myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

having travelled extensively to many third world countries where street robberies and beach robberies are (arguably) more likely to happen to the average tourist, I hope the following advice will be useful to anyone who is not particularly widely travelled to such parts.

1. never wear flash jewellry when out and about, in fact leave it at home.
2. if you have an expensive watch for example, consider buying a cheap one from the market before you go and leave the good one at home
3. never have more money with you than you need when out and about and ensure the remainder is safely locked in a hotel safe deposit box
4. never leave valuables, cameras etc on the beach when swimming
5. never leave anything of value on show in a car - always lock them away
6. awful to say but treat eveyone with some degree of suspicion, particularly younger people or people in pairs or small groups who approach you
7. wear a money belt
8. never carry your passport and travel documents with you when out and about unless it is absolutely necessary
9. dont wear designer gear - keep your clothing understated and 'dress down'
10. think about taking a personal attack alarm with you or a whistle to attract attention - particularly if you are unfortunate to get attacked or robbed and for some reason cannot summon assistance easily
11. always take travellers cheques and never large amounts of cash
12. divide your belongings up into 2 suitcases - that way if one is stolen or lost , one of you isnt nude for the whole holiday!
13. keep your wits about you whilst you are relaxing on holiday paying particular attention to your wallets, purses and cameras.

im sure there are loads more i could think of but i reckon thats enough to be going on with - i hope they help

Hi Colin

Thank you - that's a very userful list. In fact, with your permission I'm going to include that on our 'Personal Security' article on the main site.

yes of course you can use it - perhaps it could be a good idea to give people the option of adding to the list if they come up with any ideas themselves?

A couple of friends have told me that they have seen Foriegn Office advice to avoid Tobago, recently printed in the press.

I therefore checked out the F.O's web-site and found the following, dated 17/09/04:

Trinidad and Tobago
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

SUMMARY· There is no recent history of terrorism but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.
While most visits to Trinidad and Tobago are trouble-free, visitors should be aware that there are increasing levels of violent crime.·
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.

SAFETY AND ECURITY
TerrorismThere has been no recent history of terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, although an Islamic group, the Jamaat Al Muslimeen, attempted to overthrow the government by force in 1990.
We believe Trinidad and Tobago to be one of a number of countries where there may be an increased terrorist threat. You should exercise vigilance, particularly in public places such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Please read: "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages on the FCO website for further information and advice.

Trinidad Crime
Sensible precautions should be taken against theft, which can be a problem at night in parts of downtown Port of Spain and in other urban areas. You should stick to main tourist areas. Do not resist robbers or muggers.Particular care should be taken when travelling from Piarco Airport, as there have been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars and attack their victims when they reach their destination.You should not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery.
Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports.Kidnappings have been a problem in Trinidad since mid 2002. The incidence of kidnappings continues to be a major concern. These do not appear in general to be targeted at non-residents but you should be aware of the problem and take sensible precautions.

Tobago Crime
There has been a recent and ongoing spate of serious robberies against tourists in Tobago. Some of these incidents have been accompanied by violence, including rape, against foreign nationals. These attacks, which have for the most part targeted privately rented villas in the south west area, are currently being investigated by the Tobago police, and the government are urgently stepping up security in that part of the island. Where possible, visitors should ensure that security officers are present at such villas, to provide protection day and night.

Crime against tourists in Tobago remains a problem.
Be alert. You should take sensible precautions. Do not visit isolated beaches. Use taxis after dark. If in doubt, you should consult the tour operator or hotel staff.You should not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports. Photocopies of valuables such as passports, tickets, driving licence and travellers cheques should be kept separately. Country areas are best visited in groups. At tourist attractions, use official guides and agree a price before you set off.
On your day of departure, ask your hotel to store your belongings until airport check-in time.

Road Travel
The standard of driving in Trinidad and Tobago is poor. Road accidents leading to fatalities are a regular occurrence. Some of the roads are narrow and winding and the surface of a low standard. When hiring a car, you should drive with care.Use taxis after dark.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Drug traffickers face severe penalties in Trinidad and Tobago. The authorities are very alert to the carriage of illicit drugs of any kind and checks are thorough. You should pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items which do not belong to you.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British visitors do not need visas to enter Trinidad and Tobago. Visitors are generally given 90 days to remain in the country but extensions can be obtained from the Passport and Immigration Department, 67 Frederick Street, Port of Spain.

HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.There is a very high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in all the Caribbean islands, including Trinidad and Tobago. You should take precautions to avoid exposure to it.

Dengue fever has become a problem in recent years particularly in the wet season – May to December. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is on the increase. You can minimise exposure to mosquito bites by using repellents.In some areas, medical facilities can be limited and may not be up to UK standards. Private clinics are able to treat most ordinary problems, but there may be a need for medevac to Miami or elsewhere in cases of serious accident or illness. You should check that your insurance covers this.For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at http://www.dh.gov.uk.

NATURAL DISASTERS
Hurricane Ivan passed to the north of Tobago on 7 September. Reports suggest some damage and disruption. If you are travelling to Tobago, you should check with your airline/travel agent before departure.If staying on Tobago, you should continue to listen carefully to information given on the national radio and television stations and follow the advice of hosts or hotel management.

OTHER
Trinidad and Tobago Country ProfileCONTACT DETAILS Address: British High Commission19 St Clair Avenue St Clair Port of SpainTrinidad
Telephone: (00) (1) (868) 622 2748
(00) (1) (868) 622 8960/61/62
(00) (1) (868) 622 8985/86
(00) (1) (868) 628 1234
(00) (1) 628 1068

Facsimile: (00) (1) (868) 622 4555 General/Management
(00) (1) (868) 622 9087 Commercial
(00) (1) (868) 628-3064 Consular
(00) (1) 628 8715 Chancery

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: GMT:Mon-Thurs: 1130-1600 / 1700-2000Fri: 1130-1630Local Time:Mon-Thurs: 0730-1200 / 1300-1600Fri: 0730-1230
Website: Trinidad & Tobago: British High Commission Port of Spain

See Also: Travellers' Tips: Trinidad and Tobago UK Overseas Mission: Trinidad and Tobago

that's cheery then!
I bet the same report can be read if you search under most countries - at the end of the day its all just common sense isnt it?!

You're quite right on both counts Colin.

Most of the warnings could be transposed to almost any destination world-wide. The T&T info. is pretty generic, but worth heading none the less.

With regard to your comment on common sense - you'd be surprised how many people leave theirs in the departure lounge at Gatwick.
Numurous posts attest to the care-free holiday coming a cropper, due to the relaxation of the usual precautions, that one takes for granted back home.

Cheers
Steve