- Currency Name
- Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
- Local Currency
- TTD
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: travelwithhello.com, firstcitizensgroup.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Visa is your most reliable card in Port of Spain; Mastercard is widely accepted but less dominant.
- Withdraw larger ATM amounts at once to minimize per-transaction fees.
- USD is accepted in some places but at unfavorable exchange rates—pay in TTD when possible for better value.
- Carry cash for street food, public transport, and smaller local vendors.
- Count your change carefully in crowded markets to avoid short-changing.
- Unlicensed taxis (without an 'H' on the license plate) may overcharge tourists significantly; use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- A 10% service charge is typically added automatically to restaurant bills; additional tipping is appreciated but not expected, as it is not traditional in Trinidad.
ATM Network
- Availability
- ATMs (locally called 'ABMs') are plentiful in urban Port of Spain.
- Foreign Card Support
- VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted at ATMs; American Express and Discover are not supported.
- Withdrawal Fees Local
- TTD 20
ATMs typically charge foreign transaction fees ranging from TTD $20 to $40 per withdrawal.
- Safety Note
- Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit shopping centers rather than isolated street-side machines.
Currency Name
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
Tipping Norms
- Taxi Drivers
- Rounding up the fare is standard practice.
- Hotel Porters
- TTD 10
- Restaurant Service Charge
- TTD 10
A 10% service charge is automatically added to bills in most sit-down restaurants.
- General Note
- Unlike Tobago, tipping in Trinidad has never been part of the culture and is not expected, though it is appreciated if offered.
Additional Tip For Exceptional Service
- Percentage
- 5-10%
- Currency
- cash
- Description
- If service was exceptional, it is customary to leave an additional 5-10% in cash for the server.
Local Currency
TTD
Card Acceptance
- Note
- Smaller establishments, local shops, street food vendors, and rural areas typically require cash. Carry identification (passport or photo ID) when paying by credit card in supermarkets and stores.
Visa
- Status
- Widely accepted
- Description
- Visa is widely accepted in Port of Spain at shopping malls, supermarkets, mid-to-high-range restaurants, and most major establishments.
Mastercard
- Status
- Widely accepted
- Description
- Mastercard is widely accepted in Port of Spain, though less dominant than Visa.
American Express
- Status
- limited
- Description
- American Express is accepted in larger hotels but not widely elsewhere in Port of Spain.
Mobile Payments
- Status
- emerging
- Details
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted at major retailers in Port of Spain but are not yet universal. Physical cards remain the primary backup.
US Dollar Acceptance
- Caveat
- Many businesses accept USD, but the exchange rate offered to tourists is unfavorable. Paying in TTD yields better value.
- Accepted
- Yes
Banking
- Overview
- Well-developed banking sector with eight licensed commercial banks offering personal, business, and digital services; non-residents can open accounts but typically require in-person branch visits
- Banking Hours
- Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; closed weekends
Account Features
- Currency
- Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) and USD-denominated accounts
- Minimums
- 500 USD (APPROXIMATELY)
Typical range USD 500-1,000 for foreign currency accounts
- Digital Services
- Internet banking and mobile apps available at major banks
- Deposit Insurance
- TTD 125,000
Per depositor coverage through Deposit Insurance Corporation
Foreign National Process
- Exceptions
- Republic Bank offers RepublicOnboard online account-opening platform; First Citizens offers online account opening
- Requirement
- In-person branch visit required for most banks, particularly for new foreign national applicants
- Documentation Needed
- Valid passport, proof of residential address (utility bill not older than 6 months), evidence of income/source of deposit, foreign bank reference letter or alternative professional reference, declaration of foreign tax status
Major Banks Accepting Non Residents
- Republic Bank
- First Citizens Bank
- Scotiabank
- CIBC Caribbean
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.travelwithhello.com
- 2.firstcitizensgroup.com
- 3.mytobago.info
- 4.talesmag.com
- 5.xe.com
- 6.xe.com
- 7.xe.com
- 8.xe.com
- 9.en.wikipedia.org
- 10.health.gov.tt
- 11.nwrha.co.tt
- 12.tt.usembassy.gov
- 13.hiphospitals.com
- 14.bestcosmetichospitals.com
- 15.firstcitizensgroup.com
- 16.expatfocus.com
- 17.expatfocus.com
- 18.republictt.com
- 19.firstcitizensgroup.com
- 20.tntyellow.com
- 21.ttarp.org
- 22.wise.com
More About Port of Spain
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.