myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Does anyone out there know how to know if your paying the right price for things or if your being robbed for no other reason than being a tourist? Does anyone know what the typical price in TT dolars should be for certain things? Does anyone know of a website maybe that has a typical pricing list or does anyone know from personal experience what things should cost?
Examples:soda, renting a car, food, etc..

Oh dear, oh dear! It looks like you have spent far too long in NYC, Michael. Tobago may be just the place, as long as cynicism doesn’t spoil it for you. How do ANY of us know? Maybe Steve and his trusty band of readers should meet you at the airport and hold your hand throughout. Have a great trip though.

... Given Tobago has very little industry other than tourism is it really a problem ? - just look on it as putting something back into the local economy! (much nicer way than being taxed to death don't you think?)
Yes a two tier pricing policy operates on some items, - hopefully Tobago will soon have you so relaxed you'll quit worrying about such things!

michael daniel wrote:Does anyone out there know how to know if your paying the right price for things or if your being robbed for no other reason than being a tourist? Does anyone know what the typical price in TT dolars should be for certain things? Does anyone know of a website maybe that has a typical pricing list or does anyone know from personal experience what things should cost?
Examples:soda, renting a car, food, etc..

Hi Michael,

I think there are three price groups in Tobago. Price for locals, price for Trinidadians and price for tourists.
You only know whether you are paying the "right" price by talking to others and gaining experience during your visit.
BUT - I dont think you can really define a "right" price.

Shopping for food and groceries is okay because you can use the supermarkets where the price is usually on an item, and everyone pays the same.Some supermarkets are cheaper than others.

Keep in mind that Tobago is one of the less expensive caribbean islands.
I would not call it being robbed , if you are charged extra as a tourist. After all, our pounds and American dollars go a long way.
If you are thinking about the cost of tours, boat trips, diving, car hire etc
Then you can shop around there is competition in most areas. You can try negotiating lower prices.

When we visit , we have a fairly limited budget, but we have found we have a great time. I cannot give you a list of prices and I dont know of any website that does.
You will soon get to know the place.

Hope you enjoy your visit.

Just felt I ought to put my two cents-worth in here.

I don’t think Michael was accusing Tobagonians of being robbers – I’m sure he was talking generally. I assume he’s never been to the island, so we must give him the benefit of the doubt.

Michael, it would obviously be reckless of me to suggest that everyone on Tobago is honest, but it is certainly not a place that would enter my thoughts when thinking of rip-off places. In comparison to New York (or London) the local population are total amateurs in the rip-off stakes. Yes, some businesses operate a two-tier pricing structure, charging visitors more than locals. If you come across any, please let us know – we will ‘out’ them on this site. Yes, in the market places you will undoubtedly be given a higher price than would be given to a local, but haggle a bit (in a nice and friendly, jocular way) and you will be surprised at what a pleasant and social experience it can be. Particularly in the markets, the prices will invariably be much lower than you are used to, so as Sue says, what does it matter if you put a bit back into the local economy. You’ll be ending up with a bargain, either way.

Although I would agree on the whole with the comments made by others here about prices in Tobago and the necessity to just take a laid back attitude, I did find it slightly surprising and unnerving initially that so many shops, restaurants and services did not have published prices. I suppose the only option is to use this website and guides like The Rough Guide to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay.
On a similar theme, I did find myself wondering about the prices charged for some of the tours. They were about the same as I would expect to pay in UK or US where salaries are much higher. Somewhere on this website, Steve, you've mentioned that the average hourly wage in Tobago is very low. Do those working for tourism companies earn substantially more? If not, then those who run the companies are certainly getting rich, but I wonder how much of that wealth filters down to ordinary Tobagonians.
Linda

Hi Linda

I wouldn’t read anything into prices not being displayed. It’s more about lack of organisation and economy than any attempt to rip tourists off.

I’ve never visited a ‘good’ restaurant on Tobago that doesn’t list prices. Yes, small Creole restaurants, like Jemma’s, don’t publish prices – but they don’t publish menus. There’s no need when you only offer four or five dishes. Anyway, where would they get the menus printed? I bet you didn’t notice any print shops while driving around Tobago. This is not a cunning plan to deceive tourists; it’s simply a product of the environment.

At the end of the day, the price you pay is what it is worth to you. It’s a simple enough currency conversion, particularly for Brits, so you should instantly know whether an item is worth the price being asked. If not, simply go elsewhere.

The minimum labour rate on Tobago is TT$8 (approx US$1.30/£0.80) per hour. Most waiting staff and chambermaids, etc., will be on this wage. Office staff, tour guides and other white collar workers are obviously on higher wages.

Yes, tours and similar services are relatively expensive. This is a product of market size. Tobago handled around 40,000 visitors last year – that’s an average of just 110 new arrivals per day. The vast majority of those come between January and April. For four peak months of the year, the tour services work their butts off. For the other eight months of the year, they twiddle their thumbs. The staff still has to be paid. The offices still have to stay open and the rent and electricity paid. Many don’t even break even. Like many seasonal occupations, they make good money for a short period of time. This then has to be budgeted across the rest of the year. We have lots of similar occupations here in the UK. The difference is that in the UK you can invariably turn to something else at the end of the season. On Tobago there is simply nothing else.

Despite this, many are getting rich on Tobago – but more in quality of life than financially.

Well said Steve, Icould not have done better myself. Your response could only have come from indept research and visits to Tobago,and a true understanding of the culture.

You know what, maybe I am slightly cynical, but I don't think I'm way off base.

#1 If my currency goes farther, I do not believe that should necessarily mean I should be charged more. We don't charge Brits more in the US for stuff because the pound is worth more. And when I was in England I didn't expect a lower rate because my dollar was worth less. It was what it was.

#2 That money doesn't necessarily get put back into the economy. The owners of some of those places don't even live in tobago. So I'm not too sold on the "I'm putting back into tobago" theory. However, I am an okay tipper. My average TIP =$5.00 US which would be $30 TT+. In that way I know it IS going back to the people of Tobago. Why? Because I have put it in their hands!

#5 Some hotels charged almost 3 times more to americans and Brits than they do locals. $100 US per night for locals and $300 US per night for Tourist. That's PER NIGHT! Now tell me, how is that fair? How am I putting back into the economy? When People go to Pigeon point, is that money going back to the economy or Mr. Sagba and Co.? ( By the way, Great site Stieve - Very informative too. Me and my wife have already decided not to go to Pigeon point. What a tragedy!!! Imagine not being able to walk on your own beach!)

I don't think I'm cynical as much as I am familiar with market segmentation. By the way, NY ain't so bad (whoever said that up top).
Let me acknowledge that I agree with Stieve in that, I don't think their plan is to swindle anyone. It's just business. Everyone I've spoken too including where I will be staying have been exceptional and welcoming. Wonderful people! And I promise you, my tipping will reflect that. But please don't say it's because I'm from NYC and I think everyone is out to get me. Please!! that's crazy. I'm a person who understands business and business practices.

This last thought is for Stieve, I must say, this website is fabulous!! I mean abosoulutely fabulous!!! You must hear this a lot so sorry if I'm annoying you further. This site is a success story. Your level of readership is unbelievable, and it's probably because you do it for the right reasons.
Please keep up the good service. I almost feel guilty that I don't have to pay a subscriber fee or something.

Hi Michael

Thanks for your kind words. It certainly doesn't annoy to hear it - it simply spurs us on and makes the effort worthwhile.

I totally endorse your criticism of the ‘local’ rate charged by hotels. This practise is common to ALL hotels and guesthouses on Tobago. Whilst I condemn and abhor it, I also understand it.

We must remember that the average ‘local’ (i.e. Trinidad) visitor earns a fraction of the salary levels of Europe/North America. Tobago is the summer holiday destination of choice for most Trinidadians. However, their custom would not in itself be enough to keep the hotels going, or to encourage hoteliers to open international-class establishments. Neither could the average Trinidadian afford the international rates that these hotels charge us. It’s a chicken and egg situation in some ways.

It’s not fair, I grant you, but understandable. Yes, we are subsidising the local visitor. I admit that this does stick in my throat, because Trinidad has done precious little for Tobago, so it offends my sensibilities to be putting something back into Trinidadian pockets (no personal disrespect to Trinidadians meant). However, without the lower local rates, the hotels would have to close for the summer and the charges in the winter would have to be much higher. Complex issue!