💰 Quick Context: The Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
Trinidad and Tobago uses the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD / TT$). The rate is roughly 6.8 TTD = $1 USD. For quick math, divide by 7 to estimate US dollars (TT$70 is about $10). A coffee costs TT$15–40, a restaurant meal TT$60–200, and a hotel night TT$500–3,000. Trinidad is moderately card-friendly in Port of Spain and main commercial areas, but Tobago is more cash-dependent, especially outside Crown Point. Carnival season sees more cash transactions.
🎧 Order Trinidad and Tobago Dollar Before You Fly
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Order TTD → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad is a mix of modern and traditional when it comes to payments. Port of Spain and larger commercial areas handle cards well, but smaller towns and most of Tobago lean heavily on cash.
Cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping malls in Port of Spain and San Fernando. Cash is preferred for maxi-taxis (shared taxis), doubles vendors, market stalls, smaller restaurants, Tobago village shops, and Carnival food and drink vendors.
Tobago is more cash-reliant. While Crown Point (near the airport) has card-accepting hotels and restaurants, much of Tobago still runs on cash. How much to carry: TT$200–500 is a good daily backup. Bring extra if visiting Tobago or attending Carnival events.
How to Get TT Dollars for Your Trinidad and Tobago Trip
Trinidad and Tobago uses the TT dollar (currently floating at roughly TTD 6.8 per USD). Trinidad is the more developed of the two islands: cards work in Port of Spain at the Hyatt Regency, every Hi-Lo and Massy supermarket, the Movietowne mall, and most upscale restaurants. Tobago leans more cash-heavy except at Crown Point and a few of the larger Pigeon Point area resorts. Cash is essential for maxi-taxis (shared taxis), doubles vendors at corners across Trinidad (the famous chickpea-and-roti street food), Carnival events, market stalls, smaller restaurants, and Tobago village shops. Two cheap routes for getting TT dollars: pre-order before takeoff or pull from a Republic Bank or Scotiabank ATM after landing.
Order TT dollars before you fly
For pre-arrival TTD, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange may stock TT dollars on request, with insured 2–5 day delivery. Most US home banks generally do not stock TTD. Trinidad and Tobago-specific perk: Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago is part of the Bank of America Global ATM Alliance, so once you land, BoA debit users withdraw at any Scotiabank T&T branch ATM with no operator fee and no BoA non-network surcharge. The cleanest setup for most T&T trips: a Wise card for hotel and restaurant card payments, plus a small CEI envelope of TTD or pulls from Scotiabank ATMs for doubles, maxi-taxis, and Carnival cash.
Withdraw from a TT bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of TT dollars is one of the major bank ATMs. Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago, Republic Bank, RBC Royal Bank Trinidad and Tobago, and First Citizens Bank all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most don't add their own operator fee for foreign cards. Withdrawal limits run roughly TTD 2,000–4,000 per transaction. ATMs cluster around Port of Spain (Independence Square, Movietowne, Long Circular Mall), San Fernando, and at POS (Piarco International) airport arrivals. Tobago coverage concentrates in Crown Point, Scarborough, and around the Pigeon Point resort strip. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a Scotiabank T&T withdrawal will actually cost on your card? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & resort exchange windows
Three traps to walk past in Trinidad and Tobago. The currency-exchange counters in arrivals at POS (Piarco International) and TAB (A.N.R. Robinson Tobago) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the interbank rate. The exchange windows inside Tobago resort lobbies bake the markup into the rate. And the standalone independent ATMs at smaller hotel arcades layer DCC pitches and operator fees on top. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at Scotiabank, Republic Bank, RBC, or First Citizens; decline DCC; and remember Scotiabank is your free option if you carry a BoA card. Trinidad and Tobago does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-TTD timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Trinidad & Tobago
Local banks operate ATMs across both islands. These machines typically do not charge an operator fee for foreign card withdrawals, though your home bank may charge its own foreign transaction fee. Always choose TTD when prompted.
Republic Bank
The largest bank in Trinidad and Tobago with the most extensive ATM network. You will find Republic Bank ATMs in Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas, and across both islands, including at major shopping centres.
Recommended
First Citizens Bank
A major local bank with good ATM coverage across Trinidad and a growing presence in Tobago. First Citizens ATMs are found in commercial areas and shopping centres.
Recommended
Scotiabank Trinidad
A reliable international bank with strong ATM coverage. Scotiabank machines accept international cards well and are found in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and key locations across both islands.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
When an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD instead of TTD, always decline. Choosing USD means accepting a 3–8% markup hidden in their exchange rate. This can occur at tourist-area ATMs, particularly in Tobago and around hotels. Always select "TTD" or "local currency" at every prompt.
ATMs to Avoid in Trinidad & Tobago
Independent ATMs can be found near hotels, cruise terminals, and shopping plazas. They often charge extra fees and may push DCC with poor exchange rates. Stick to the bank ATMs listed above.
Standalone Tourist-Area ATMs
Unbranded machines near hotels, cruise terminals, and tourist shops. These typically charge TT$20–50 per withdrawal and may offer unfavorable exchange rates through DCC. Walk to a Republic Bank or Scotiabank ATM instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Trinidad & Tobago
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and shops in Port of Spain and San Fernando. American Express is accepted at larger hotels and some upscale restaurants, but many businesses do not take it. Do not rely on Amex as your only card. Discover has very limited acceptance and is not recommended as a travel card here.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless payments are available in Port of Spain and at larger businesses, chain restaurants, and shopping malls. In Tobago, contactless is less common outside Crown Point, so expect to use chip-and-PIN or cash. Apple Pay and Google Pay have limited but growing acceptance at modern terminals in Port of Spain and larger retailers.
Where Cards May Not Work
Maxi-taxis run on fixed routes across Trinidad and are strictly cash-only. Doubles vendors selling the national street food (TT$5–10 each) always require cash. Market stalls in Port of Spain and across both islands are cash-only. Tobago village shops outside Crown Point typically require cash. During Carnival, food, drinks, and costume deposits are largely cash transactions.
Tipping in Trinidad & Tobago
Tipping Guide
At restaurants, 10–15% is standard if a service charge is not already included in the bill. Check your receipt first. At cafés and casual spots, no tip is expected, though leaving small change is fine. Hotel porters receive TT$10–20 per bag. Tour guides receive TT$50–100 for a full-day tour. Taxi drivers do not expect tips for regular trips, though rounding up is a nice gesture for longer rides.
Port of Spain, Tobago & Carnival: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
Carnival is the biggest event, held in February or March. It draws huge crowds, so bring extra cash for food, drinks, and fete (party) entrance fees. USD is widely accepted at hotels and some restaurants, but you will get a better rate using TTD from a bank ATM.
Crown Point is the most card-friendly part of Tobago. The area near ANR Robinson International Airport has the best card infrastructure on the island. Maxi-taxis have fixed routes and cash-only fares. These shared minibuses are the main public transport in Trinidad, so know your route and have small bills ready. Doubles (curried chickpeas in fried bread) cost TT$5–10 each and are found everywhere, always cash-only.
Pigeon Point Beach, Tobago's most popular beach, has an entrance fee of TT$20–30. Airport ATMs at Piarco International Airport (POS) in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB) in Tobago are available in arrivals areas. Use these instead of exchange counters.
Money Safety in Trinidad & Tobago
Staying Safe
Use caution in parts of Port of Spain at night. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping centres during daytime hours. Tobago is very safe. Petty theft can happen anywhere, but Tobago has a relaxed, low-crime atmosphere overall.
Carry a second card in case your primary one has issues. Let your bank know you are visiting Trinidad and Tobago before departure. Caribbean transactions can trigger fraud holds, especially during Carnival season when spending patterns spike. Republic Bank ATMs dispense up to TT$3,000 per transaction (about $440), so one withdrawal covers several days of local spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use US dollars in Trinidad and Tobago?
Hotels and some restaurants accept US dollars, but you will get a better exchange rate by using TTD from a local bank ATM. The official rate is roughly 6.8 TTD per 1 USD. Paying in USD at businesses usually means accepting a less favorable rate set by the merchant.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Tobago?
Crown Point near the airport has the best card infrastructure on Tobago, with hotels and restaurants accepting Visa and Mastercard. Outside Crown Point, much of Tobago is cash-dependent. Village shops, local restaurants, and transport all require cash.
How much cash do I need for Carnival?
Bring extra cash beyond your normal daily budget. Food, drinks, and fete (party) entrance fees during Carnival are largely cash transactions. TT$500–1,000 per day for Carnival activities is a reasonable estimate on top of your accommodation costs.
Do ATMs in Trinidad charge fees for foreign cards?
Local bank ATMs (Republic Bank, First Citizens, Scotiabank) typically do not charge an operator fee for foreign card withdrawals. However, your home bank may charge its own foreign transaction fee. Always choose TTD when the ATM asks about currency.
What are maxi-taxis in Trinidad?
Maxi-taxis are shared minibuses that run on fixed routes across Trinidad. They are the main public transport and are strictly cash-only. Fares are low (usually TT$5–15 depending on distance). Have small bills ready as drivers may not have change for large notes.
Is tipping expected in Trinidad and Tobago?
At restaurants, 10–15% is standard if a service charge is not already included. Check your receipt first. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, though rounding up is a nice gesture. Hotel porters receive TT$10–20 per bag, and tour guides appreciate TT$50–100 for a full-day tour.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend TT dollars like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card (contactless) | Best (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★★★☆ | Hotels, restaurants, shops in Port of Spain |
| Local bank ATMs (Republic, First Citizens, etc.) | Low (no operator fee, fair rate) | ★★★★★ | Cash for Tobago, Carnival, maxi-taxis, doubles |
| Standalone / tourist-area ATMs | High (fees + poor rates + DCC) | ★★★☆☆ | Never recommended |
| Airport exchange counters | High (5–12% markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Trinidad & Tobago Quick Facts
| Currency | Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD / TT$). ~6.8 TTD = $1 USD |
| Cash vs. Card | Moderately card-friendly in Port of Spain. More cash-dependent in Tobago |
| Best ATMs | Republic Bank, First Citizens Bank, Scotiabank Trinidad |
| Contactless | Available in Port of Spain and larger businesses. Less common in Tobago |
| Card Acceptance | Good in Port of Spain and San Fernando. Less reliable in Tobago outside Crown Point |
| Tipping | 10–15% at restaurants if service charge not included |
| DCC Risk | Possible at tourist-area ATMs. Always choose TTD |
| Best Strategy | No-FX-fee card for hotels and shops. Bank ATM cash for Tobago, Carnival, and street food |