Currency?

Michael Crowther · Post by **Michael Crowther** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:10 am

Hi All,

Just wondered what people thought about the best currency to take to Tobago, TT$ or US$?

Also, we are staying self catering in a villa. What amount would be people suggest we need for spending money? We will have breakfast and lunch most days in the villa and eat out most nights. We will also be hiring a car for about 7 out of the 14 days, and plan at least a couple of deep sea fising trips. Any help would be appreciated.

Just 29 days to go!!!

Thanks

Mike

Nina C. · Post by **Nina C.** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:20 am

We brought both TT$ and US$ and ended up exchanging the US$ to TT$ as most people preferred the local currency and you don't have to work out the exchange rate, but US$ is accepted most places too.

Food and drink is quite cheap but not sure how much all the excursions cost.

Have a lovely holiday!

Neil Patton · Post by **Neil Patton** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:33 am

I agree take TT$ saves a lot of bother exchange rate is very good on the Island we got a better rate there.
As to amounts I had a days deep water charter going rate for a really good skipper was TT$ 3700 for the day whereas a half day with a local guy can cost as little as TT$ 360.
We stayed self catering hired a car for seven days ate out lunch and dinner drank a lot and to the best of my recollection had change from TT$ 12000
Mind you that was staying in the wilds of Castara could be more expensive in the big city!

Michael Crowther · Post by **Michael Crowther** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:16 am

Thanks for your comments. Both very helpful.

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:51 pm

No need to take US currency with you. The ABM's in Tobago are few and far between but make getting local currency from a foriegn account very easy and is also safer than having all the cash for your vacation in your wallet or hotel room.

Phil P · Post by **Phil P** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:59 am

We covered all bases and took TT$, US$, Sterling travellers cheques, credit cards and debit cards. Guess what? We returned with an unused collection of US$ (offers welcome

). All the others were variously welcomed.

Word of warning. If exchanging travellers cheques try to get to a bank as their rate gave us over 3TT$ more per £ than the hotel.

Have fun

Phil

Lars P. · Post by **Lars P.** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 2:36 am

Michael -

We were worried and carried some US$ cash and converted it at Piarco to TT$. Turned out to be completely unneccesary; we used the RBTT ATM/ABM next to the Clothes Wash Cafe on Milford road near the airport and were able to withdraw $2500TT whenever we needed it. The bank machines are set for a $3000TT limit, but that is because of the slot thickness on the machine. You can withdraw $2500TT as many times a day as you want to.

Bonus is that you can check the email at the Clothes Wash Cafe after you get your cash.

Enjoy -

Lars

Dave B · Post by **Dave B** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:45 pm

We took TT and our credit cards whilst staying at Coco Reef. We found that, although they quoted things in $US you could pay just as easily in TT. I'm sure many of the smaller shops would prefer TT.

Jane H · Post by **Jane H** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:55 pm

Hi all,

We took TT's and $US (which were left over from a previous holiday in St Lucia). We used the $US to pay for car hire from Sheppy (excellent service and car by the way - best tyres we've ever seen on a hire car!!). The TT's got used for everyday things when we are out and about, and for the hotel expenes etc.

Hope this helps

Jane