Best forms of currency to take to Tobago

Kathy A · Post by **Kathy A** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:29 pm

I would be interested to hear what forum members consider to be the best forms of currency to take to Tobago when we go in April. Last year we took some US Dollars as a stand-by but used them up almost immediately to pay for a guide to take us to the rainforest as he was not interested in T&T Dollars, credit cards or Sterling travellers cheques.

I have noted that some of the guides on their websites indicate that they will accept US Dollars or Sterling.

Any suggestions as to what is the best mix of currency(ies) and/or travellers cheques to take so we don't encounter problems?

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:45 pm

Ah! The perrenial currency question.

I've never known anyone refuse T&T currency, but have had some wide ranging US$ to T&T dollar quotes, even though they are supposed to be linked at a standard rate.

I think that most of the experienced Tobagophiles recommend taking some local currency with you for initial spending on groceries / taxi fares etc, say TT$1,000 max (around £100 or US$200) and then use ATMs to access cash as you need it for the remainder of your stay.

Check out Money Matters in the Odds & Sods section of the header bar for more tips and locations of the ATMs and Banks.

If your bank will arrange travellers cheques on a nil commission and return basis

then these are a good standby for any emergencies e.g lost credit card or malfunctioning ATMs

Cheers
Steve

Lina Mallon · Post by **Lina Mallon** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 12:51 am

Hi Kathy,

We had the same "problem" we considered USD and travellers cheques and in the end we ended up taking 300$TT and $150USD and we got the rest on our card on the Island. Our guide Kelton from Thomas Tours didn't mind being paid in TTs, like he said it is all money. We ended up bringing nearly USD80$ back home to Ireland. I am sure we could we have used them but TT$ was so much easier and we never had any problem with bank machines or paying in TTs.

Hope this helps!

Lina

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:58 am

I agree with Steve.Why pay multiple exchange fees?Take out TT$1000 for immediate expenses,then use your credit/debit card for cash and purchase.You'll be surprised how many outlets accept cards.Incidently,I discovered that our swipe and pin system doesn't appear to function in Tobago stores,so if going to the supermarket and paying by card,take some ID with you.
David(near counting down time

)

Kathy A · Post by **Kathy A** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 8:13 am

Thanks everyone. We thought it was simply the "first time visitor" problem last year but it is reassuring to know that everyone seems to have come across something of the same problem.

Regards
Kathy