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Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands, Trinidad and Tobago, just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.

History
The islands were first inhabited by Arawak and Carib people, who settled here from the South American mainland, and whose descendants make up a small minority of the population. Trinidad was sighted by Christopher Columbus, who claimed it for Spain. Under Spanish rule, many French settlers established cocoa plantations in Trinidad and imported slaves to work them. The British seized the island in 1798, and abolished slavery. To make up for the labour shortage the government encouraged heavy immigration from countries such as Portugal, France, Germany, China, and most importantly India. Trinidad was united with Tobago in the 1880s. Throughout the early 1900s the country welcomed thousands of mostly black immigrants from other Caribbean countries, as well as Venezuela and Colombia. Following World War II, TT was combined with various other British Caribbean countries into the West Indies Federation. However, the different groups of islands could not get along and the federation soon collapsed. TT eventually achieved complete independence on August 31, 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the country prospered thanks to large deposits of oil and natural gas, becoming the wealthiest nation in the Caribbean. However, in the late 1980s, oil prices dropped significantly, causing a major economic meltdown. Thousands of Trinidadians left the country at this time, in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s the country recovered dramatically and the nation's living standards continue to improve today.

People
The country has a cosmopolitan society inhabited by many different peoples and cultures who live together in relative peace and harmony. Ethnic Indians form a plurality of the population, while black people of African descent form the second largest group.

Economy
The two islands have distinct personalities. Trinidad is the larger of the two, and is the location of most of the country's cities and activity. It is also the country's industrial centre, noted for petroleum and natural gas production, which make T&T one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Tobago is known for tourism, which is its main industry and is a popular tourist destination. Both islands have a share of natural beauty.

Climate
Trinidad and Tobago, well within the tropics, enjoy a generally pleasant maritime tropical climate influenced by the northeast trade winds. In Trinidad the annual mean temperature is 26°C (78.8°F), and the average maximum temperature is 34°C (93.2°F). The humidity is high, particularly during the rainy season, when it averages 85 to 87%. The island receives an average of 2,110 millimetres (83.1 in) of rainfall per year, usually concentrated in the months of June through December, when brief, intense showers frequently occur. Precipitation is highest in the Northern Range, which may receive as much as 3,810mm (150 in). During the dry season, drought plagues the island's central interior. Tobago's climate is similar to Trinidad's but slightly cooler. Its rainy season extends from June to December; the annual rainfall is 2,500mm (98.4 in). The islands lie outside the hurricane belt; despite this, Hurricane Flora damaged Tobago in 1963, and Tropical Storm Alma hit Trinidad in 1974, causing damage before obtaining full strength.

Terrain
Trinidad is traversed by three distinct mountain ranges. The Northern Range, an outlier of the Andes Mountains of Venezuela, consists of rugged hills that parallel the coast. This range rises into two peaks. The highest, El Cerro del Aripo, is 940m (3,084 ft) high; the other, El Tucuche, reaches 936m. The Central Range extends diagonally across the island and is a low-lying range. The Caroni Plain, extends southward, separating the Northern Range and Central Range. The Southern Range consists of a broken line of hills with a maximum elevation of 305m (1,001 ft). There are numerous rivers and streams on the island of Trinidad; the most significant are the Ortoire River, and Caroni River.

Tobago is mountainous and dominated by the Main Ridge, which is 29 kilometres long with elevations up to 640m. There are deep, fertile valleys running north and south of the Main Ridge. The southwestern tip of the island has a coral platform. Although Tobago is volcanic in origin, there are no active volcanoes. There are numerous rivers and streams, but flooding and erosion are less severe than in Trinidad.

Holidays

 * 1 January: New Year's Day
 * February/early March: Carnival (not an official holiday); just before Ash Wednesday (Lent)
 * March 30: Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Liberation Day
 * Easter (moveable)
 * Corpus Christi (moveable)
 * May 30: Indian Arrival Day
 * June 19: Labour Day
 * August 1: Emancipation Day
 * August 31: Independence Day
 * September 24: Republic Day
 * Eid al-Fitr: (variable)
 * December 25: Christmas
 * December 26: Boxing Day

Visitor information

 * [Visit Trinidad and Tobago

Cities

 * - Capital city
 * - birthplace of famous calypso artiste "Lord Kitchener"
 * - fastest growing and largest municipality mostly populated by descendants of East Indian indentured labourers
 * - area in northwest Trinidad that is the yachting centre of the country with many facilities for boat owners
 * - south western municipality, which lies on the outskirts of the La Brea Pitch Lake and is known for oil production
 * - Southern city
 * (Capital of Tobago)

Other destinations

 * Caroni Bird Sanctuary and former sugar cane estates (very nice place to watch birds, many mosquitoes)
 * North coast beaches (Maracas, Las Cuevas)
 * La Brea Pitch Lake
 * Lopinot Historical Site - museum built on former cocoa estate owned by French Count Charles Joseph de Lopinot
 * Roxborough - Northern Tobago, tropical rainforest reserve
 * Down the Islands - the small islands off the north-west peninsula offer a calm retreat.

Entry requirements
All visitors must have: a passport valid for the length of the stay, a return ticket, proof of funds to maintain themselves, an address in TT, such as a hotel or family/friend.

Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Caricom countries (except Haiti), Singapore and most EEA and Latin American countries do not require a visa for vacation or business of 90 days or less. Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate of TT abroad. When leaving the country, there is a departure tax of TT$5 on the ferry to Venezuela.

By plane
The main airport is Piarco International Airport on Trinidad, approximately 25 km southeast of Port of Spain. Direct air service is available from Amsterdam, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Orlando, New York (JFK), and Newark, USA; Toronto, Canada; London, UK; Caracas and Porlomar, Venezuela; Panama City, Panama; Paramaribo, Suriname; Georgetown, Guyana; Barbados and various other islands in the Caribbean.

Airlines serving Trinidad
Caribbean Airlines (the National Airline), direct flights from Miami, New York, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando, Toronto, Caracas, Georgetown, Kingston, Paramaribo, Barbados, and other Caribbean islands to Port-of-Spain.

Air Canada Rouge, direct flights from Toronto

American Airlines, direct flights from Miami

British Airways, direct flights from London Gatwick

Caribbean Airlines direct flights from North America, South America, and throughout the Caribbean.

Copa Airlines, direct flights from Panamá City.

JetBlue, direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale and New York-JFK.

KLM, direct flights from Amsterdam

Surinam Airways, direct flights from Paramaribo and Curaçao

United Airlines, direct flights from Houston and Newark

WestJet, direct flights from Toronto

Airlines serving Tobago
Tobago's Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport  has limited direct services, mostly from London

Caribbean Airlines, offering domestic flights from Trinidad and a direct flight from New York (JFK)

Virgin Atlantic, direct flights from Gatwick London

British Airways, direct Flights from Gatwick London

Condor, charter service from Frankfurt, Germany

International departure tax is TT$200 as of 2014, which is included in the cost of your ticket at the point of sale.

By boat
Trinidad is a popular location among yacht owners. Most anchor in the Chaguaramas area on the far northwest side of the island. The Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association provides services to boaters, who are locally known as "Yachties". Cruise ships can also dock at the Cruise Ship Complex in Port of Spain.

By ride hailing
TTRS Trinidad and Tobago Ride share is a safe and convenient way to get around. Download the app and get verified before you go. You can pay the driver in TT dollars or with your credit card, but you have to enter before the trip begins. Uber does not operate in Trinidad.

By taxi
Taxicabs are simply normal passenger cars with no special markings. However, their license plates start with the letter "H". They are found at Taxi stands which may be at a street corner or at the side of the road. Taxi stands in the cities and boroughs are usually marked, but outside of the city they are not. However, one can hail a taxi from the side of the road and ask where they are going and the fare before hiring the taxi. One pays for an individual seat and the taxicabs are shared, but a whole car can be hired if so desired, and if there are not a lot of passengers waiting. Airport taxis are an exception to this in that one almost always has to hire the whole car.

There are larger taxis, called "Maxitaxis" or simply "Maxis" that go along a specified route. These are similar to mini buses and are painted white or beige and have a coloured band around them. Each maxi usually holds approximately 11 or 25 passengers. The colour of the band indicates the area in which they travel. They have their own taxi stands and terminals. In Port of Spain, the maxis depart and arrive at the City Gate terminal, and in San Fernando they depart and arrive at the bus terminal at King's Wharf. These Maxi Taxis travel to the east, south and central areas of the island. In order to travel to the west there are a few designated areas such as the Diego martin/Petit Valley/Carenage/Chagaramas maxi stand located a few kilometers away from City Gate. A maxi taxi can be hired for a whole day on a chartered trip. These can be negotiated directly with the maxi taxi drivers in advance. Prices vary.

Gypsy cabs are available as well. Locally they are called "PH" because they are private cars illegally used for hire. Use caution as "PH" drivers have been linked to crime including murder, kidnapping and robbery and carry no insurance for hired passengers.

Some tips

 * All taxi fares are to be paid in cash in TT dollars. Some drivers accept US dollars, Canadian dollars or euros, but they may not give you a favorable exchange rate.  It's okay to ask your fare in advance.  In Maxi taxis, pay the conductor, or the driver if there is no conductor.  Tipping is not expected except for airport taxis.  However, if you feel generous, you can give a tip if you desire.  Taxi drivers usually do not provide receipts.
 * If going off the usual designated route (usually the main road), tell the taxi driver before you board the taxi. Some may not want to go off the main road due to crime or bad roads.  If you fail to notify them in advance, they may just drop you off at a close point to your destination and you'll have to walk.  Maxi taxis will usually not go off the designated route, however, some of them will ask passengers if an alternate route can be taken if there is excessive traffic.  If in doubt as to whether the maxi will miss your destination, ask the conductor.
 * Avoid looking for a taxi or maxi during rush hour (AM and PM, but PM is worse). The taxi stands tend to be crowded, and others may resort to stopping the taxi before the taxi stand.  The net result is that the taxi is full before it reaches the stand and the wait may be exceedingly long.
 * Some maxi and taxi drivers will want to put more than the legal number of passengers in the vehicle. This is a dangerous and illegal practice, as there is no insurance coverage for any of the passengers if the maxi taxi is overloaded and gets into an accident.  Politely decline or at least know what you're risking.
 * If your taxi or maxi is involved in a crash, make a report to the police as soon as possible in order to secure your legal rights. Taxi drivers are required to carry insurance for all passengers.  Police reports can be made in person to the police station that has jurisdiction.  Ask a local.  They will know.  If you or someone requires immediate medical attention, dial 999 or 990.
 * Some taxi stands will fill up the taxis from the back going forward. This is more common in the cities and boroughs.
 * To stop a maxi taxi while on it (i.e. at your destination) push the stop button. They will sometimes not be labeled, but by law maxi taxis are required to have them.
 * Smoking in public buildings is against the law.

By bus
Buses are run by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Buses and bus tickets are available at City Gate in Port-of-Spain, King's Wharf in San Fernando and various other terminals and bus stops. A ticket is required to board the bus. Bus drivers do not accept cash or credit cards.

By ferry
There is a domestic ferry operating on the island of Trinidad between the two main cities of Port-of-Spain in the north and San Fernando in the south. The ferry ride is approximately 45 minutes between destinations and a one-way trip costs TT$15 (approximately US$2.50).

By car

Car rental is widely available, and driving is on the left side (British style). There are several companies that rent cars including international chains such as Budget and Hertz. There are also local companies such as Auto Rentals, Kalloo's and many others. It is best to reserve a car in advance. However, one can rent a car at the airport upon arrival. The license plates of rental cars are usually designated with an "R" (meaning "Rental") as the first letter. Some private individuals will rent cars with plates designated with the letter "P" (meaning "Private"), but this is an illegal practice and it is better to rent a car with an "R" plate.

However, it is becoming common practice for criminals to target drivers of rental cars since many locals seem to believe all foreigners are rich. So more and more car rental firms are now outfitting their cars with "P" in hopes that it would disguise the fact that the car is actually a rental.

Road conditions and traffic
Beware of drivers who do not follow the laws of the road. They may not stop at red lights, and make unannounced turns. If you're only accustomed to right-side driving, strongly consider not driving at all. Drive to stay alive. If you foresee the possibility of unpleasantness, especially one that can turn into a road rage incident, avoid it.

Speed limits are in effect (80 km/h on highways), but rarely enforced. Many road signs are old and not highly visible and distances are marked in kilometers. It is a fun experience, if you can drive well, to enjoy the roads especially late at night or early morning. Avoid speeding on the main highways in rush hour or around the Queen's Park Savannah at any time. Other than that, chances that you will be pulled over are next to nil.

Although you will see many drivers doing it, it is against the law to make a left turn on red (equivalent to a right turn on red in left-hand drive countries such as the United States). U-turns are also illegal.

Taxis and Maxi Taxis in particular have been linked to a lot of crashes and traffic deaths. They will often stop without warning to pick up or drop off passengers, make risky maneuvers and generally drive recklessly. While these may illegal, the police don't seem to bother them except for occasional spot checks and road blocks. Police action involving Maxi Taxis and Taxis usually happens when they cause serious traffic problems, in which case, it is not uncommon for the Police and the town or city to relocate the Maxi Taxis.

People will also park their vehicles in the middle of the road where there is no shoulder. Wait until the opposite lane clears, then go around the parked car.

In more populated areas, such as the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando, watch out for pedestrians, as jaywalking is the norm. Pedestrian crossing traffic signals are few and far between. Additionally, they require people to push the button in most cases. Most people don't bother and just wait for traffic to clear, or run across the road. Be cautious as hitting a pedestrian, jaywalking or not, can land you in more trouble than hitting a car.

Time and distance
If planning to go to the other side of the island (Trinidad), get an early start and allow the entire day with nothing important scheduled for the late afternoon. Although the island is not huge, getting somewhere can take longer than you might think. With the influx of used cars from Asia (locally called "foreign used") cars and the growing economy, more people own cars than ever. Therefore traffic jams are not uncommon, especially when going to Port of Spain.

Inter-island transport
There are two options for travel between Trinidad and Tobago - by ferry and by air.

Travelling by air will cost TT$300 round trip or TT$150 one way per person. There are twelve flights per day. Flight time is approximately 25 minutes each way. Caribbean Airlines (http://www.caribbean-airlines.com) runs the service.

There are two types of ferry service - fast and conventional.

Travelling by fast ferry costs TT$50 one way and TT$100 return. Vessels are the T&T Express and The T&T Spirit, which are both owned by the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. The journey is approximately 2.75 hours. The Express is the faster of the two ships, but the Spirit is newer and has better facilities.

Travelling by conventional ferry costs TT$37.50 one way and TT$75 return, but the journey is approximately 5½ hours. Vessels are the MF Panorama and Warrior Spirit.

Vehicles can be taken aboard the ferry, but this incurs a different charge which varies by size and weight. A return trip for a private car costs TT$350. This includes the cost of the driver. You are unlikely to be able to take a rental car on the ferry since you need to show vehicle registration documents.

Only tickets for same day travel can be purchased at the ferry terminals in Port of Spain and Scarborough. For advance tickets, you must purchase tickets from some select travel agencies - at peak times tickets sell out quickly, particularly for vehicles. For ferry schedules and travel agencies, see the Port Authority website.

Beaches
Popular beaches in Trinidad are Maracas, Tyrico,, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros and Quinam. Most of the beaches on the North coast are beautiful, with powdery sand and clear blue water. Los Iros and Quinam are okay, however Quinam's water may be brown, largely due to sediment from the Orinoco River in South America. Although Maracas and Tyrico are not too far apart, you cannot walk from one to the other along the beach.

Tobago's beaches are extremely beautiful. Popular beaches in Tobago include

 * Store Bay
 * MT Irvine
 * Bucco, Grange
 * Canoe Bay
 * Bucco, Grange
 * Canoe Bay

Bucco Reef and the nylon pool
Buccoo Reef is a natural coral reef on the North Coast of Tobago. Glass Bottom Boat tours are available from Pigeon Point and Store Bay. The is an area of shallow water on top of the reef. The water is crystal clear and looks like fishing line nylon, hence the name. A glass bottom boat tour will take you there and allow you to bathe.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary
Located in the, this is a must for bird watchers. Several indigenous species of bird nest in the bird sanctuary, including one of the national birds - the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber). Tours generally take place during dusk as the Scarlet Ibis returns to the swamp to roost. It is also a good idea to wear thick clothing (jeans and a jacket/sweater) as the mosquitoes in the bird sanctuary are especially vicious and are capable of biting through the thickest of clothing.

Divali and the Divali Nagar
The Hindu festival of lights, Divali, is celebrated in most areas in Trinidad and a few areas in Tobago. Every year during one night in October-November small oil lamps called deyas are lit on the inside and outside of homes and in public places. Additionally, there is a celebration and festival called the Divali Nagar, where Indian song, dance, plays and other cultural items are on display. The Divali Nagar takes place at the in Chaguanas, Trinidad. Many corporate sponsors set up booths and there is even an open air Indian restaurant where one can purchase Indian food including roti. Divali is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Emperor Valley Zoo (Port of Spain) and the Botanical Gardens
The, Trinidad and Tobago's only zoo, features a wide variety of tropical species including lions, tigers, monkeys, birds and fish. It is in the capital, Port of Spain. The Botanical Gardens contains many species of plants and is right next to the zoo, close to the President's house.

Fort George (Tobago)
Tobago's Fort George offers a glimpse into Tobago's colonial history and beautiful views of the ocean.

Goat races (Tobago)
Goat racing in Tobago on Easter Tuesday is a tradition dating back to 1925. Amazingly, it shares many similarities to horse racing, where there are owners, stables and trainers.

TTPBA Great Race
During the month of August (mainly in second or last weekend of August) there is an annual power boat race from Trinidad to Tobago called the Great Race.. It starts at Pier 1 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and ends at Store Bay in Tobago. There are places to see the boats racing live (such as Maracas Bay). The boats typically travel around the North West peninsula, then along the north coast then make a bee line to Tobago. The first finishers typically finish in an hour.

La Brea Pitch Lake
The is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt. However, commercial excavation of asphalt has slowed down considerably, since other more cost effective materials are available for road construction. The pitch lake is now primarily a tourist destination. Many go to bathe in its waters, which contain sulphur, which some say has healing properties.

Leatherback turtles on Mathura Beach
The Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) can be seen on Trinidad's Mathura beach. Every year around Easter, the turtles return to Trinidad to lay their eggs. Tours are available from conservation groups. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Since the turtles are an endangered species, it is illegal to kill the turtles or the eggs, therefore care and caution should be exercised so as not to disturb the turtles.

Tobago heritage festival
Every year during the last week in July and first week in August, the Tobago heritage festival takes place. It is a two-week-long show of Tobagonian dance, music, story telling, culture and food. It is a showpiece into Tobago's long held traditions and a unique glimpse into the island's way of life.

Trinidad's north coast (Toco/Matelot/Grand Riviere)
The north coast of Trinidad is beautiful and largely unspoilt. There are a lot of scenic beaches and undeveloped areas. At the North East tip of the island is the village of Toco. The North East trade wind blows literally 24 hours per day and lounging on the beach can be quite relaxing.

Nightlife
There are quite a few nightclubs in Trinidad and Tobago, especially in the Chaguaramas area, such as Pier 1, Anchorage, Base, and MoBS2. Some very popular night clubs are Club Zen and 51 Degrees Lounge in Port of Spain and Sting nightclub in La Romaine, as well as Space la Nouba and Prive, both also in La Romaine. However, due to the crime situation, caution is advised and it is a good idea to be with a group rather than by yourself.

Golf
One can play golf at several golf courses throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Some courses are 9 holes and others are 18 holes. Two popular golf courses are the St. Andrews' Golf course in Maraval (just outside of Port of Spain) and the Mt. Irvine Golf Course in Tobago.

Talk
English is the official language. Words are spelt with British spellings (e.g. colour, programme, tyre). English Creole (though it is not referred to by locals by that name) is very frequently used for informal communication among locals. It's mostly an oral language, and is seldom written (and then just by ad-lib). A Trinidadian Dictionary, "Cote Ci Cote La" can be found at one of the many bookstores in the country and is an excellent souvenir to remember your vacation to Trinidad and Tobago. Here's an example of just one of those many words that have radically different meanings from American English:

 * liming ; meaning to hang out in public with your friends

Also, Hindi, French (mostly Creole or Patois), Spanish, and Chinese are occasionally heard. It may seem, at times, you are in a country that only speaks a foreign language. However, since virtually everyone knows standard (British) English, there's no need to ask. Of course, if someone does suddenly start talking in standard English, take notice! They may very well be talking to you.

Money
The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, denoted "TT$" (ISO currency code: TTD), also known as the "TT" (pronounced teetee). US dollars are also widely accepted. There is an active black market for US currency in Trinidad, exchange rates are up to 30% higher than the official rates listed online, as of April 2022. Bringing cash can significantly reduce the price of travel.

Coins of Trinidad and Tobago come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and TT$1. Banknotes of Trinidad and Tobago come in denominations of TT$1, TT$5, TT$10, TT$20, TT$50 and TT$100. The current series of banknotes issued since 2020-2021 are issued entirely on polymer.

Visa and MasterCards are accepted in many stores. American Express, Diners' Club, Discover, JCB and others are only accepted in a few upmarket places. ATM (ABM) cards using Cirrus and Plus networks will work in local ATMs and will allow you to make withdrawals in TT dollars converted to your home currency. The exchange rate when withdrawing from the ATM is slightly better than when exchanging cash. There are also ATMs in a few places such as shopping malls that will dispense US dollars. Most Trinidad and Tobago ATMs do not accept PINs longer than four digits. Consider changing it to four digits before you travel. Republic Bank ATMs (Blue Machines) accept six-digit PINs.

Tipping
Tipping has not been a custom, but has become more commonplace. Some restaurants, especially those in hotels or those that serve foreign tourists expect a tip. Most do not. Only airport taxis expect a tip. Local taxis do not.

Shopping
Prices in shops and stores are generally displayed and do not change according to the customer. Outdoor vendors, however, are another story: they are likely to charge a different, higher price for a foreigner than for a local. A few will even suggest or demand payment in US dollars. You can try haggling, or just grin and bear it.

Most items except necessities and certain other items that are zero rated attract Value Added Tax (VAT) at the rate of 15%. The tax is collected at the time of sale.

Weights and measures
Weights and measures are officially in metric, however it is not uncommon for imperial (English) units to still be used. Although most of the other units are the same, the imperial gallon is larger at 4.546 L than the US gallon at only 3.785 L.

Eat
Due to its varied background, Trinidad and Tobago has excellent and varied food options. In particular, the Indian roots have added to some of the best foods of any country in the world. If you can't tolerate extremely hot and spicy food, be sure to let the cook or waiter know in advance.

Popular throughout T&T are tasty rotis, which are Indian-style flatbreads stuffed with channa (chickpea curry), usually some meat, and condiments or vegetables such as green beans, pumpkin, or mangoes. There are several types of roti available in Trinidad:

 * sada, which is similar to pita or naan;
 * bara, which is a fried flat bread;
 * dhalpouri, which is filled with ground yellow split peas; and
 * buss up shut, a heartier bread with a silken texture and a name that refers to a busted shirt.

Cheap breakfasts of sada roti and choka (fire-roasted vegetables) are available for about TT$12.

The most popular fast snack is a doubles. Doubles is curried chickpeas (chnana) enclosed in two pieces of fried flat bread (bara roti), and served with your choice of condiments. It is a roadside snack, available everywhere at about TT$6. Eat hot. One famous spot is "George Doubles" located in Woodbrook outside the ever-famous "Brooklyn Bar". "Ali's Doubles" is a chain that sells doubles. There are a few locations around Trinidad, mostly in San Fernando.

Phoulourie is another popular roadside snack. Phoulourie are small balls, made of fried ground chickpeas and flour. It and other popular snack foods like roast corn, cow heel soup, aloo pies (fried potato pies) and saheena (spinach dipped in batter and fried), are often available from street vendors, especially around the Savannah. Trinidad and Tobago is also famous for its mouth watering callaloo – a soup made from green leafy vegetables, similar to spinach or kale, sometimes with crab or pigtail added (vegetarians beware!). Callalloo is not the most appetizing of foods to look at, but it is certainly worth a try.

Another must try in T&T is the famous Bake and Shark or Shark 'n Bake. Most easily obtained along the north coast near Maracas Bay, pieces of shark are deep fried, served in cut fried bread called "fried bake", and accompanied by various sauces, most popular of which is a puree of shadon-beni (culantro, which is similar to cilantro but more strongly flavored). Another popular food traditionally associated with beach limes is pelau, usually accompanied with coleslaw. Pelau, is not, however, available for purchase at the beach, although you may be able to find it in a creole restaurant.

If you have a sweet tooth, there are many local sweets and candies to sample like Toolum, Tambran Ball, Guava Cheese, Sugar Cake, Paw Paw Ball, Benna Ball, Jub Jub, Kurma, Barfi, Ladoo, Peera. Many of these will be available on the "lookout" on the way to Maracas Beach, and prepackaged in some supermarkets.

A few American-style fast food chains are available including KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut and Burger King. There are also a few franchised eat-in restaurants such as TGI Friday's and Ruby Tuesday. There are a few local chains such as Royal Castle (chicken and chips), and Chicken Unlimited. These local fried chicken chains have a different taste from American or European fried chicken chains. Pizza Boys and Mario's are two popular local pizza chains. The pizza is quite different from American or Italian pizza.

Chinese food is available in many places from Chinese takeout stores. It is Cantonese style but the spices are uniquely Trinidadian.

Barbecued chicken is another popular Trinbagonian dish. It is similar to American barbecue, but with local spices. There are roadside barbecue stands that sell a box of barbecued chicken (quarter) with fries, salad and garlic bread. One popular place is The Barbecue Hut which is an open air tent where patrons will buy barbecue to sit down and eat or take away. It is on the South Trunk Road in La Romaine, South Trinidad close to the Gulf City mall. Be aware that it is run by Muslims therefore no alcohol is allowed on the compound.

The condiments available in Trinbagonian restaurants are ketchup, plain mustard, garlic sauce, shadon-beni sauce (culantro, which is a cilantro-like herb), hot pepper and many more depending on location. Soy sauce is available in Chinese restaurants, along with an extremely hot Chinese style pepper sauce. If taking hot pepper as a condiment, be warned! It is extremely hot! You may see locals putting a lot of pepper on their food, but remember they have been eating it for years so they are accustomed to it. It is best to try a little, and if you feel comfortable, add more. If in doubt, avoid it. Salt and black pepper are generally not available as in American restaurants.

Local bakeries sell pastries such as beef and chicken pies and currant rolls. They also sell hops bread which are rolls made with white or whole wheat flour. Hops bread is best eaten hot and can be enjoyed with cheese or butter for a quick snack.

Grocery shopping
Grocery stores sell a wide variety of packaged goods and produce. However, for really fresh produce, one can go to the market. Towns usually have a market day (or days) where sellers, usually local farmers, will bring their produce to sell. The Government publishes prices for produce, however one may be able to bargain to get a better price. Again, while weights and measures are officially in Metric, most sellers use imperial units.

Halal food is readily available most food outlets usually have signs. Fast food outlets such as KFC and McDonald's also serve halal food. Many supermarkets also carry a wide range of halal fresh and processed meats as well.

Non-alcoholic
The most refreshing drink on a hot sunny day is a large glass of a very cold delicious Mauby, a beverage made with the bark of the mauby tree and spices, such as anise and cinnamon. It is very refreshing and cooling, but may be an acquired taste, since it has a bitter aftertaste.

Cold soft jelly coconut water – available along the roadsides – costs about TT$4. And do try all the many varied local fruit juices, readily available chilled in most groceries.

Sorrel is a popular drink available during Christmas time. It is made from the boiled flowers of the Roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) plant. It is red in colour and best enjoyed cold.

Soft drinks are sweetened with cane sugar, rather than high-fructose corn syrup as is the common practice in the United States. Some argue that this gives soft drinks a better taste.

Malta is a popular drink, made from malt and hops and available from local bars, restaurants and supermarkets. It is high calorie and full of B vitamins, and best enjoyed ice cold.

Rum
Being a former sugar cane colony, Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its rum. Popular brands of rum are Black Label and Vat 19 by Fernandes and White Oak, Old Oak by Angostura. Some bars will allow you to buy individual rum drinks either straight with or without a chaser, or mixed. Some bars will allow you to purchase a whole bottle of rum, or a "half", which is equivalent to half a bottle. Some bars will sell a "nip" which is less than half. One can also purchase bottles of rum in stores and at duty-free stores at the airport to carry home. Puncheon rum is a stronger type of rum (no less than 75% alcohol/150 proof). It is not quite like moonshine but definitely stronger than regular rum. In fact, it may not be legal to take it back with you. However, it is legal in Trinidad and Tobago and is available from many local bars.

Beer
Beer is available and quite popular. The two most popular brands of beer are Carib and Stag, which are brewed locally. Additionally, some imported beer such as Miller is available. Other malt liquor drinks are available, brewed locally, such as Smirnoff Ice, and various stouts (Mackeson, Guinness Export, etc.) There are no microbreweries in Trinidad, and beer-lovers may find the local beers not to their taste. However, a few bars do import a wider variety of beers. Of particular note is the All Out bar at the Queen's Park Oval cricket ground in Port of Spain (94 Tragarete Road), where you will find a reasonable selection of English ales on draft, sold by the pint.

Wine and other spirits
Wine, vodka, tequila and other spirits are usually imported. There are no wineries in Trinidad and Tobago, as the tropical climate is not conducive to the growing of grapes. Many restaurants will serve a range of imported wines, however, and wine bars, such as More Vino in Woodbrook have opened in the past few years.

Laws related to alcohol
Drinking alcohol in public is not frowned upon in Trinidad and Tobago. It is legal to drink alcohol in public. Public drunkenness may get you arrested only if you engage in disorderly conduct. Also the legal drinking age is 18 years. However, during election day, sale of alcohol is prohibited and must not be overtly displayed.

Sleep
There are a wide variety of lodging options. There are major hotels such as Crowne Plaza, Hyatt, and the Hilton. There are also smaller guest houses, particularly in Tobago and beach houses at the coasts (especially the East coast). Rates vary. On Trinidad, many cities and towns of limited interest to the typical tourist do not have any official accommodations. Staying with locals may be the only option. However, Trinidad has developed a sporting and cultural infrastructure being multi cultural with different religious denominations and can even boast of having world-class facilities for swimming, cycling, football, cricket, netball and the arts. For persons or groups of persons willing to experience or connect with similar groups at competitive rates, guest houses such as The Little Inn and the Miracle Healing cater for these niches.

Learn

 * University of the West Indies St. Augustine campus
 * University of the Southern Caribbean.
 * University of Trinidad and Tobago
 * Other smaller colleges offer external degrees and diplomas from foreign institutions such as the University of London and City and Guilds of London.

Work
Tourist visas do not permit employment. In order to work, one must obtain a work permit for the job and there must be no suitably qualified nationals to fill the job. In addition, to pay taxes, one needs to apply for a BIR file number (used like a social security number) and a PAYE number. One must file tax returns every year if taxes are owed, and pay those taxes.

Stay safe
Be careful where you park. High-end hotels like the Nornandie have reported a drastic increase in vehicular break-ins. One was reported while the secured car park was almost empty and two security guards were on duty.

Trinidad and Tobago has been known for its increasingly high murder rate, although this is associated with isolated areas of the country. The capital Port of Spain, is relatively safe but as with all major cities around the world there are depressed areas which are not safe for tourists. East Port of Spain, areas east of Charlotte Street, become increasingly unsafe and should be avoided as well as Belmont, Morvant and Laventille. The city is known for is vibrant night life with many restaurants, bars, lounges and clubs. It is recommended that you travel with companions at night time and avoid wandering into any side streets. Hotels can provide guidance to assist you. Tobago on the other hand is relatively safe and more tourist friendly.

In previous years crime tended to peak in the Carnival (January-March) and around Christmas (October-December) seasons, but crimes happen year-round. Exercise some caution at night time while in Trinidad and Tobago.

For extended stays, register yourself at your country's nearest diplomatic mission. They can provide assistance to their citizens. A listing of diplomatic missions in Trinidad and Tobago is available on the Trinidad and Tobago Government's website.

In an emergency dial 999 from any telephone for the police. Dial 990 for the fire department and 811 for an ambulance. These calls are free of charge from any telephone, including payphones (no coins or cards required). Unlike countries that have reliable police emergency assistance, when dialing "999" in an emergency, the police do not always answer the call or show up when assistance is needed.

The islands are in an earthquake zone, though serious quakes are extremely rare.

Stay healthy
The Tobago Tourist Board boasts that "the wildlife in Tobago won't kill you", which is mostly true. The islands do have mosquitoes and isolated cases of dengue fever have been reported. The tap water is generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water because the public water often has a strong chlorine taste. Use your best judgement if in an area where homes collect rain water from the roof, but very few problems are reported.

The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence at 3.0% or 1 in 33 adults, which is 5 times higher than the USA. The best advice is to use caution and use protection if engaging in sexual activity. Condoms are available from pharmacies to help prevent the spread of AIDS and other STDs.

If you need prescription medication, it is best to bring enough with you for the duration of your trip. There is no guarantee that what you need will be available. American OTC drugs are often available in many pharmacies; however, don't expect everything to be available. They may also be under different names whether American or European market names.

For information on COVID-19, consult the Ministry of Health.

Healthcare
Public healthcare is free to everyone in Trinidad and Tobago and is paid for by the taxpayers. Healthcare services are offered on a walk-in basis. There are a few major hospitals throughout the country as well as smaller health centers and clinics located regionally. These can be found on the Ministry of Health's website. The public health facilities are way below the standard of what can be found in developed countries. Industrial action (strikes and sickouts) by doctors and nurses happen from time to time, and some healthcare facilities are overcrowded and understaffed, with older equipment and medicines. As an alternative, there are also private healthcare facilities that offer healthcare services. Prices will vary and can be quite expensive. Private doctors are also available on an appointment basis.

Public ambulance services are available to everyone by dialing 990. This service is operated by the fire department. However these may prove to be unreliable since ambulances are limited and fire stations are often far away. Private ambulance services are available. They are generally more reliable but are not free. In an emergency it may be better to arrange one's own transportation to a healthcare facility.

Respect

It's a good idea to greet a stranger before asking him or her a question. It's a better idea to avoid strangers when not in the company of others.

Many Trinbagonians like to discuss sports. Being a former British colony, these discussions usually centre mostly around cricket and football.

There is no nude or topless bathing anywhere in Trinidad and Tobago.

In Trinidad and Tobago, many of the world's great religions are well represented. Christianity is the majority religion of the country, and there are also significant Hindu and Muslim minorities.

Trinidadians can be extremely friendly and hospitable, especially with guests who share a common religion with them. Be sure to bring small gifts to show your appreciation, as some visitors who had no intention of visiting or staying with locals end up doing so anyway.

Some homes (including a few guest houses) in rural areas are not connected to any underground water mains. However, they may still have running water from a large, round, black outdoor water tank. If staying in such a place, be sure to conserve water, especially in the dry season (or year-round, if it doesn't collect rainwater from the roof). If the tanks run dry, water trucks for refills may be available. However, even underground piped water may be rationed during the dry season. In short, if you are not staying in a major hotel, ask about the water situation.

Connect
Trinidad's international area code is 868 under the North American Numbering Plan. From the U.S. and Canada, it's no different than calling other states and provinces (1+868), but costs more. Its top level domain is .tt and its ITU callsign prefixes are 9Y and 9Z.

The telecommunications authority
All telecommunications in Trinidad and Tobago are now under the authority of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). All telecommunications and broadcasting licenses and franchises in Trinidad and Tobago are obtained from and administered by TATT. Complaints about telecommunications service providers can also be made to them.

Landline telephones
Landline telephones are available in larger hotels but may be unavailable in guest rooms of smaller guest houses. The telephone company is Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, which is jointly owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and Cable and Wireless. Local calls incur toll charges, however, calls in the same area code and telephone exchange are billed at a flat rate for the whole call. Hotels, of course, may charge more if you use their telephones. There are calling cafes around the country. For visitors who want to make international calls, it might be a good idea to use calling cafes.

Mobile telephones
Trinidad and Tobago has two active operating mobile telephone carriers - bmobile and Digicel. They both operate under the GSM standard, with bmobile using the 1800MHz frequency band, and Digicel using the 850MHz and 1900MHz frequency bands. There are roaming agreements with GSM carriers such as AT&T in the US, however the cost to roam may be prohibitive and calling within Trinidad may incur international toll charges. One can purchase a prepaid SIM card and GSM phone from Digicel or bmobile stores for as little as TT$100 and use that card in an unlocked GSM phone for the duration of their stay. You can also purchase a phone with SIM for that price. CDMA (Verizon) phones will work in Trinidad and Tobago. They will appear to be active due to TSTT's EVDO data only network, but you can make or receive calls on the CDMA network.

Payphones
Pay phones are a hit or miss in Trinidad. Some phones may be vandalized, full and in need of maintenance or simply not working. If you are lucky enough to find a working payphone, you can use either 25 cent coins or calling cards with an 800 number to access them. Some phones also accept phonecards which are pre-paid with a magnetic stripe. Insert the card and make your call. Some phones in hotels and at the airport allow the use of foreign calling cards. Calls to local 800 numbers, 999 and 990 are free.

Internet access
Internet cafés offer Internet access on public terminals at an hourly rate usually from TT$1 to TT$10.

Broadband internet options in Trinidad are available. Two major companies that provide these serives are TSTT (blink) and FLOW (Columbus Communications.)

Wi-Fi access is available in a few places such as Piarco airport, Movie Towne and select hotels and restaurants. EVDO and EDGE broadband access are also available, but may require contracts and a service commitment. Some hotels and guest houses provide free high speed internet.

There are other options including fixed wireless, DSL, cable modem (only in a few areas) and satellite but these are generally not available to touriststouristshort term stay.

A good discussion of Trinidad and Tobago WiFi options is available at the TTCSwebsite.

Postal facilities
The postal service is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation, TTPost. Postal rates are available on the TTPost website. Post offices are located close to the center of town in many places with red drop-off boxes in some places. Thanks to restructuring of the postal service, TTPost has become comparable to the postal service in many developed countries and is generally reliable. Additionally, other services such as US visa fee payment, bill payment and the purchase of inter island ferry tickets are available from TTPost.

Amateur radio
Ham radio tourism and DXpeditions are very risky in Trinidad and Tobago, mostly because of the difficulty in importing equipment. Please see the nite about importing equipment below.

The internationally allocated ITU prefixes in Trinidad and Tobago are 9Y and 9Z.

In order to operate an Amateur Radio Station in Trinidad and Tobago, one needs a licence. If one's country of citizenship is a signatory to the IARP agreement and one holds a licence equivalent to US General class (Novice and US Technician licences are excluded) in that country, one can simply operate with 9y4/home callsign. For example, if your home callsign is W1ZZZ, you operate using 9Y4/W1ZZZ.

Otherwise one will need to apply for a licence at TATT. The following are needed:

 * Photo ID and photocopy (passport)
 * Original and copy of certificate(s) showing a pass in an amateur radio exam, in English or accompanied by an English translation.
 * Original and copy of your home amateur radio licence, in English, or accompanied by an English translation.
 * Form L-2 from TATT website, filled out and photocopied
 * TT$20 application fee and TT$100 license fee

Appear in person at the TATT office at 76 Boundary Road, San Juan, Trinidad to apply. Processing time varies. If you want to have the licence arranged in advance, contact the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society who can assist you. Foreigners will be granted 9Y4/homecall for the duration of their stay. It is at the discretion of the Technical officer issuing your license, but generally a licence equivalent to US General class and above (or its equivalent) gets full privileges including HF. Technician gets privileges above 30 MHz only. In some cases they may deny Novice or Technician class amateurs altogether.

Importing equipment
Importing equipment can be painless and easy or it can be a long, drawn out bureaucratic process. The difficulty of importing ham radio equipment has caused many tourists to simply forget about doing any ham radio activities in Trinidad and Tobago. It is best to operate at a local's station if you can.

You will need to have the equipment type approved by TATT. There is a form on their website. Call them in advance. One should also get a receipt showing the value of one's equipment.

When you go through customs and they search your bags, the customs officer will ask about the ham radio equipment if they see it. You should tell them what it is and show them your licence. They will tell you that you need to pay a bond equal to the value of the equipment and you will retrieve it before you leave. Otherwise they will probably seize your equipment and there is no guarantee that you'll get it back. Sometimes you'll just get lucky and they'll tell you to walk through. Sometimes they'll let you go with it but charge 20% customs duty. The law says that ham radio equipment is duty free for nationals. It's a gamble. It is best to not have your radio in the original boxes as this will more likely encourage customs officers to charge you a bond or duty.

You should carry as much of your equipment in your carry-on luggage as possible. Incidents of theft from checked luggage, while not very frequent, do happen.

Repeaters and local frequencies
There are a few local repeaters that you can say hello on. Those are:

 * 147.930MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (North)
 * 146.940MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (Central/South)
 * 147.760MHz -600kHz 9Y4TT (Tobago)
 * 146.100MHz +600kHz 9Y4NG (Central/South)
 * 147.705MHz -600kHz 9Y4TTL (North)

In addition 146.520MHz is often monitored as a simplex channel. In the South (San Fernando) 146.550MHz is monitored and there is also an echolink node run by 9Y4NG on that frequency.

The local custom for a general call on the repeater is to say, "QRZ? This is, is anyone on frequency?"

CB
Citizens Band radio (CB) was legalised in 2021. No licence is required.

Personal radio services (FRS, GMRS, MURS, PMR446)
These are not licensed for use in Trinidad and Tobago. The radios may be seized by customs. Best to leave them at home. It is also illegal to use these within the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago. This means that if you are on a cruise ship or other vessel docked in TT waters, leave the FRS/GMRS/MURS/PMR446 radios off and do not transmit. Other licensed services use those frequencies and you may interfere with them.

Marine radios
Provided your radios are part of your boat's equipment and licensed by your home country, you should not have any issues bringing these in. Bringing these in other than installed in boats could result in them being seized.

Radio
Thanks to the liberalization of the telecommunications market, there are now many radio stations on the FM band. Most of the stations play music, with Indian music and calypso/soca being popular.

TV
There are some local TV stations, the major one being TV6 on Channels 6 and 18. Most of them carry local programming, but TV6 carries American series, sitcoms and soap operas. Some stations are cable only whereas others are low power so they are only available regionally. Gayelle The Channel on Channels 23 and 27 is a 100% local television station that can give visitors to Trinidad and Tobago an interesting and entertaining insight into local life and culture. Other local channels include; NCC 4, Synergy TV, Trinity Television and the Islamic Channel.

Cable television is also available. Most major American networks are available on cable including CBS, NBC and ABC. Cable TV is available at hotels and guest houses.

Satellite TV from DirecTV Latin America is also available, but their offerings are not as good as cable and they tend to feature more Spanish language programming.

Big dish satellite TV is also available.

title: Trinidad and Tobago


text:
Trinity County

Trinity County is inland in the Shasta Cascades region of California. It lies among the Salmon and Klamath Mountains along the Trinity River, and draws visitors looking for outdoor adventure including camping, backpacking, rock climbing, boating, rafting/kayaking, hunting, and fishing, with Trinity Lake in particular a favorite spot for houseboat rentals.

By car
Highway 299 goes thru Trinity County is the most heavily used way of getting around.

By plane
Trinity County has five airports that service it
 * Trinity Center Airport/John Swett Field
 * Weaverville Airport/Lonnie Pool Field
 * Hayfork Airport
 * Hyampom Airport
 * Ruth Airport

Get around
By Car

Stay safe
Has a very low crime rate does not have a police department but does have a County Sherriff and the California Highway Patrol. Also of note there is few gas stations outside of Weaverville so it would be wise to get gas there, as cell phone service is spotty as you are in the mountains and would not want to be stuck for a long period of time.

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 * - Trinity County's northern neighbor is dominated by 14,179 ft Mount Shasta, the west coast's second-tallest volcano, towering nearly 10,000 ft above its surroundings; while a summit climb requires advanced mountaineering skills, its lower slopes are great for hiking, backpacking and cross-county skiing. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway links Mount Shasta to Lava Beds National Monument in the county's northeast, home to over 800 lava tube caves, several of which are open to exploration.  The county is also a premier destination for birdwatchers, with nearly two million birds passing through Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge during migrations, and North America’s largest concentration of snow geese arriving in spring.
 * - Trinity County's eastern neighbor is a land of mountains, lakes and rivers. Massive Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, is the "houseboat capital of the world", with rentals available for those who want to vacation on the water.  Several spectacular waterfalls can be found in the county, including the 129 ft Burney Falls, which Theodore Roosevelt described as "the Eighth Wonder of the World", and McCloud River Falls, which is actually three scenic waterfalls.  In the county's southeastern corner, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a geologic hotspot highlighted by  10,457 ft Lassen Volcano.  The mountain can be summitted via a steep trail, but plan to do so in the summer - the park's 600 - 700 in of annual snowfall make it the snowiest place in California.
 * - Trinity County's southeastern neighbor, Tehama County has a quintessentially "western" feel, with most county residents employed in ranching, timber or farming, and most tourists drawn to the region for fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The county's largest town, Red Bluff, has a population of only about 15,000 inhabitants, but hosts the Red Bluff Round-Up, one of the west's largest annual rodeos, each spring.  While there are numerous streams and rivers, the Sacramento River is the largest, intersecting the county and offering excellent fishing for rainbow trout, king salmon, chinook salmon, steelhead, smallmouth bass, sturgeon, and striped bass.
 * - Lying halfway between San Francisco and the Oregon border, Trinity County's southwestern neighbor boasts redwood forests, wineries, breweries, and remote, untouched coastline. In addition to its natural features, the county is home to the largest Buddhist Temple in the Western Hemisphere, the 400+ acre City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah.  The  Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, located near Fort Bragg, is a 47 acre public garden with oceanside views.  While hikers and backpackers will find no shortage of options, those looking for less strenuous ways to enjoy the scenery can ride the Skunk Train, a railroad that has been in operation since 1885 and takes riders 40 miles through old growth forests and across historic trestles between Fort Bragg and Willits.
 * - Located to the west of Trinity County, rural Humboldt County is a land of giant trees, seaside mountains, and quirky towns. Redwood National Park lies in the county's northern region and is home to the world's tallest trees; a walk among the redwoods is an experience that won't soon be forgotten.  Backpackers will delight in hiking the remote 25 mile Lost Coast Trail in the county's southwestern corner, a three-day trek through the Kings Range along a roadless and undeveloped section of rugged coastline.  For those looking for more urban activities, the towns of Arcata and Eureka feature an impressive number of Victorian homes that date back to the late 1800s.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Trinity County


text:
Tripoli

Tripoli (Arabic: طرابلس, Tarabulus) is the capital, largest city, principal harbour and biggest commercial and manufacturing centre of the North African country of Libya. Tripoli is in the north-west of Libya on the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a population of some 1.68 million people.

History
Tripoli was founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians, who named their settlement Oea—due to the city's long history, there are several sites of archaeological significance in the city and in its surroundings, not least from the period under the Roman Empire.

Climate
Tripoli's prevailing climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, cool winters, and some modest rainfall.

Get in
Visas will be needed, and those can be attained via embassies or consulates. Roughly US$50–150, you should obtain the visa prior to arrival and be prepared for getting your hands on lots of information, best to ring first for the latest requirements as they change regularly. Business visitors or others with the right 'connections' may be able to arrange a visa on arrival. The cost is 100 dinar, but the process can be slow. This must be paid in Libyan dinar. If you do not have dinar, you will have to go to the area after baggage reclaim to exchange some money (minus your passport). The security staff will allow you back in, but make sure they see you leave to be sure.

Leaving Libya requires the right stamps in your passport. Your hotel is required to present your passport to the authorities where your visa will be stamped. Make sure you confirm this with the hotel prior to checking out or else you are liable for a fine or worse when clearing immigration. Make use of the business class lounge at Tripoli Airport (LYD 30 charge if you are not a first/business traveller) where the toilet facilities in there are clean while the same cannot be said for the ones in the general lounge.

By plane
Flying in to Tripoli is the most convenient way of arriving in Libya, which still can be a hassle. International connections are as of 2022 still limited to a few select countries, there are daily flights from Cairo, Istanbul and Tunis which all are major international gateways. Flights from Europe are sparse.

Tripoli has two airports. It's also possible to arrive via the international airport in Misrata, 200 km to the east.

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By car
Tourists travelling to Tripoli used to make their way there by road from Tunisia which is nearer than the other border from Egypt, the journey took approx three hours drive from the border with Tunisia. This journey should only be completed in daylight hours as its very dangerous at night, many sheep, camels, cows, and of course shepherds roam the roads in evening and are hard to spot.

There have been reported incidents of bandits operating on this route and it is therefor advisable to make others aware of travel plans.

By boat
Tripoli used to be connected with ferries from Malta and other parts of the Mediterranean. However, due to decades of isolation and the current turmoil there are as of 2022 no scheduled ferries to Tripoli or anywhere else in Libya. For those intent on travelling by ferry, an option might be to travel to neighboring Tunisia, a country that receives plenty of ferries from ports in Europe, and continue overland. Otherwise, the only remaining option is freighter travel or private boat.

By train
While construction of a national rail network began in 2010, there has been no progress during the last decade. While resuming construction remains a high priority for the government, expect no passenger services to materialize during the foreseeable future.

Get around
The best way to see Tripoli is to walk, there are plenty of great guides out there (books) to help you out and also you may come across some half-useful Libyan versions. The people are friendly and very inquisitive. But be aware if you're a westerner, or stick out like a sore thumb compared to a local. Don't walk around at night alone. Taxis are also useful but can be pricey for westerners.

See
More and more palaces (especially from the Karamanli period) are also being restored and opened to the public. The basic street plan of the medina was laid down in the Roman period when the walls were constructed as protection against attacks from the interior of Tripolitania, and are considered well planned, possibly better than modern street plans. In the 8th century a wall on the sea-facing side of the city was added.

Three gates provided access to the old town: Bab Zanata in the west, Bab Hawara in the southeast and Bab Al-Bahr in the north wall.

The city walls are still standing and can be climbed for good views of the city. The Bazaar is also known for its traditional ware; fine jewellery and clothes can be found in the local markets. The Museum, a fine modern facility located in the Red Castle, is Libya's national museum. It houses many artefacts from the country's Roman and Greek periods, including treasures from the World Heritage sites at Leptis Magna and Sabratha, and politically motivated displays such as the Volkswagen Beetle car driven by Gadaffi in the 1960s.

Do
Prior to the conflicts of 2011 the city had a reputation as a good place to escape from the pressures of today's modern life. It might pay to wait until things have returned to some sort of normality before venturing out and about but there are wonderful beaches within driving distance, and the Old City and the Museum are good for hours of exploration. Adventurous types might try the nightclub on the 3rd floor of the 3rd building in the central tower complex. Like any proper nightclub it only opens at 23:00. A non-alcoholic beer costs a small fortune, and, like in Italy and Paris, there is a charge to sit at a table.

Fitness
There are a few gyms scattered throughout Tripoli - there's in the centre off Omar Mukhtar Street that has fairly comprehensive free weights and aerobics classes. Also, the Sultan Gym located off of Gorgi Road has an extensive free weights section, as well as a women-only section.

All the 5-star hotels in the city have gyms with membership options ranging from 200-300 dinar per month.

Work
Most jobs for expats in Libya are in the oil and gas industry although there are major plans for development of practically every part of the Libyan infrastructure. This includes rebuilding roads, airports, a new railway system, towers and offices in the commercial district, and tourist projects near Tripoli and the Egyptian border.

Because of the perception that Libya offers very little compared to other Middle Eastern countries (and which is mainly true), and the fact that rates are generally better elsewhere such as Qatar or UAE, very few expats come to Libya and construction and engineering companies are desperate to attract people with experience.

Libya is changing rapidly though and there are already plans for the usual big shopping malls and big brand shops and supermarkets to open in Tripoli. As a note, the government generally owns the land, not individuals, so when the government agencies want to clear a patch of ground in the city and build something, they go right ahead and do it. You might wake up one morning to find a block of houses has been cleared nearby.

Doing business in Libya can be frustrating and there are many false leads. There are many stories of outside companies not being paid the full amount they are due for a project, especially the final invoice. Libyans are generally well educated and many can speak reasonable English. However, they still have a long way to go when it comes to the commercial aspects of business. Beware of the bidding process for example, if you submit you technical bid for a project and which receives the best score, and then have the best price to go with it, don't celebrate just yet. All too often, the client will now ask you again for you to come back again with your "best price". If there is a Libyan company competing against you, they may already have it wrapped up. Libya is embarking on an economic diversification project.

Buy
There are some big brand shops present in Tripoli, Marks and Spencer, Mango, H & M. Prices are similar in comparison to the UK.

Clothes The best clothing shops are generally near Martyrs Square and running up towards the former cathedral. Bargains can be found here including shoes and the usual knitwear which appears to good quality. Also in Gargarish and Benashour area there are many of nice shops there.

Furniture Gargarish Road running towards Hay Andulas is easily the location to go for any furniture or office equipment, and printing supplies.

Electronics The best electronics shops are also on Gargarish Road but for computer equipment head to the Fatah Tower in the downtown commercial district where there a couple of shops, in addition to the computer shops in Aldahrah.

Eat
The quality of food in Tripoli is good and generally inexpensive by western standards. Do not expect a huge variety, the cuisine is mostly Arabic. The chances of getting food poisoning are slim but beware of the fish, if you do feel inclined to sample the seafood, just take one look at the cleanliness of the harbour and the beaches.

There is an Oriental restaurant in the Corinthea hotel and another one in Gargash. Brush up on your Arabic; waiting staff speak little English and getting one of them to serve you at your table can be challenging.

There are several cafes and bistros in Tripoli, mostly located in the Gergaresh strip all the way to Seyaheya. A few of the most popular venues are ; 02, W Cafe, Veranda, Caracalla, Cacao, Halaweyat Sharkiya and Caffe Casa.

Most of these cafes are also restaurants and serve a variety of dishes both western and middle eastern. All are popular among the foreigns of the city of Tripoli.

Drink
Alcohol is forbidden in Libya. It is not available in any restaurants or hotels except black market which may be much pricier than you thought. Fines if caught are hefty.

Embassies
Many foreign missions in Tripoli remain closed or have very limited consular services available due to the civil war hostilities. The Venezuelan embassy was ransacked and looted by rebel forces and others including the UK embassy were also damaged, and the Canadian and US embassies are now closed due to fighting in Tripoli. Many parts of Libya are under the de facto administration of the Government of National Accord, other parts of the nation have either no administration or are getting by with individual ad hoc arrangements.

If requiring assistance from your nation's consular representatives whilst in Libya, it may be possible to seek them out in a country adjoining Libya or from a partnered nation if a citizen of an EU state.

Some foreign representation may also be available in the city of Benghazi.

 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇨🇾 Cyprus
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇵🇭 Philippines
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇷🇸 Serbia
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Stay safe
Women may choose to dress modestly: long sleeves and long skirts or pants are considered most appropriate when shopping or sightseeing. Libya is not a conservative Muslim country, so head scarves are not necessary.

Go next

 * Roman Ruins of Sabratha and Leptis Magna are worth visiting. Sabratha is towards west of Tripoli and Leptis is to the east.
 * Tunisia

title: Tripoli


text:
Tripoli (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Tripoli:

Greece

 * Tripoli (Greece) — A city in Peloponnese.

Libya

 * Tripoli — The capital and largest city of Libya.

Lebanon

 * Tripoli (Lebanon) — A city in Lebanon.

title: Tripoli (disambiguation)


text:
Tripoli (Lebanon)

Tripoli (Arabic: طرابلس, Trablus) is a city in northern Lebanon.

Get in
From Beirut's Charles Helou station, you can either take a bus (all destinations are written in Arabic. Ask around for the "Trablos Express"), share a taxi with others or hire your own taxi (you'll pay for 4 people). It is also possible to take a minibus from Beirut's Cola station or Daoura station.

The is mainly for freight and not very friendly for passengers, but has Lebanon's only scheduled passenger ferry, run by Med Star.

Get around
As other cities in Lebanon, Tripoli has an abundance of shared "service" taxis, which is basically every car with a red numberplate. You may share one with others in the direction you are heading. Any trip within central Tripoli will cost 1,000 LL. If going a bit further you might be asked to pay "double service" which is 2,000 LL. If asking for a "Taxi" and not "service" the driver will think you want the car for yourself and will charge you the price of four passengers.

Old City
The Old City is mainly a Mamluk city. The urban form of Mamluk Tripoli was dictated mainly by climate, site configuration, defense, and urban aesthetics. The layout of major thoroughfares was set according to prevailing winds and topography. The city had no fortifications, but heavy building construction characterized by compact urban forms, narrow and winding streets for difficult city penetration. Residential areas were bridged over streets at strategic points for surveillance and defense. The city also included many loopholes and narrow slits at street junctions. There are old souqs (markets) and khans (caravanserai), hammams (Turkish baths), citadels, great Mamluk mosques and madrassas. A vibrant area of the city, visitors will find an agglomeration of jewelers, perfumers, tanners, soap-makers and tailors within the narrow streets. The city is known for its production of soap, copper and brass trays, engraved wooden boxes, furniture, and sweets.

Palm Islands Nature Reserve
Located about a 30 minute boat ride off the coast of Tripoli, the Palm Islands Reserve is composed of three small islands. Established as a national nature reserve in 1992, the site is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. It is also an important egg-laying site for endangered sea turtles.

Other attractions

Do
Every Sunday afternoon families will gather to the shoreline of Tripoli where the road meets the ocean and they walk on the sidewalk provided while the sun goes down. They'll be vendors with food, and bike rentals for those who want to ride. Its a peaceful and relaxing time, where some will sit at the cafe's smoke hookah and watch the sunset. Its a must for a sweet finish at the end of your day.

For outdoor activities, go to the beaches of Tripoli like: Miramar, Al Naoura, Palma Touristic Center and Las Perlas.

 * El Mina old town: Inhabited since the 14th century B.C., El Mina was ruled sequentially by Persians, Alexander the Great's successors, the Romans, Mamluke Muslims, Turkish Ottomans, and the French. As a result, the old town is filled with history, including mosques and churches, a Caravan Serail, a Mamluk Fortress, and souk (traditional marketplaces).
 * Palm island reserves: If you are enchanted by marine ecology, be sure to spend some time in the Palm Islands Reserve, comprising three uninhabited islands located approximately 5km northwest of El Mina. This Mediterranean marine ecosystem provides a perfect breeding ground for the endangered Green and Loggerhead Turtles, a nesting place for over 300 species of migratory birds (including many rare and endangered species), and a home for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal.
 * Zambo carnival:Each year on the weekend preceding Clean Monday (usually between March and April), hundreds of locals organize and participate in lively musical parades wearing outfits and masks. The origin of this old tradition is unknown but some people link it to local Greek families (Greek Mardi Gras). More information: El Mina tourism center

Buy

 * The Souks The most incredible items can be found in the souk, from books to imitation shoes (Adidas, Nike). There are stalls upon stalls of pure kitsch and others of real taste and quality. One street have shops specializing in Islamic clothing, chador-like dresses and other traditional non-western clothing can be found. In contrast, just around the corner you may find shops selling sexy lingerie.

Suddenly you find yourself in Souk el Sayagheen, the gold and silver market. It's quite magical to look down this dark little street where the shops cast enough light for the jewellery hanging outside in curtains of gold and silver to glitter softly. or maybe "Khan Essaboun! The soap market, where you can buy aromatic & therapeutic, as well as decorated soaps.

Eat
Tripoli is famous all over Lebanon for its sticky oriental sweets. Many Beiruties visit Tripoli en group on Sunday mornings to have breakfast at "Hallab". Confusingly to tourists, many sweet houses in Tripoli carry the name "Hallab" in one way or another. This is either because they are legitimate descendants of the famous nineteenth century sweets maker of the same name, or simple free riders trying to profit from the name's reputation. Two however stand out: Rafaat Hallab 1881, and Abdel Rahman Al Hallab. A visit to either will satisfy the most demanding of sweet teeth.

In the beautiful, wide and trees-planted ElMina Road, you can find many cafes and restaurants to satisfy your hunger.

Drink
Tripoli Has the best coffee shops street in all of Lebanon (Mina Road). With more than 100 coffee shops and restaurants on both sidewalks. For bars and pubs, Mina neighborhood would be the best place for a glass of wine or a pint of beer with smooth Jazz music.
 * Cava Mino: the first pub in Mina and the only place for Jazz and good music in the area. The pub has a great ambiance (a nice outdoor space during summer). A poetry night is hosted once a month. The owners and staff are very friendly, and it has been a very popular place for locals as well as tourists. The menu offers a tasty collection of appetizers.
 * Gosha: A pub and restaurant specialized in cocktails
 * ASkale restaurant(Snack-bar):A leading restaurant offering delicious meals, friendly staff and cozy environment, located in the heart of El Mina old town, the newly renovated Laban street.

Sleep

 * Via Mina Pension
 * Via Mina Pension

Stay safe
Due to the spillover of the civil war in Syria, the situation in Lebanon, including Tripoli, has deteriorated. Most of governments around the world have issued travel warnings to Lebanon. While the situation has improved since then, it is suggested to plan carefully and visit with a local guide. Some turbulent neighborhoods, including the Jabal Mohsen and Bab-al-Tabbaneh neighborhoods, are not safe.

Go next

 * Ehden is beautiful town at the top of the northern mountains of Lebanon some 30 km away from Tripoli. Popular during summer and a main destination to sample Lebanese cuisine.
 * Batroun is home to lots of historic churches, both Catholic and Greek Orthodox. The town is also a major beach resort with a vibrant nightlife. About 22 km from Tripoli.

title: Tripoli (Lebanon)


text:
Tripura

Tripura is one of India's Northeastern states. It is bordered by Bangladesh in the south, west, and north, Assam in the northeast, and Mizoram in the east. It is one of the regions least explored by foreign tourists, but it offers immense natural beauty and an intriguing cultural heritage. Tripura was ruled by a communist party for 25 years until 2018.

Cities

 * — capital of Tripura
 * — second biggest city
 * — third biggest city

Other destinations

 * —

 * —

Understand
Tripura belongs to the politically volatile North-Eastern region of India. As in neighbouring states, ethnic and communal strife has claimed many lives over the past years. The current ethnic setup in Tripura is a consequence of the partition of India, when large groups of Bengali Hindus left the area that became East Pakistan (today Bangladesh). The previous majority population, the tribals, soon became a minority and disadvantaged in comparison to the new majority.

The changing demographic situation led to ethnic strife and an insurgent movement which lasted for decades. Following the establishment of an autonomous tribal council as well as the implementation of several counter-insurgency operations, violence and tensions have gradually abated, and the region has been peaceful.

Talk
The official languages of the state are Bengali, English, and Kokborok (alias Tripuri). Previously, Meitei (alias Manipuri) was also an associate official language but with its decreasing population, it eventually lost its official status.

As with virtually all states in North-East India, Hindi is not universally understood and very few people speak the language proficiently.

Get in
Tripura is mainly surrounded by the Bangladesh border. There is a border crossing point at the outskirts of the state capital, Agartala.

By bus
There is a direct bus service Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala.

By plane
Agartala is connected by air from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar. Foreign citizens must register at the airport on arrival.

By train
An express train runs daily between Agartala and Lumding, which enhances travelling in this princely state. As there is heavy rush, tickets should be booked well in advance.

Daily train service is also available from Agartala to Silchar and Lumding (Assam) and Dharmanagar (Tripura).

Get around
Buses run by CNG and diesel are the main transport between towns of the state. At Agartala, city buses are available in a regular interval. A small group can hire an autorickshaw, run by CNG, for getting around the city. If time is more of an issue than money, one can hire a vehicle with driver. Road conditions might be bad in rainy seasons, even by Indian standards. On some legs, vehicles travel in military convoys, moving extremely slowly through the countryside, especially on the National Highway which connects Agartala with Assam. Some rural areas are not safe to travel to or through after sundown.

The fastest way to travel internally in Tripura is a helicopter service that connects Agartala with the northern parts of the state.

See

 * Akhaura Border in Agartala
 * Bhubaneswari Temple in Udaipu}
 * Jampui Hills near Dharmanagar
 * Kashba is an artificial lake near Agartala that is popular for picknickers and location of a mela (fair or gathering) during the Navaratri Festival.
 * Maata Bari temple in Udaipur
 * Malanchya Nivas in Agartala
 * Neermahal Palace in Melagarh in Udaipur is a royal palace built in the middle of the lake Rudrasagar.
 * Pilak is an archaeological site near Agartala. Buddhist and Hindu sandstone sculptures discovered here can be seen at the Tripura Government Museum.
 * Rose Valley Park in Agartala (outskirt of the city)
 * Temple of Fourteen Gods in Old Agartala was built in honour of fourteen deities worshipped during Kharchi Puja.
 * Ujjayanta Palace near Agartala is a mansion built in 1901 that houses the State Legislative Assembly
 * Kailasahar and Unakoti, near Dharmanagar. Unakoti is an historic site containing large and mysterious yet fascinating rock-cut and stone sculptures of Hindu deity Shiva
 * SomTwisa Valley

Do
Visit the State Museum in Agartala which is housed in the Ujjayanta palace, a piece of history itself.

Eat
Typical Bengali cuisine includes rice, fish, meat and dal (pulse). Bengali sweets are also commonly available here. Some unique dishes of tribal people are also popular among the non-tribals and tourists. One of the typical tribal dishes is godok, a must-try pork dish. The major ingredients of Tripuri cuisine include pork, chicken, mutton, turtle, fish, prawns, crabs and frogs.

Drink
Drinking of wine is banned in open. There are no bars. Beware of pirated alcohols, available in plenty. On the other hand, soft drinks of eminent brands are available in almost all shops.

Stay safe
Most local people are quite honest and helpful, but beware of auto drivers charging more than normal rates, especially from Agartala Airport specifically to non-locals. For short journeys, always take three-wheeler rickshaws: they are convenient and easily available anywhere.

Go next
There are three ways to get out from here. Firstly, one can opt for air transport; regular flights are available for Kolkata, Guwahati and some other parts of India. One can also opt for rail transport, though rails never run in this route on time. The state is connected with Assam through Meter Gauge Railway. If you plan to visit Bangladesh, you can choose road transport: state-run TRTC service is available for visiting Bangladesh, which is cheaper and reliable. From Dhaka, link bus service is also available for going to Kolkata. Only advance tickets are available in this route and the traveller requires a valid visa for this route (Kolkata via Dhaka).

For Bangladeshi visas, there is a Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala which runs a same day visa service; however, depending on the mood of the visa officer, the price of a tourist visa to Bangladesh may mysteriously rise and the length of your stay in Bangladesh also depends on this factor. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want to see in Bangladesh as this will usually enable you to be granted a longer stay.

title: Tripura


text:
Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha refers both to an archipelago of fairly small islands in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean and to the only inhabited island of the group. It is part of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha—a territory of the United Kingdom—together with Saint Helena and Ascension, which lie over 2,000 km to the north. Politically, Tristan da Cunha refers to Tristan da Cunha Island, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, relatively nearby Gough Island, and a dozen or so islets near these islands.

The main body of this article deals with Tristan da Cunha Island; the other islands are covered in "Nearby" at the bottom of the page.

Understand
Tristan da Cunha is the most remote archipelago in the world, while the main island (also known as Tristan da Cunha) is the most remote inhabited island in the world. The nearest speck of land not part of the archipelago, Saint Helena, is a whopping 2430 km (1509 mi) away, and it's over 2816 km (1750 mi) to the nearest continent, Africa.

The entire population of some 270 inhabitants is concentrated on the only flat bit of this volcanic landmass, the hamlet of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas on the main island, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the most isolated human settlement in the world. There are a few other islands in the archipelago, all uninhabited: Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, Middle Island and Stoltenhoff Island. Gough Island, some 300 km away, hosts a weather and scientific research outpost.

History
The islands were discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese captain Tristão da Cunha, who named the main island after himself.

The first recorded landing, for provisions, was in 1643 by the crew of the Dutch Heemstede. The islands were on the preferred routes for sailing ships from Europe to the Indian Ocean, and thus of interest; the Dutch East India Company mounted two expeditions to the island. The English and French followed. Nightingale Island was named by a British officer, likewise after himself. No base was built though, by any of them, probably because of lack of a safe harbour.

In 1790–91 an English crew lived on the island hunting seals. Also American whalers frequented the waters. A few Americans settled 1810. During the war against Britain, Americans used the island as a base. Because of this and to prevent the French from freeing Napoleon on St Helena, the islands were occupied by a garrison of British Marines.

When the garrison left in 1817, a corporal and his family stayed. A civilian population of mixed backgrounds was gradually built up. Whalers used the islands as a base.

The American Civil War hit whaling hard. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the move from sailing ships to steam ships made the islands isolated, as they were no longer on an important trade route. The year 1885 was a disaster for the residents: poor weather had made them short of food, a boat with most of the male population on board was lost and rats surviving from a shipwreck rendered growing of wheat impossible. The majority preferred to remain.

During World War II, the islands were used as a top secret Royal Navy weather and radio station codenamed HMS Atlantic Isle, to monitor U Boats and German shipping.

An eruption of Queen Mary's Peak forced the evacuation of the entire population from 1961 to 1963, to a site near Southampton.

Get in
Travel to Tristan da Cunha requires careful planning, often more than a year before a visit. There is no airstrip on the island; all visitors must arrive by boat. There are no entry restrictions based on nationality and, while the island requires an application (which must be approved), there are no "visas" for entry to Tristan da Cunha. Prior to booking passage all visitors to Tristan da Cunha must receive permission from the Tristan Government. Write an email to [mailto:admin@tristandc.com admin@tristandc.com] and specify the proposed dates of your visit, preferred passage (name of vessel), type of accommodation sought, nationality, age, and the full purpose of your visit. A Police Certificate (official record of your criminal history, or lack thereof) may be requested. If you are a journalist or intend to publish any work as a result of your stay, you must declare so in your application. Film makers must apply for a permit (limited permits are available), have their intentions approved by the Island Council, and are subject to a £5,000 fee. All visitors must agree to and abide by an extensive list of terms & conditions to visit the island.

Visitors are the lowest priority for passage on vessels and may be forced to forfeit their passage to persons with a higher priority (medical evacuation, officials on official business, even locals leaving on holiday have higher priority). When planning a visit, consider a departure when several other vessels will be departing soon thereafter to avoid being stuck on the island if forced to forfeit your departing passage.

It takes five to ten days (depending on the weather and ship) to travel the 2810 kilometres from Cape Town. The South African polar research ship SA Agulhas and the fishing vessels Edinburgh and Baltic Trader do the voyage between Cape Town and Tristan da Cunha several times every year. A return ticket on Agulhas is about US$1,300, a return ticket on one of the fishing vessels is US$800. Schedules and further information is available on the official Tristan da Cunha website.

Oceanwide Expeditions offers a cruise to Tristan da Cunha and other remote islands in March–April.

Arriving by yacht or personal vessel
Advance arrangements should be made by contacting the Police Department at +44 20 3014-2010 (telephone), +44 20 3014-2020 (fax), or tristandcpolice@gmail.com. Tristan Radio serves as the coastal radio for Tristan da Cunha Island and the port at Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Communication with Tristan Radio must be established prior to arrival on VHF: '''Channel 14, 16 and 78. HFSSB 4000 / 4149 / 6230 / 8294mhz'''. The Communications Officer (Tristan Radio Zoe) can be reached at +44 20 3014-2034, +44 20 3014-5024 (after hours), or tristanradiozoe@yahoo.co.uk. Vessels which have not made prior arrangements to call at Tristan with the Police Department must obtain clearance from the Harbourmaster, Medical Officer and Immigration Officer through Tristan Radio before anchoring or disembarking passengers or crew.

Visiting vessels must obtain clearance from the Harbourmaster to anchor off Tristan da Cunha Island, in open anchorage near 37°03.10'S/12°18.60'W or 37°03.04'S/12°17.85'W (maximum depth 50-100 m, due to shelving bottom). Aluminium anchors are generally ineffective in Tristan Harbour. Due to wildlife conservation measures, visiting vessels are prohibited from anchoring overnight off Gough, Inaccessible or Nightingale Islands. The Harbour is closed to visiting vessels after 19:00 GMT (1 Oct - 31 May), 17:00 GMT (1 Apr - 31 Sep), early mornings, late afternoons, and at various other times at the Harbourmaster's discretion to allow local vessels to operate in/out of the harbour.

The Visits Liaison Officer will arrange for an official party to board visiting vessels and complete local clearance procedures prior to the disembarkation of passengers or crew. All visitors must hold a valid passport and obtain permission to land by having a landing stamp inserted in their passport. The landing fee for yacht passengers is £15. If unable to transfer from anchorage to shore, a small RIB and crew can be hired for ship-to-shore £75 per day. There is a strict ban on the import (without permit) of any living or dead animal or plant.

Information from the Tristan government for visiting vessels may be found here.

By foot
Walking is the most common method of getting around Tristan da Cunha Island and the only way of moving about any of the outer islands. Due to rugged, steep terrain, going all the way around the island is difficult, but if you are just staying in the village of Tristan, the flat, grassy ground there is easy to manage.

By transport
There is a paved road (the M1) from Edinburgh (aka The Settlement) to the Potato Patches, which are about 3 miles away. There are no vehicles for hire on Tristan; however, local transport is available to the Potato Patches. This local transport could be an islander's car, tractor, and during the mornings a bus service also operates. The bus is targeted at pensioners, who can use it for free. The charge is £5 return.

See
There is generally rugged terrain, which has several types of more or less harsh beauty, as you can see from some of the photos on this page.

Wildlife
These islands are home to rare birds, including the Tristan thrush; the Inaccessible Island rail, which is flightless; and the northern rockhopper penguin.

Do

The Island organizes fishing excursions, walks, climbs and even golf for visitors. Once again, consult their website for more information.
 * Climb the volcano – this is very weather-dependent, but on a clear day you may be able to reach either "First Base" (the plateau above the settlement) or even Queen Mary's Peak (the summit). A guide is required and costs (shared by all hikers): £200 for a trip to the peak or £120 (2 guides) or £60 (one guide) to the base.
 * Visit the fish factory – tours of the island's fish processing factory are often available to visitors.

Money
The currency of the islands is the Pound sterling (£). Credit cards and personal cheques are not accepted. Travellers cheques, euros, US dollars, and South African rand may be exchanged at the treasury in the Administration Building.

Shopping
A handicrafts and souvenirs store is located in the Tourism Centre.

Handicrafts and souvenirs are also available in the Island Store and, during cruise ship visits, may be available in the Café, Prince Philip Hall Community Centre, and some local homes.

Eat and drink

The only public place available is the Prince Philip Hall which occasionally serves food, the building also houses the Albatross Bar, which is the island's only pub. Opening hours are sketchy to say the least, and the only time it's very likely to be open is when cruise ships are docked at the island. If you are hungry and the hall is closed, the only other option is the Island shop.

The Post Office also houses a small café, serving tea, filter coffee and cakes.

Sleep
Self-catering accommodation is £20 per night, while home stays, which include meals and laundry, cost £40 per night. There are discounts for Tristan Islanders and children. Booking information is available on the Island's official website.

Stay healthy
Tap water is filtered from a spring and is safe and pleasant to drink.

Connect

 * There is no mobile phone network on the island (nor will you have had signal for the last week after you lost sight of Cape Town)
 * The Internet Cafe houses a number of PCs and spaces to use your own laptop, and costs £10 for visitors for the duration of their stay. Internet access for the island is via a satellite link, so the 3 Mbps connection is shared between everyone—don't expect it to be fast at 09:00 on a Monday morning.
 * A payphone is available in the Internet Cafe, and you'll need to ask for it to be unlocked if you wish to use it.
 * Post can be sent from the Post Office, or the post box just outside, but will likely travel back with you on the same ship as you are on. Expect it to take a couple of weeks to arrive at its destination. Last posting dates for each ship are advertised at the Post Office when known.

Church services
Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday morning services at St Mary's Anglican Church (08:00) and St Joseph's Catholic Church (09:00).

Toilets
Public toilets can be found adjacent to the Café, in Prince Philip Hall, below the Council Chamber in the Administration Building and in the Post Office and Tourism Centre.

Inaccessible Island
Despite the name, it is possible to visit the island. Only visitors escorted by guides from Tristan da Cunha are permitted to visit the island, and most visitors come as part of a cruise ship itinerary. There are no permanent settlements on the island and you should bring your own food or drinks. Along with (relatively) nearby Gough Island, Inaccessible Island was made a in 1995.

Nightingale Island

Some 38 km (24 mi) southwest of Tristan da Cunha is Nightingale Island, flanked on the north by two small islands—Stoltenhoff Island & Alex Island—both roughly 0.5 km in diameter and under 100 m high. The islands are an important breeding ground for up to 6 million migratory birds at a time (that's 2.6 birds/m²), which are the primary sight here. Nightingale is a volcanic island, which experienced its first eruption (undersea) in over 30,000 years in 2004. In the centre of Nightingale lay four small ponds (an area known as "The Ponds"). Cliffs ring much of this tiny island, the smallest of the Tristan da Cunha group at barely 2 km in diameter, but a landing can be made on the northern coast on the channel between Nightingale & Alex Islands. Huts have been built at the landing for visitors to spend the night on shore and a trail has been made to The Ponds.

Nightingale is covered by tall grasses (up to 3 m high) which shelter many of the smaller birds. Endemic (and really the only) vegetation on the island are the grass (Spartina arundinacea) and a tree (Phylica arborea). The only endemic bird is a landbird: the Nightingale Island Finch (Nesospiza questi), while the Wilkins's Finch (Nesospiza wilkinsi)—another landbird—is only found on Nightingale & Inaccessible Islands. The Tristan Thrush (Nesocichla eremita) is the third landbird found on Nightingale and endemic to the Tristan da Cunha group. Among the species of seabirds that flock to the island are Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome moseleyi), the Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchus), the Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis), White-faced Storm Petrels (Pelagodroma marina), White-bellied Storm Petrels (Fregetta grallaria), Brown/Southern/Subantarctic Skuas (Stercorarius antarcticus), Tristan skuas (Catharacta antarctica hamiltoni), broad-billed pions (Pachyptila vittata), the great shearwater (puffinus gravis), the Atlantic petrel (Pteradroma incerta), the common diving petrel (pelecanoides urinatrix), Antarctic tern (Sterna vittata) and the sooty albatross (Phoebetria fusca).

Gough Island

Gough Island was first known as Diego Alvarez, but it was sighted again in 1721 by Captain Gough, from his ship the Richmond. This brought a new name, and a bit more attention, to the place. Though Gough Island is a UK territory, the only permanent settlement you will find is South African. South Africa leases a portion of the island from the UK for use by SANAP as the only permanently manned South Atlantic Ocean meteorological station. The island is a.

Gough Island has no sheltered harbour or anchorage. The only suitable landing place for boats is at Glen Anchorage in Quest Bay on the island's east coast.

SA Agulhas, on a relief expedition, departs from Cape Town to Tristan da Cunha then onwards to Gough Island on an annual relief voyage. This ship carries cargo and passengers.

There is no access for tourists and even crew members from passing yachts may not go ashore except in the case of extreme emergency.

Getting around comes with great difficulty: a combination of excessively steep terrain and incredibly dense vegetation, and no paths to speak of. Nor is there any public accommodation on Gough Island.

title: Tristan da Cunha