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| Raptor at Power Boats |
Trinidad & Tobago is a twin island nation; Trinidad is the southern most island in the Caribbean and the larger of the two islands. It's situated off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, just 11 km away.
It's very industrial and not touristy at all. Most boats haul out here for repairs and maintenance, and to hide away from the hurricane season.
We've been living here for a number of months now (including the few months back in 2015). We thought it would be useful to share some information about life in Trinidad.
Boatyard Address - Where We Hauled Out
Power Boats
Western Main Road
Chaguaramas
Trinidad & Tobago
Facilities: Power, Water, Toilets/Showers, Boater's Shop Chandlery, Dockside Mart, Fuel Dock, WiFi, Sails Restaurant, 24 hr Security, Laundry ($15 TTD/load), Bus Stop.
Visa
You can check out our visa extension post here.
Cruiser Net
Tune into VHF Channel 68 every morning at 8am for weather reports, events & activities announcements, opportunity for free or trading of "treasures", support & advice on boat stuff from the cruising community.
Propane Gas
You can drop off your empty tanks at the Power Boats security guard house on Friday before 11am and pick it up the next day. It cost $85 TTD to fill up our 17 lbs composite tank.
Exchange Rate
* Rate based on USD cash exchanged in POS.
Jan 2015-May 2015 - $1 USD = $6 TTD
Sep 2015-Mar 2017 - $1 USD = $7 TTD
We've changed money at one of the many Chinese supermarkets, a tailor shop as well as a clothing store (in the corner) next to Park & Shop Supermarket. Basically, if you've got USD, you need not worry about finding a money changer.
Transportation
1 - Between Chaguaramas & Port of Spain
Maxi Taxi - $5 TTD (increased to $ 6 TTD effective 6th February 2017)
Public Bus - $2 TTD (Bus No. 135 stops right in front of Power Boats)
Note: Maxi Taxi's are the mini vans with stripes, take the yellow striped ones that run between POS and Chaguaramas (be careful not to take the ones that go to Diego Martin, unless that's where you want to go).
2 - Between Port of Spain & Piarco Airport
Public Bus - $4 TTD
We were able to take the public bus from Piarco Airport back to Chaguaramas on 2 occasions with all our luggages at $6 TTD in total per person (that's less than $1 USD/person!). A taxi would've cost us at least $300 TTD one way. Needless to say, we were quite pleased with our savings.
On another occasion, we hired a car from Econo Car Rentals from the airport -- $125 TTD/day with a minimum 2 day hire. It's not the best quality of cars, but it's good enough to take you from point A to point B.
Note: You can purchase the bus tickets at the newsstand in Piarco Airport or at Port of Spain Bus Terminal. The buses do not follow the schedule posted, so just be prepared to wait.
Also, the buses from Port of Spain to Piarco Airport do not run on weekends. We had to take the Arima bus from Port of Spain Bus Terminal to Arouca Junction and then a private taxi ($4 TTD/person) at the taxi stand next to KFC to the Airport.
Even though, Trinidad & Tobago is ranked as one of the Top 10 countries with the highest crimes/murder rates in the world, people on the public transportation are all very polite. They often greet everyone when they get onboard, and thank the driver when they alight.
One time, the bus driver asked the passengers if he could make a detour to fill up on petrol after being stuck in traffic for almost 2 hours. Instead of complaining and making a big fuss, the passengers agreed and waited patiently.
Another time, we had free live impromptu entertainment onboard when a guy started to sing, and another joined in with his guitar. This is life in Trinidad :)
FREE Wi-Fi
Available at Power Boats, Massy Store (West Mall), The Falls (West Mall), PTSC Bus Terminal, Piarco Airport.
Groceries
Every once a week or fortnight, we head into Port of Spain for fruit & veggies. There's a pretty decent street market on Charlotte Street every Thursday to Saturday. They sell fruits, veggies, clothes, plants, DVDs, etc {very lively}. Along this street there are also many mini supermarkets (mostly run/owned by Chinese, of course). Note: prices in TTD.
Apple - 4 or 5pcs for $10
Avocado - 1pc for $10-$25
Banana - 1lb for $5
Bok Choy - 1 bunch for $5
Carrot - 1lb for $5-$6
Capsicum - 1lb for $6-$8
Corn - 1 bag for $15
Cucumber - 1lb for $1-$5
Egg - 15 eggs for $23
Eggplant - 1lb for $3-$9 (sometimes as low as $1/lb)
Garlic - 1lb for $7-$8
Ginger - 1lb for $6
Lettuce - 1pc for $5-$7
Mandarin - 8-10pcs for $10
Onion (Red) - 1lb for $5-$7
Onion (White) - 2lbs for $5
Pineapple - 3pcs for $25
Plum - 4pcs for $10
Pumpkin - 1lb for $2
Tomato - 1lb for $6-$14 (sometimes as low as $3/lb)
UHT Milk - $8.50 (on offer) and Cheese - $22/kg at Park & Shop Supermarket (35 Queen Street, Port of Spain)
There are also lots of other fruit & veggies available e.g. potato, broccoli, cauliflower, spring onion, cabbage, grapes, etc. I would say the variety of veggies are decent here compared to some of the other countries we've been to. Sadly, we haven't seen any coriander.
For other things that we can't get at the street market, we go to the Massy Store next to The Falls at West Mall (this is probably the biggest of the other 2 we've been to). You can get there by bus or Maxi Taxi.
Massy Store is a supermarket chain, all around the island. The other two that we've been to are in Chaguaramas (very small, limited selection) and in Carenage (medium sized, decent selection). Here are some of the items we get from Massy:
Anchor Cheese - 1kg $82.99
Bean Sprout - 1 packet $12
Broccoli - $38.99/kg
Chicken - 1 packet $11.99-$12.99
Lime Juice - 750ml $17.99
Mushroom - $75.99/kg
Pork Ribs - $43.99/kg
Radish - 1 packet $7.99-12.99
Snow Peas - $79/kg
Spinach - 1 packet $27.99-$29.99
Yogurt - 1kg $32.99
Zucchini - $29.99/kg
Note: Prices for fruits & veggies fluctuate.
Businesses
Below is a list of businesses that might be useful to know: -
Tel: +1 (868) 623 4566
Tel: +1 (868) 634 2006
Tel: +1 (868) 774 0150/469 6620
Email: christopher@busybeett.com
Tel: +1 868 634 2684/680 2929
Email: riad@cfa-caribbean.com
Tel: +1 868 326 1952/624 4280 (Wayne)
Email: cocoapodchocolate@gmail.com
Tel: +1 (868) 674 7896/7
Email: info@ftfarfan.com
Tel: +1 868 627 9822/734 8796
Email: efsslt@gmail.com
Tel: +1 (868) 634 2304
Email: adian_ges@hotmail.com
Tel: +1 (868) 634 3402
Email: sales@hsltt.com
Tel: +1 (868) 625 2904
Email: office@jimmyaboud.com
Email: mel@majesticcoatings.com
Tel: +1 (868) 634 4006
Tel: +1 (868) 733 1326/375 9603
Chaguaramas, Trinidad & Tobago
Tel: +1 (868) 657 5194
Email: info@ssltt.com
We don't eat out much, but if you're looking for a place to eat in Chaguaramas, we'd recommend the Wheelhouse Pub, located along the Western Main Road 106, Tropical Marine Ltd, Chaguaramas, Trinidad - $45 TTD for a set lunch and $100 TTD for a set dinner (a main & two side dishes). You can also try Cafe Feel Oh. They have all an night beers for $10 TTD promotion on Fridays.
It's very industrial and not touristy at all. Most boats haul out here for repairs and maintenance, and to hide away from the hurricane season.
We've been living here for a number of months now (including the few months back in 2015). We thought it would be useful to share some information about life in Trinidad.
Boatyard Address - Where We Hauled Out
Power Boats
Western Main Road
Chaguaramas
Trinidad & Tobago
Facilities: Power, Water, Toilets/Showers, Boater's Shop Chandlery, Dockside Mart, Fuel Dock, WiFi, Sails Restaurant, 24 hr Security, Laundry ($15 TTD/load), Bus Stop.
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| Power Boats |
You can check out our visa extension post here.
Cruiser Net
Tune into VHF Channel 68 every morning at 8am for weather reports, events & activities announcements, opportunity for free or trading of "treasures", support & advice on boat stuff from the cruising community.
Propane Gas
You can drop off your empty tanks at the Power Boats security guard house on Friday before 11am and pick it up the next day. It cost $85 TTD to fill up our 17 lbs composite tank.
Exchange Rate
* Rate based on USD cash exchanged in POS.
Jan 2015-May 2015 - $1 USD = $6 TTD
Sep 2015-Mar 2017 - $1 USD = $7 TTD
We've changed money at one of the many Chinese supermarkets, a tailor shop as well as a clothing store (in the corner) next to Park & Shop Supermarket. Basically, if you've got USD, you need not worry about finding a money changer.
Transportation
 |
| Bus Terminal in Port of Spain |
Maxi Taxi - $5 TTD (increased to $ 6 TTD effective 6th February 2017)
Public Bus - $2 TTD (Bus No. 135 stops right in front of Power Boats)
Note: Maxi Taxi's are the mini vans with stripes, take the yellow striped ones that run between POS and Chaguaramas (be careful not to take the ones that go to Diego Martin, unless that's where you want to go).
2 - Between Port of Spain & Piarco Airport
Public Bus - $4 TTD
 |
| Bus No. 135 to Chaguaramas |
On another occasion, we hired a car from Econo Car Rentals from the airport -- $125 TTD/day with a minimum 2 day hire. It's not the best quality of cars, but it's good enough to take you from point A to point B.
Note: You can purchase the bus tickets at the newsstand in Piarco Airport or at Port of Spain Bus Terminal. The buses do not follow the schedule posted, so just be prepared to wait.
Also, the buses from Port of Spain to Piarco Airport do not run on weekends. We had to take the Arima bus from Port of Spain Bus Terminal to Arouca Junction and then a private taxi ($4 TTD/person) at the taxi stand next to KFC to the Airport.
Even though, Trinidad & Tobago is ranked as one of the Top 10 countries with the highest crimes/murder rates in the world, people on the public transportation are all very polite. They often greet everyone when they get onboard, and thank the driver when they alight.
One time, the bus driver asked the passengers if he could make a detour to fill up on petrol after being stuck in traffic for almost 2 hours. Instead of complaining and making a big fuss, the passengers agreed and waited patiently.
Another time, we had free live impromptu entertainment onboard when a guy started to sing, and another joined in with his guitar. This is life in Trinidad :)
FREE Wi-Fi
Available at Power Boats, Massy Store (West Mall), The Falls (West Mall), PTSC Bus Terminal, Piarco Airport.
 |
| Fruits & Veggies on Charlotte Street Market |
Every once a week or fortnight, we head into Port of Spain for fruit & veggies. There's a pretty decent street market on Charlotte Street every Thursday to Saturday. They sell fruits, veggies, clothes, plants, DVDs, etc {very lively}. Along this street there are also many mini supermarkets (mostly run/owned by Chinese, of course). Note: prices in TTD.
Apple - 4 or 5pcs for $10
Avocado - 1pc for $10-$25
Banana - 1lb for $5
Bok Choy - 1 bunch for $5
Carrot - 1lb for $5-$6
Capsicum - 1lb for $6-$8
Corn - 1 bag for $15
Cucumber - 1lb for $1-$5
Egg - 15 eggs for $23
Eggplant - 1lb for $3-$9 (sometimes as low as $1/lb)
Garlic - 1lb for $7-$8
Ginger - 1lb for $6
Lettuce - 1pc for $5-$7
Mandarin - 8-10pcs for $10
Onion (Red) - 1lb for $5-$7
Onion (White) - 2lbs for $5
Pineapple - 3pcs for $25
Plum - 4pcs for $10
Pumpkin - 1lb for $2
Tomato - 1lb for $6-$14 (sometimes as low as $3/lb)
UHT Milk - $8.50 (on offer) and Cheese - $22/kg at Park & Shop Supermarket (35 Queen Street, Port of Spain)
There are also lots of other fruit & veggies available e.g. potato, broccoli, cauliflower, spring onion, cabbage, grapes, etc. I would say the variety of veggies are decent here compared to some of the other countries we've been to. Sadly, we haven't seen any coriander.
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| Charlotte St the day before Christmas Eve |
Massy Store is a supermarket chain, all around the island. The other two that we've been to are in Chaguaramas (very small, limited selection) and in Carenage (medium sized, decent selection). Here are some of the items we get from Massy:
Anchor Cheese - 1kg $82.99
Bean Sprout - 1 packet $12
Broccoli - $38.99/kg
Chicken - 1 packet $11.99-$12.99
Lime Juice - 750ml $17.99
Mushroom - $75.99/kg
Pork Ribs - $43.99/kg
Radish - 1 packet $7.99-12.99
Snow Peas - $79/kg
Spinach - 1 packet $27.99-$29.99
Yogurt - 1kg $32.99
Zucchini - $29.99/kg
Note: Prices for fruits & veggies fluctuate.
 |
| Massy Store at West Mall |
Below is a list of businesses that might be useful to know: -
Amba Bargain Centre (ABC) - All sewing stuff, thread, needles, ribbons, etc
57 Queen St, Port of Spain, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 623 4566
Boater's Shop - Small Chandlery, 5% off with Power Boats card
Power Boats, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoBudget Marine - Chandlery, 5% off with membership card
Western Main Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 634 2006
Busy Bee Equipment Rentals Ltd (Nuts & Boats) - Nuts & Bolts
Western Main Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 774 0150/469 6620
Email: christopher@busybeett.com
Calypso Fabric Architecture - Awnings
Peake Yacht Services, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 868 634 2684/680 2929
Email: riad@cfa-caribbean.com
Cocoa Pod - Chocolate
23 Gordon Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 868 326 1952/624 4280 (Wayne)
Email: cocoapodchocolate@gmail.com
Far Fan Ltd - Perma White Paint
3-5 Ibis Avenue, Ibis Acres, San Juan, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 674 7896/7
Email: info@ftfarfan.com
Eastern Fasteners Sales & Support Ltd - Bolts, Washers, Nuts
17 Duke Street West, Port of Spain, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 868 627 9822/734 8796
Email: efsslt@gmail.com
Gittens Engine Sales & Services Co. Ltd. - Services Yanmar Engines
110 Western Main Road, Tardieu Marine, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 634 2304
Email: adian_ges@hotmail.com
Hydraulic Supplies Ltd (HSL)
Western Main Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 634 3402
Email: sales@hsltt.com
Jimmy Aboud - Textiles, a lot more around the area
Jimmy Aboud Building, Cor. Queen & Henry St, POS, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 625 2904
Email: office@jimmyaboud.com
Majestic Coating & Supplies
Coral Cove Marina Hotel, Western Main Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoEmail: mel@majesticcoatings.com
Marc One Marine Supplies Ltd - Plywood, Fiberglass sheets, PVC boards
Mariner's Haven, 1st Avenue South, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoPeake Trading - Chandlery
Lot 5, Western Main Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad & TobagoTel: +1 (868) 634 4006
Quality Yacht Maintenance - Spray painting, Gel peeling, Osmosis repairs, Fiberglass restoration, Airport transport
Contractor: Selwyn JosephTel: +1 (868) 733 1326/375 9603
Radica Trading - Upholstery, Vinyl, Sunbrella
68-70 Henry Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad & TobagoSouthern Supplies Ltd (SSL)
1st Avenue South, Western Main Road, Granwood,Chaguaramas, Trinidad & Tobago
Tel: +1 (868) 657 5194
Email: info@ssltt.com
We don't eat out much, but if you're looking for a place to eat in Chaguaramas, we'd recommend the Wheelhouse Pub, located along the Western Main Road 106, Tropical Marine Ltd, Chaguaramas, Trinidad - $45 TTD for a set lunch and $100 TTD for a set dinner (a main & two side dishes). You can also try Cafe Feel Oh. They have all an night beers for $10 TTD promotion on Fridays.
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| Map of the Caribbean |
Is there a business in Trinidad that you would like us to include? Feel free to drop us a comment and we'll update the list.
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