Currency to take - US$ or not

Steve P · Post by **Steve P** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 6:40 pm

Due to go to Tobago for the first time in September.
Is US$'s good to take, especially as the exchange rate against the £ is so good at the moment.
Any advise most welcome.
Steve & Karen

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:03 am

Hi Steve

There is no point in taking US$.
Whilst they are accepted in larger stores and restaurants, offering them sometimes causes a reaction as close to panic as you're likely to witness. Supervisors called for, calculators unearthed, exchange rate computed and then there is change to be given in TT$, which often means a reversed calculation

.

The TT$ is linked in value to the US$, so the current strength of the pound still gives you more bang for your buck.

Best options are to take some TT$, obtainable from your UK bank - £100 worth should be enough, then use the ATMs (see list of ATM points in the Odds & Sods drop-down in the header bar, then select the Money Matters section) to with draw further cash as required. Most large stores and restaurants accept major credit cards as a payment method too.

You may wish to take some US$ travellers cheques as back-up though and these can be returned to your bank if unused or kept for future use.

Hope this helps

Cheers
The other Steve P

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:27 am

I agree with Steve.I usually take TT$2000 in cash£100 in TC and go to ATMs for cash.More and more smaller outlets and most restaurants are taking cards as moreof the locals are being paid directly into banks or credit unions
David

(135dtg)

Steve P · Post by **Steve P** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:44 am

Thanks to both of you

Dr Stefan Rustscheff · Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:23 pm

I would like to remind You that You can buy TT´s cheaply through Travelex and if You are a BA points collector will get miles for the transaction AND miles for the amount of money spent on the card if paid by a BA visa card. I also use the ATM but will generally order 4000 TT´s through Travelex first. Bon voyage!

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:36 pm

SO........... from US... if I use an ATM there which bucks come out???

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:16 pm

the local machines only give you local dollars (TT$) most of them up to 3000 at the time. some you can use again right away...seems to depend on card and bank...

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:49 pm

Thanks,,, but would get better exchange at bank???

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:24 pm

the bank cost you a long tome (and since you are here so short you don't want to waste a moment). you cen stand in line between ine and two hours, happens all the time... some places you can pay with US and they would give you change in TT$... in the bigger supermarkets and some accommodations you can also pay with credit card...
have a good time

Ronald · Post by **Ronald** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:28 am

It might be 2-3 persons in line in the morning when the bank open, but later on the que can be very long.

Some shops accept creditcards but not all of them. Penny Savers in Canaan accept Visa and MasterCard, but you need an ID with photo, i.e. passport, to be allowed to use the card.

Some places are used to accept USD but they give you TTD back. Mostly their exchange rate isn´t up to the bank eighter.

The exchange rate for a card used into an ATM depends on your bank at home, the ATM only asking for how much TTD you want, they don´t show exchange rate.

Phil Bondie · Post by **Phil Bondie** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:54 am

If you are only going to stay for a week it would probably be best to use the exchanges if you are going to take US$ or travelers checks. Or the ATM's if you don't take cash but the ATM"s have fees at your bank at home.

I never have found it easy to get TT $ in the US to take ahead of time.

If I don't have alot of TT's left from the last trip I always exchange US for TT at the airport in Trinidad. The money exchange is after immigration and before you get your bags and customs. It is on the right just before the mens room if I remember right. To make it easy I always just figure 6 TT to the US$. The rate changes from 6 to 6.3 so the difference is like .05 cents. I usually change $200 to tide me over. If you do this be sure and ask for at least 100TT$ in twenties, 200 is better. If you don't they will give it all to you in 100TT$ bills. In the north it is really hard to get change for a 100TT bill. Nobody ever seems to have enough small bills to make change.

There is also an exchange place across the street at the airport in Tobago. Sometimes when I pick my wife up I will use this place if I need some TT. It is next to one of the banks inside on the left end of the building across from the terminal. The bank always has a line and usually no one at the exchange. Although I have never been there when Virgin or one of the other big planes come in. Remember to get twenties.

One year I used the ATM only. The fees killed me, but I stay for along time and used it alot.

Now I take Travelers Checks and spend the time in line at the bank once or twice a month. I will get at least 1000TT in twenties.

I have never used a credit card for anything except my lodging and I only stay at one place. In the North not alot of places take credit cards even if they have the sign. It is always broke.

If you try and use US$ or try to exchange at stores in the north you may only get 5.5 or 5.7 to the $.

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Currency to take - US$ or not

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