US Dollars versus TT Dollars

[Emma Hetherington]

Yes I'm the stupid one ....

had been thinking from all the other threads that the best thing was to take TT dollars plus some UK £ travellers cheques and then if and when we could be bothered / wanted / needed to venture into the Scarborough or wherever we'd use the ATM machines.

But am confused cos am getting quoted inUS dollars - say for taxi ride from airport etc.

We're staying @ Blue Mango Castara - have I told you this before - tough!!!

So don't really want to be stressing and spending time worrying about cash etc. - hence the thought of taking enough TT dollars for a good while, plus UK £ travellers chqs. BUT is it expected / hoped / needed that we will also be carrying US dollars on occasion - i.e. taxi from airport/paying for accommodation. More importantly what is RIGHT for the local economy? We don't plan to do anyting more than chill!!!

Also - what is definition of "to lime" please ????? I tink i got it but maybe not!

[Julia C.]

Don't worry Emma - a lot of times on Tobago people quote prices in US$, but they will always accept TT$ "no problem"!
It can be quite confusing when you first arrive - check whether they mean US$ or TT$.
After our taxi driver dropped us at the Blue Mango she told us the fare was 40 something $. We were both very tired, excited etc and Simon gave her the money in TT! We were a bit embarrased when she came back 5 minutes later once she'd noticed our mistake!
I think she understood though, she was certainly very nice about it.

[David Watkins]

Emma,DON"T use US$! Take some TT4$,GBP TC"S(the rate on TC is about 11.44TT$/GBP).Always say "that's TT yes?" and even the Crown Point taxis will behave.Also if you hail a taxi on the street ask if it is a "route"taxi,as they are generally cheaper than rank or association taxis,but you may(will) have to share.
"Liming"is doing nothing important whilst consuming alcohol in whatever flavour and quantity takes your fancy,however the doing nothing is usually sorting the world's problems,having a good gossip etc.In other words it's a b******t session!! Enjoy your lime, either outside Wallaces rum shop(the top of the hill from you)or at Merline Jacksons(as you come into the village near Margarites).
David

[Chris Runciman]

Dear Emma

TT dollars are easiest for the local shops, bars and cafes.. I think the boat trip, dive schools will ptefer US$ which I amsure they tuck away for when they go off island.. Sterling travellers cheques, where will you exchange them? The banks are all the way back down south again and I can assure you that once you get to Castara you will not want to go south until you have to! I usually take TT plus some US travellers cheques for larger purchases. The dive schools and Pennysaver Market etc take Visa/Mastercard.
Enjoy the Castara experience........
Chris R

[David Watkins]

I believe they take cards at the Cascreole in Castara,ask nicely and you can get cash back for a small fee
David

[Julia C.]

I believe they take cards at the Cascreole in Castara,ask nicely and you can get cash back for a small fee
David

That's useful to know.