Practical Information

We are excited to welcome you to Trindad & Tobago! On this page, you will find information about:

visa information
personal safety in Trinidad & Tobago (added 23 September 2024)
accommodation options
getting around in Trinidad & Tobago
conference venue (coming soon)
child care during the SIGN10 conference
things to do in Trinidad & Tobago when you are not at SIGN10!

Please note that the page is being constantly updated. Keep an eye out for updates and get in touch if you have any questions.

Visa information

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of many countries, including most Caribbean countries, the United States and many European countries, do not need a visa to enter Trinidad & Tobago. However, people from some countries do need a visa, so please check using a website such as this one.

If you do need a visa, you can find more information about applying for one at the relevant OverseasMissions and this document. You might be eligible to apply for a visa online (see FAQs).

Please also check the countries you might transit through for their visa requirements (e.g. USA, Canada, Europe, Panama).

Personal safety in Trinidad

Personal safety is of paramount importance, and peace of mind is critical. The following information has been prepared by people who live in Trinidad and Tobago, and includes information about measures we have put in place to reduce risks and make sure everyone enjoys the conference in safety and confidence.

Several of us involved in organising the conference have lived and worked in Trinidad and Tobago for many years, sometimes all our lives, and attended many academic conferences here without incidents.

Some participants will be coming from countries with national crimes rates that are considerably lower than here, and may be anxious about the risks, especially given the rather alarming travel advice issued by some governments.

Crime in Trinidad & Tobago

There is currently a relatively high rate of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago. A significant amount of violent crime in the country is connected to gang activity, which is linked to Trinidad’s position as a trans-shipment point for drugs being trafficked from South America to North America.

Victims of gang violence in Trinidad tend to live in certain neighbourhoods with high poverty rates. Avoiding these areas is a way to reduce risks to personal safety.

The areas we have recommended for accommodation (Cascade and Woodbrook in Port of Spain, and St Augustine near the UWI campus) are relatively safe.

There has been particular concern in relation to kidnappings. While there have been several kidnappings in the last few months, these have targeted richer people living in Trinidad, rather than visitors.

Conference events

All conference events are being planned with safety in mind. To reduce risks to conference participants, we are arranging local transportation.

A shuttle service will be available every day to and from the conference venue and your accommodation (please choose accommodation in the areas outlined above).

We can also pick you up from the airport when you arrive, if you send us the date and time of your arrival, and where you are staying.

Airport taxis are also quite safe (if a little expensive).

An Uber-like app called Trinidad and Tobago Ride Share (https://ttrideshare.com/) provides a pretty good, reliable and generally safe service. It can take longer to find a driver at certain times and in certain locations. On the whole, it’s easier to get picked up in Port of Spain.

If you want to organise a trip outside the main conference programme, we suggest that you let us know so that we can help you to plan this.

Generally, it is better to travel as a group, and best of all to have someone from Trinidad in your party to guide you about sensible precautions.

Other things you can do to stay safe

We suggest a few other precautions to minimize risk:

Buy a local SIM card or eSim (https://bmobile.co.tt/kb/esim-with-bmobile/) so that you can always contact people. We will provide a list of local contacts who you can call or text if you have any concerns or problems.
Let us know when you are arriving and leaving, and where you are staying, so that we can organise transport for you.
If you are planning a trip to one of Trinidad’s many beautiful attractions, let us know and we will help you to coordinate it.
Avoid walking in unfamiliar areas, especially after dark.

Although the US State Department Travel Advisory warns of the risk of terrorist attacks, there is no recent history of this, and we do not consider this a major threat for participants of SIGN10.

What to do if you have other questions or concerns

We want to reassure you that we have put measures in place to reduce potential risks, and that we will do what we can to make sure those who are coming feel as comfortable as possible.

At the same time, we recognise that to some extent these kinds of risks are a personal matter, and we entirely understand the decision of anyone for whom concerns about safety outweigh the benefits of coming to the conference.

If you would like to discuss any concerns further, please feel free to get in touch with us using the conference email address.

Accommodation

You are responsible for making your own accommodation arrangements in Trinidad during SIGN10.

We plan to offer a shuttle bus / daily transportation to and from the conference venue for all participants who want it, free of charge (registration form will be sent out later this year). This will pick people up each morning before the conference starts, and take them back once the conference has finished.

If you want to use this conference transportation, you must stay in one of the hotels listed below, or at an Airbnb or other private accommodation in one of these areas:

St Augustine (home to the UWI St Augustine Campus where SIGN10 takes place)
Tunapuna (near to St Augustine)
Cascade, Port of Spain (this is an area to the north-east of the city)
St Ann’s, Port of Spain (next to Cascade)
Woodbrook, Port of Spain (this is an area to the west of the city)

If you choose accommodation in a different area, we ask you to arrange your own transport.

Airbnb is popular in Trinidad and may provide a more affordable accommodation than hotels. To avoid fraud, use the official Airbnb website, especially for financial transactions. We also advise you to read reviews carefully before you book.

Hotels

Hotels are available across Port of Spain. Here below is a selection of hotels that are in comfortable distance from the conference venue and will be covered by our daily transportation service.

Port of Spain

The Chancellor Hotel (St. Ann's)

Use promocode TCH-SIGN10 for a special reduced conference rate.

Hilton Hotel (close to Cascade)
The Brix (Cascade)
Kapok Hotel (close to Cascade)
Hyatt Hotel (downtown, near Woodbrook)
Radisson Hotel (downtown, near Woodbrook)
Courtyard by Mariott (Woodbrook)

St Augustine and Tunapuna (near the conference venue)

Cattleya Hotel (Tunapuna)
Pax Guest House limited availability (St. Augustine)

Airport transfers

If you want to book an airport transfer in advance, we have arranged a fixed price list with a taxi driver, Andre. He can be contacted via Whatsapp at +1 (868) 769-6030. Payments can be made both in USD and TTD.

All hotels in POS: (day time) 35 USD/ 245 TTD
(night time) 53 USD/ 370 TTD

Pax Guest House: (day time) 30 USD/ 210 TTD

(night time) 45 USD/ 315 TTD

Cattleya Hotel: (day time) 25 USD/ 175 TTD

(night time) 38 USD/ 265 USD

Getting around

Public transport around Trinidad & Tobago may seem chaotic and unpredictable at first, but once you’ve got the hang of it, getting around these two compact islands is quite straightforward. The information provided here is from this website unless otherwise indicated.

The information below covers travel:

by bus and maxi taxi
by route taxi and private taxi
by TTRS (Trinidad & Tobago Ride Share)
by car or bicycle
by water taxi
between Trinidad & Tobago

Buses, maxi taxis and route taxis serve most places, but a few of the more rural areas have only infrequent services. In populated areas, buses and maxi/route taxis run from around 6am until late evening, but outside commuter hours the waits can be. Private taxis are always available. Avoid travelling at peak hours (6–8am & 3–6pm), when urban roads are clogged with heavy traffic and maxis and taxis heave with people. The water taxi service between San Fernando and Port of Spain, and Port of Spain and Chaguaramas, offers a relaxed alternative to Trinidad’s busy roads.

Note also that many tour operators offer airport transfers and general transportation, e.g. from Port of Spain to Grande Riviere or Crown Point to Charlotteville.

By bus and maxi taxi

Bus services in Trinidad and Tobago are divided between large public buses (run by the Public Transport Service Corporation, PTSC; ptsc.co.tt) and private services (most often minibuses) called maxi taxis. All public buses and most maxi taxis in Trinidad leave from and terminate at City Gate – sometimes referred to as South Quay in official literature – in Port of Spain, the country’s main transportation hub. Maxi and bus services between Port of Spain and Arima are especially quick due to the Priority Bus Route, which runs along the course of the old railway line through Trinidad’s east–west corridor. In Tobago, all buses leave from the Sangster Hill Road terminal, off Milford Road in Scarborough, and cover the entire island.

Buses and maxis are viable transport options for visitors, and riding in a maxi can often be an entertaining experience as well as a chance to chat to locals.

By bus

There are several types of public bus in Trinidad, with both urban and national services: all are air-conditioned and reasonably comfortable. Bus stops are often small concrete shelters on the side of the road, or sometimes just a sign on a telephone pole. Tickets must be bought in advance, either from the main City Gate terminus in Port of Spain, Scarborough’s Sangster Hill Road bus terminal or from small general stores around the country – you cannot simply board a bus and buy your fare. Weekly and monthly travel cards are available. Fares run from TT$2 to TT$8, and services operate from 4.30am to around 9pm. Bus information can be obtained online, in person at the bus terminals, or by ringing 623 2341 (Trinidad) and 639 2293 (Tobago).

By maxi taxi

Maxi taxis carry anything from ten to thirty people, and are privately owned but run according to set routes and fares; each area has a different colour-coded stripe, or band. In Trinidad, yellow-band vehicles work from in and around Port of Spain to Diego Martin and the western tip; red-bands in the east; green-bands in the centre and south; black-bands in and around Princes Town; and brown-bands from San Fernando to the southwest. Blue-band maxis operate in Tobago and there is only one set route, from Scarborough to Charlotteville (the rest are for schoolchildren and private tourist charters). Maxis adhere to no fixed timetable, though services are at their most frequent from 6–10am & 3–8pm; after 8pm you can expect a longer wait. Some maxis run intermittently through the night, especially along the east–west corridor and in the major towns. Importantly, maxis can be hailed anywhere along their route – just stick out your hand and if they have space they will pick you up – but it’s often quicker to go to a main stand; since maxis wait until they are full before leaving, they may not have free seats until they reach their destination. Once aboard, they will let you off at any point; press the buzzers by the windows to stop the bus. Fares range between TT$4 and TT$10; ask fellow passengers if you’re not sure, or just give the driver a TT$10/20 note and wait for your change.

By route taxi and private taxi

Private cars operating as shared taxis, route taxis follow similar rules to maxis, departing on set routes from stands in all sizeable towns. They can hold four to five passengers in addition to the driver and, apart from their H number plates, they are indistinguishable from private cars (which have P number plates – although note that some P-licensed cars also operate as route taxis and are best avoided, as you could be getting into anyone’s car), and come in various states of repair. Route taxis don’t leave their stand until they’re full, but are usually quicker (and slightly more expensive) than maxis as they stop less frequently.

To stop a taxi en route, hail it with a wave of your hand. There is a widely accepted code of hand signals among locals catching taxis; point left or right to indicate which direction you want to take at the next major turn-off. When entering the car, it’s normal to greet other passengers with a “good morning” or a “good afternoon”. To stop the taxi, just tell your driver you want to get out as you approach your destination – in Trini-speak, “nex corner drive”. For our Deaf guests, you may tap the shoulder of the driver and point to where you wish to get off or indicate to a passenger so they may relate the information. As with maxis, if you’re not sure what you should be paying, just hand over a TT$20 note and wait for change; you’re unlikely to be overcharged.

Like anywhere, private taxis take you directly to your destination, but are unmetered, so a price must be agreed beforehand. As with route taxis, they have an H number plate. It is often possible – and more economical – however, to bargain with a route taxi driver to drop you where you want. Phone-A-Taxi (t 628 TAXI) offers the cheapest 24-hour, island-wide service in Trinidad; in Tobago, drivers hang out at the airport and all hotels and guesthouses will be able to recommend a driver.

By TTRS (https://ttrideshare.com/ )

This means of travel is facilitated by an app that may be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. Its safe and reliable. You get fare estimates and upon requesting a ride you are provided with the driver’s name, his number plate and estimated arrival time.

By car

Driving in T&T requires patience and constant alertness: you simply cannot take your eyes off the road for one moment, and the packed one-way streets of downtown Port of Spain can seem a nightmare at first. Though Trinbagonian drivers are generally courteous, often stopping to let other drivers pull out or offering parking advice, they also habitually stop at short notice, turn without indicating and will happily block traffic to buy a snack or chat with a friend. The best thing to do is accept it; beeping your horn out of irritation will only get you withering stares; horns are more frequently used as a thank-you gesture for a courtesy or indication of an intention to overtake. Expect maxis/taxis to pull over at any moment, and always drive defensively.

Some drivers also take to the road at night with only one headlight/taillight, and keep full-beam headlights on all the time; keep your eyes to the left verge to avoid being dazzled. Hand signals are also frequently used: an up-and-down movement indicates that a driver is about to stop (or an instruction for others to stop due to a hazard ahead); if pulling out into traffic, some still stick out an arm to indicate their intent. Whatever the motivation, slow down if faced with a hand signal. Driving on main highways can feel hair-raising – a favourite Trinbagonian habit is a high-speed weaving technique which looks as though it ought to cause a multiple pile-up (sadly, it often does so); left-hand overtaking is also commonplace. Always take extra care, and slow right down in the tropical rains.

Traffic lights can be confusing: as well as the usual red/amber/green sequence, you’ll see flashing red or yellow lights at junctions; both mean “proceed with caution”; yellow means it’s primarily your right of way, red that it’s someone else’s.

Seat belts are compulsory, but not always used. Drinking and driving is also illegal, though the attitude towards it is more laidback in T&T than most other countries. The law also demands that drivers be properly attired; men can be charged for driving without a top on (“bareback”), so always keep a T-shirt handy. Road signs are based on the English system (although distances and speed limits are in kilometres), and you must drive on the left. In Trinidad, the speed limit is 80kmph on highways and 55kmph on main roads in built-up areas. Tobago’s speed limit is 50kmph.

A valid international driving licence or one issued in the US, Canada, UK, Germany or the Bahamas is required for driving both cars and motorcycles for up to ninety days. Apply to the Licensing Division on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain (625 1031), if you intend to drive in T&T for longer than three months.

Car rental

All companies require you to be 25 or over and hold a valid driving licence; most ask for a deposit guaranteed by a credit card imprint, though some smaller firms, especially in Tobago, accept a cash deposit of around US$170. You’ll be offered a collision damage waiver at extra cost (usually US$5–15/day); without one, you will be liable for damage, but note that you may well be able to arrange CDW cover through your home insurance before you arrive in T&T, which often works out to be much cheaper. Rental prices vary, so shop around; they tend to start at around US$30 per day for the smallest vehicle, inclusive of third-party insurance and unlimited mileage. Check tyres (including the spare) before you drive away, and make sure you’re present when existing scratches and bumps are noted.

Bicycle rental

A bicycle can be a good way of getting around Tobago’s quieter roads. You can rent bicycles on both islands, though for the same reason they’re not great for getting around Trinidad, other than for exploring quiet areas such as Tucker Valley in Chaguaramas.

Easy Goers Airport Rd, Crown Point, Tobago 681 8025 or 787 0685, easygoersbikes.com.

Geronimo’s 15 Pole Carew St, Woodbrook, Trinidad 622 2453, geronimocycle.com.

Mike’s Bikes 21 O’Connor St, Woodbrook, Trinidad 624 6453, info@caribbeancycling.net.

By water taxi

Trinidad’s water taxis (624 5137, nidco.co.tt) save time and stress on the roads between Port of Spain and San Fernando (45min; TT$15), and are a quick and easy way to get from the capital to Chaguaramas (15min; TT$10). The Port of Spain terminal is on Wrightson Road, adjacent to the Tobago ferry terminal.

Travelling between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago

There are two options available if you wish to travel between the islands – the plane, quick and relatively inexpensive; and the ferry, a bit slower and a lot cheaper, but a rough ride that’s notorious for seasickness. The air bridge is the more pleasant experience, though it does mean that you have to get to and from Piarco airport, which can be a lengthy journey at rush hour; the ferry, by comparison, departs from central Port of Spain.

By ferry

Fast catamarans, T&T Spirit and T&T Express, make the journey between the islands in around three hours (though ongoing engine problems mean that journey time is often longer). In Trinidad, ferries arrive and depart from the Ferry Terminal opposite the Twin Towers on Wrightson Road in Port of Spain; in Tobago, the terminal is on Milford Road in central Scarborough. There are usually around six sailings per day, but it’s best to call in advance or check the Inter-Island Ferry Service website, https://ttitferry.com which lists current schedules. Bear in mind that the journey can be rough due to strong currents in the Bocas (less so from Tobago to Trinidad); take seasickness tablets, and sit in the middle of the boat rather than the back or the front. Seasoned ferry passengers travel with a sheet or wrap to cover the sometimes less-than-clean seats.

One-way tickets cost TT$50; standard car prices are TT$150 one-way (though few rental outfits will let you take their cars on the ferry). Note that you can’t book seats or buy tickets on the phone or online. For same-day tickets only, the Port of Spain and Scarborough terminal ticket offices are open Monday to Thursday 7.15am to 3pm, 4.15 to 6pm & 7 to 10.30pm, Friday 7.15am to 3pm; be prepared to join the queue at least three hours before the boat leaves. Otherwise, you have to buy in advance (essential for busy periods like Carnival, Easter or Great Race) in person from travel agencies and authorized vendors – check the website for a full list. For further information, call 625 4906 in Trinidad, 639 2416 in Tobago.

By plane

National carrier Caribbean Airlines (625 7200, caribbean-airlines.com) makes the 20-minute flight between Trinidad and Tobago up to twenty times a day each way. Tickets cost US$24 one-way and US$48 return; you can book and pay for an e-ticket online, or visit a ticket office in person. The latter are at Piarco Airport (daily 4.15am–7pm), and at Nicholas Towers, Independence Square, Port of Spain (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat 8am–noon); in Tobago, there’s an office opposite departures in Crown Point Airport (daily 5.45am–9.45pm; t 660 7200). Note that all tickets are flexible: once you’ve paid, you can change the date and time of your flight online, by phone or at ticket offices; this, however, seems likely to change in the future so check before you book.

Childcare during the SIGN10 conference

We will provide child care free of charge during the conference with the help of deaf and hearing volunteers. We will finalise a program according to the number and ages of the registered children.

Childcare will be provided free of charge (we might ask for a small fee for food - tbd). You need to register your child(ren) if you want them to participate so we can plan ahead and ensure sufficient space and volunteers.

Childcare will be provided on campus close to where the conference will take place. We will design a program suitable to the number and ages of the registered children. The program will be finalised closer to the conference (expected in October/November).

There will be a room in the same building with toys, crafting materials, etc. for different ages. For older children, we might also plan activities on campus such as a treasure hunt or ball games.

To register your child for childcare, please complete the questions included in the general registration form. In case of questions, requests, or suggestions, please contact Hannah Lutzenberger (Tilburg University).

If you have registered your child for childcare, we will be in touch about details later this year.

Things to do in Trinidad & Tobago

For an initial overview of things to do in Trinidad, take a look at https://visittrinidad.tt/things-to-do/, which will give you great collection of experiences and ideas.

Beaches:

Many beloved beaches are located on the North Coast. Maracas and Las Cuevas are two popular beaches accessible by the north coast road, and Macqueripe is located in Chaguramus in the West. At Maracas, food and drink is available for purchase on the beach but most other beaches in the country this is not the case.

Hiking:

Trinidad is a great spot for eco tourism. There are many waterfalls with small pools for bathing, or even beaches that are accessible by hiking through the rainforest. This is best done with a local guide. If you want more information or a recommendation of a guide please contact Rehana.

Birdwatching and more:

Birdwatching in Trinidad is very popular and there are many spots you can visit to see birds. For more info check here: https://birdingtrinbago.com. For those who are less experienced but still interested in bird life, highly recommended is a tour of the Caroni Swamp by boat, offered in early morning or evening to see the Scarlet Ibis, Trinidad’s national bird, and many more birds that make their home in the swamp. There are also several places in Trinidad that you can go to see hummingbirds (also morning or evening). Two well known ones are Yerette, in Maracas St Joseph and Esperanza Alta in St Ann’s.

Historical/cultural sightseeing:

There is a lot of history and culture in TT to explore. The National Trust website has an overview of some interesting places to visit as well as some tours they offer: https://nationaltrust.tt/. For an idea of some current cultural events, check out the website of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts: https://mtca.gov.tt/.

Tobago:

If you have time, Tobago is worth a visit. It offers a more relaxed laid back atmosphere than Trinidad and there are many places to stay, from the densely connected south west area to the further out villages like Parlatuvier, Charlotteville and Speyside. Eco tourism enthusiasts will also love Tobago, with great hiking and waterfalls to visit. Tobago’s central range is the oldest protected forest in the western hemisphere.

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