Port-of-Spain Travel Forum

I will be visiting Port of Spain with my wife and my child on work. My work is scheduled to run for a period of more than 1 year. I would like to know a few things to be prepared.

1. Whats the weather scene during the year starting say June ? ( I know that region is tropical but if someone could be a little more specific on the temp and rainy months etc i could be more prepared )

2. What is the average expense for a couple with a 4 year old child (who needs to be put in a school) in Port of Spain for a month ? Pls tell me for all exp incl. - veg food, local travel, household goods, toiletries etc.

3. How good is Port of Spain as a shopping destination ?

4. What are the chances of my wife getting a job there ? She would be there on a dependant visa. Can she work part time ( in an office ) somewhere ? If yes, what is the avg she can earn in a week ?

5. Would my work permit allow me to travel to the rest of the carribean ?

6. How about the schooling for my 4 year old kid? Any good schools.

6. What are the important things to note immediately on my arrival there for the first month ?

BGS

i see that you have not had a response as yet so i will try to answer some of your questions. i lived and worked in trinidad for a year so my feedback comes from that perspective.

the weather from spring through fall has more rainfall than the winter months but it's not each and every day. there are spells when it will rain for a few days at a time, followed by beautiful sunshine for a few days at a time...not very predictable i'm afraid. nonetheless, temps are not that much different, slightly hotter / more humid than oct - apr but not excessively so. the average temperature year round is 30 - 33...give or take.

don't know much about schooling costs but know that there is the "american school" in westmooring (which is where i lived). it has a good reputation and i'm sure you can find some info on the web if you do a search for that.

food costs in the grocery stores (which are varied and many) were similar if not slightly less than the costs back home (i live in toronto). local produce, fish etc. are cheaper than here...imports are more. if you are prone to stopping at a roadside market or fish stall, you'll pay next to nothing in comparison. alcohol is much less everywhere - either in the store or in a bar.
toiletries are approx the same cost as here as well. oh yes, there is also a pricesmart store (i.e. costco) in port of spain where i used to buy all my meat and look for imported foodstuffs...it's set up the same with optical, tire etc. as the ones here.

shopping is great in trinidad...downtown is interesting - i would stick to frederick street until you know your way around. there are many malls with top rate stores and product...west mall, long circular mall, grand bazaar to name 3. you'll get some great deals and women's / kids clothing maybe even a little less than back home.

wages are low there for nationals so even if your wife found work, it wouldn't pay much unless she did something through one of the major banks, insurance co, university etc.

i don't know where you're writing from so i can't comment on your work permit and travel. if you are travelling from the u.s. or canada or the u.k., you can travel anywhere in the caribbean on your passport. be sure to bring your work letter / permit along with you in and out of the airport in trinidad.

accommodation - you would probably feel most comfortable in westmoorings or st. annes however these areas can be quite pricey.

important things to note...like anywhere that is new and unfamiliar, be cautious. trinidad is a third world country but one of the best experiences of my life so i would not hesitate to say go...enjoy...get to know the locals. find friends at work who may have friends that will show you around. don't be afraid to ask questions - the trinidadian people are incredibly kind and gracious. i'm sure you will have a wonderful experience and i wish you well. feel free to email me with any other questions.

Hi

I'm just browsing through the forum and notice you and your family are relocating to Trinidad in June. We too are relocating in August, could I ask a few questions:

1. How have you found the weather and what kind of clothing should we take (just summer clothes or our wellies as well?)
2. How good is the shopping and is it expensive ie food, toiletries and clothing.
3. What are the roads like, will it be safe for us to drive around (especially a female on her own)?
4. Has your wife had any luck in securing a job yet and if so, how did she go about it? I too will need to do this when we get over there.
5. Do you have any important tips for when we first arrive?

Many thanks