Capital city, Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain
Trinidad's capital: Carnival, food, music and a mixed Afro-, Indo- and Chinese-Trinidadian culture. Rewarding for food and nightlife, but violent crime is serious and transport needs planning.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$2,080–3,260Comfortable, one person · TT$14,000–22,000Details
- Value for money16/100Better value than 15% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Air quality13.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilPiped water is treated but supply is irregular; most people drink filtered or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$52–104Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDropYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, malls and restaurants; cash in TTD for maxi taxis, street food, doubles vendors and markets.Details
Where to stay in Port of Spain
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| St. Clair and Maraval | Quieter, upscale, safer; restaurants and guesthouses |
| Woodbrook | Nightlife, bars, restaurants and Carnival fêtes |
| Newtown | Embassies and calm residential streets near the Savannah |
| Cascade | Residential area near the Queen's Park Savannah |
Apps that work in Port of Spain
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Drop | Local app; availability varies by area |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Uber does not operate. Book registered taxis through your hotel or a trusted driver; avoid hailing in the street at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, malls and restaurants; cash in TTD for maxi taxis, street food, doubles vendors and markets.
- Currency: Dollar (TTD). US$1 ≈ TT$6.74 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense TT dollars; foreign cards pay local and home-bank fees. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Add 10–15% in restaurants unless service is included. Tip taxi drivers a small amount.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in chains; Apple Pay and Google Pay are limited. Cash for most small places.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival. You may be asked for an onward ticket and proof of funds.
- Many visitors are admitted for up to 90 days; extend through the Immigration Division.
- Cash over TT$20,000 must be declared.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 811 · Fire 990
Plugs
Type A, B · 115 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from bmobile or Digicel at the airport or stores, with passport; data packs are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Trinidad and Tobago
Going to Port of Spain solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Port of Spain meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.