Urgent re Trinidad Airport and Cash

[SuzieQ]

Hi all, we're leaving tomorrow, arriving Trinidad 5am Sat. - does anyone know if we can get TT's from exchanging U.S. cash at that early time on a Saturday in the airport? Then we fly on toTobago a couple hrs. later, and their banks are NOT open. We'd rather have TT's than U.S.
We can exchange our Canadian into U.S. here then into TT's, but seems a lot of trouble. Thanks!!!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Suzie

The Bureau de Change at Port of Spain is unlikely to be open. Your best bet is to draw cash from an ATM machine, either at POS airport, or when you get to Tobago. There are two banks with 24-hour cash machines virtually opposite each other and less than half a mile from the airport in Tobago (just after the Coco Reef Resort). Whatever you do, don't change Canadian dollars into USD and then into TTD - its money down the drain.

Just seen your reply to Porride, so assume he is probably collecting you before transport to Castara. He'll stop off at the machines. Give him a big hug from Jill and myself.

[SuzieQ]

Hi Steve, thanks for this. Unfortunately we have in hand U.S. cash - so I wonder if maybe the route to go will be to just do as you say, and just take from our Canadian bank account? (save the cash for another time)???
Will say hi for sure!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Suzie

Well that certainly takes the pressure off you, because they'll accept USD anywhere in T&T - so if you need to buy anything at POS airport before your transfer, you will have the means. As regards spending the USD, it all depends upon how 'keen' you are to get rid of them. Remember, whilst people may gladly accept USD (or any other currency) they are not going to give you the rates you could expect from a bank - and lets be honest, the banks will fleece you dry at every opportunity. So, every time you change money, you lose money. But, if you've got it and don't envisage any short-term opportunity to use it in the States, where obviously you will get maximum value per buck, then use it. Hope that all makes sense!

Have a great trip, you lucky so-and-so!

[SuzieQ]

thanks Steve! I've decided. We'll just interac from our Cdn. account - and save the U.S. for another trip... This way my hubby doesn't have to try to get to the currency exchange today, while working....
thanks! I'm sure you'll be there sometime again!