacent about safety and security. Isolated incidents, although very rare, can occur here as they can in any part of the world and visitors should exercise common sense wherever they travel. We would advise visitors to use taxis after dark whenever possible. Many restaurants will offer help with taxis to and from their premises – some offer a free pick-up and collection service. We also advise particular caution when visiting isolated beaches and deserted areas at all times of day.
We advise all our clients travelling anywhere in the world to consult the Foreign Office website for detailed up-to-date travel advice. Visit www.fco.gov.uk for information and feel free to talk to our staff for clarification of any information the web page contains.