Questions from a Newbie bound for the Sea Breeze

[JohnW]

As a starter I'd like to say what a fantastic site for anyone considering visiting Tobago. When I set out to do some research, I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would find so much relevant information all in one place - brilliant.

We've never been to Tobago, never even been to the Caribbean area (being a pair of Greek freaks!). However we fancied doing something very different.

Our plan at the moment is to Fly to Tobago next March or April (2011) and have 4 days in the Crown Point area (probably at the Conrado) and then to decamp to Trinidad for 3 days to visit the Asa Wright Centre. We would then return to Tobago to Castara and look to stay at Alibaba's Sea Breeze and make the aquaintance of Brian and Steph.

The main unanswered question is how much spending money per week would be needed for 2 adults, eating out most of the time and stopping for a cold beer now and again?

[Steve Wooler]

Welcome aboard, John - particularly as I think you are our first member from the Isle of Man.

That's a very difficult question to answer as so much will depend upon your standards and expectations. The nearest guide I can give is to say budget the same amount that you would if you were doing the same activities/dining out as at home on the Isle of Man. It won't be hugely out.

[JohnW]

Thanks for the quick and practical response Steve.

[Dianne K]

We stay in Castara yearly-most often at the Sea Breeze. I would suggest that you plan to have a sufficient stash of cash when in Castara as the ATM doesn't accept foreign cards and many restaurants, bars, etc. generally don't take credit cards.
In US dollars, a beer (Carib is our choice) runs about $1.50 and a dinner at the Boat House, Margarite's or the Coffee Shop is approximately $10-$ 15.00.
Enjoy your trip.
Dianne

[JohnW]

Thanks for the info Dianne, always useful to knoe the price of a cold beer - thanks again.

[Joanne Green]

Hi Dianne-
You stated that the Castara ATM doesn't accept foreign debit cards. We've used our card at both Roxbury and Charlotteville with no problems. Is the Castara one a different bank?

Joanne

[Ronald]

Hi

I dont know if this is the reason but..
I know that some banks sometimes are blocking the use of their cards when used abroad, if the person doesn´t tell the bank in advance, that they will be visiting an other country.

Ronald

[Dianne K]

Joanne, I don't recall which bank the ATM in Castara is from. II have heard from those that have tried to use it that its often out of money-so we simply plan to get our money elsewhere. We have had success with the ATM machine at the airport.
Dianne

[Brian Taylor]

just had guests that got money from the ATM in castara. it is the same bank as the one in charlotteville, but seems like the one here gets empty quicker. sometimes if there is not much monay left it starts just to give it to local linx cards.... to be sure it i better to get some cash on the way from the airport already...

[Phil Bondie]

Had a couple come up here to Charlottevile on Thursday last who had their card eaten by the ATM in Castara. They said 2 other couples could not get their cards back either. They were told when calling the bank that they would have to go to Trinidad to get it back. They canceled the card and now are worrying about how to get money. The ATM in C-ville seems to be working OK. Phil

[Brian Taylor]

wow, did not hear about that at all. our guests seem to have been the happy receivers of money and their cards!

[Phil Bondie]

Hi Steph, I wondered if what I was told was true at first. The couple who came up have been to Tobago 3 or 4 times before and I have known them for a couple of years so I beleive it did happen at least to them. It was at the end of their stay in Castara. I have had my own card eaten at the ATM at the airport a few years ago but got it back in a couple of days. When the machine is acting up here in C-ville sometimes a card will not work and then the next one will and then trying the first again it may work. You never know. Phil

[Brian Taylor]

meanwhile I heard that it was happening one evening until the girl who cleans the machine here in castara warned people not to use it again...really have to find out the procedure if cards get eaten...anyone has a better connection to first citisen bank than we have...???

[Andy D]

I've never used a card in Tobago,I tend to just go to one of the banks in Scarborough and change up whatever cash I need from GBP to TT's. I don't relish the thought of one of the machines dining on my plastic!

[Steve Bond]

Hi Phil - I reckon you're talking about us? I've just posted comments re the Castara ATM on another thread. Yes, it refused to give the card back even when giving the message 'Please remove your card' towards the end of the transaction. My bank was aware of being abroad and it should have worked, I'd already used it on landing near the airport. The First Citizens in Scarborough were not helpful and as soon as one teller volunteered that it would go to Trini, I cancelled the card. The machine also took the card of 2 others we met in Castara. The First Citzens in Charlotteville worked OK - I now just have to pay the extra interest on the 'other' cc I ended up using. My advice in Castara would be to ask the ladies in the gift shop opposite if there have been any problems before risking it.
Tell Curtis I'm working on the photos.........