Port Of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago Report of what it's like to live there - 08/21/26
Personal Experiences from Port Of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Over the past 26 years, we have lived in major cities in Mexico, Spain, Belgium, and Kenya.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA ... to get to our home, we have to fly to Miami (approximately 4 hours) or Houston and catch a connecting flight
There are not a lot of daily flights to other places compared to other cities where I have lived.
3. What years did you live here?
2024-2026.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
For families affiliated with the US Embassy, housing ranges from beautiful apartments (many of which overlook the water) to medium and large homes, most with their own swimming pool. Most apartments and homes are either in Westmoorings (by the coast and near the international school) or Maraval (inland, closer to the location where the new embassy is currently being built).
Feelings about current housing are mixed, as the landlords are often responsible for repairs and the process can take a long, long time. Some homes have had mold issues. The city water, especially in Maraval, frequently goes out for multiple days! Other homes are well-maintained and residents are happy ... it's the luck of the draw. Some homes are in gated communities.
During the dry season, commute times are generally 20-30 minutes unless there has been an accident on the road. Commutes to Westmoorings from the embassy have been known to take an hour, but that is not the norm. During the rainy season, a good storm can delay traffic for an hour. Families in Maraval face more traffic issues due to known bottlenecks in that area.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Higher quality food items are mostly imported and expensive. Sample prices: a dozen cage-free eggs ($8.50 usd), a quart of half & half ($9.84), a half gallon of organic milk ($12.45), and a brick of Philadelphia cream cheese ($6.26). Chocolate chips are exorbitant. Dairy without preservatives is hit or miss. You can go weeks without finding pure cottage cheese or unadulterated heavy cream. Note that similar items "with" additives and preservatives are more readily available. Fresh berries are not always available.
On the other hand, local products like coconut water, tomatoes, pineapple, watermelon, bananas, small green bananas, and plantains are plentiful. Eggplant is significantly cheaper than zucchini. Spices for Indian cuisine are readily available.
People like PriceSmart, which has Costco-type feel to it, and find some prices are occasionally slightly cheaper there than other places. Availability of fresh dairy varies there, too.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Good coffee beans and protein supplements.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
A popular and inexpensive dish here is "doubles," a pair of two soft flatbreads filled with curried chickpeas. KFC is HUGELY popular and can be found on every corner. There are some lovely high-end restaurants and fun pubs. It's also easy to find Indian cuisine.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We've had small "house lizards," an iguana, and bats...but nothing really that I would describe as a problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many families hire nannies or occasional house cleaners. It seems to be readily available. I have been told that paying a house cleaner for a full day should cost less than $75 usd/day and that full-time help (8-4) is approximately $1000 usd/month. However, some expats may pay more and many locals may pay less.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I do not know of any areas in the city where bike riding is advisable.
Walking in gated neighborhoods or in Westmoorings is fine. Many people are out walking before and after work in Westmoorings. (Note that they are mostly walking IN the neighborhood streets, alert for local traffic.) There are occasional small parks in different neighborhoods. Some people walk around Queen's Park Savannah near the US Embassy; however, packs of dogs can be an issue.
There is a popular walking trail called the Bamboo Cathedral that draws a lot of people on weekends. Other hiking trails exist in the country and can be sought out. Generally it is advisable to hike with a buddy if you don't know the area.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
A local gym that appears clean and well-supplied with workout equipment quoted me $67 usd/month, pay as you go.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely accepted and safe to use. ATMs are common and fine to use.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Trinidad is an English-speaking country which prides itself on tolerance toward the major religious groups: Christian, Muslim, Hindu. Catholic churches are especially common.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is all that is needed.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local transportation is generally off-limits for diplomats at the US embassy, except for a couple of vetted services, so I have not tried it.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
There are a lot of potholes in the roads and flooding occurs, but there are still many smaller cars on the roads. The traffic doesn't move very quickly and Trini drivers are generally courteous about letting people in. Just go slow and stay in your (left) lane. There was recently ONE incident of a carjacking, but that isn't normally a huge concern in the areas frequented by expats. Of course, there are dangerous parts of the city, as in any large city.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
$120 usd/month for Digital fiber, sufficient for teleworking, but there are lower cost packages available.
Other services such as Starlink are also available
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local providers are available. I kept my T-Mobile number from the US and it has been fine.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Pet import and export needs to be coordinated with the government vets who meet the plane upon arrival. Vets are available here. No quarantine.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
In public places, anything goes, and business dress for work. It is very formal for many official events
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Use your head, as in any large city, and avoid areas known to be dangerous. In my opinion, expats who live here and use normal precautions find it quite safe.
2. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Sahara dust can settle over the city and trigger allergies. Also, sometimes people burn trash. I recommend bringing air filters and using them in the house. In my opinion, it's not worse than other places I have lived.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
You may encounter dust from the Sahara during certain times of year and mold/mildew is common due to the humidity
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
island fever ... it's a small place without a lot happening
Flexible people who actively make their own fun (and try new things) will be happier.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Trinidad has a warm, tropical climate year-round with high humidity and temperatures usually between 25°C and 32°C (77°F–90°F). It features two main seasons: a wet season from June to December with frequent showers and thunderstorms, and a dry season from January to May .
It is never cool.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Many families use ISPS (International School of Port of Spain) in Westmoorings.
A French preschool is also available in Westmoorings.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Historically, ISPS had a mixed reputation. Some families even curtailed. Recently, their program has been significantly improved, and current families appear to be happy; however, due to staff turnover, it is hard to say year-to-year what support will be offered.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Expat community is relatively small, but Trini people tend to be friendly and social.
Morale depends on the person's ability to find "their tribe" here. Many people I know are happy. They tend to try anything (at least once), take up new hobbies, and embrace unusual experiences and the hazards that come with them. With luck, they find a few new good friends. It's a pretty quiet place, so those who enjoy a good book at home or a quiet hike through the Bamboo Cathedral are happy, too. A few people have made local friends and taken up sailing.
It is, however, a small island without many museums or other cultural offerings. It is possible to run out of new and interesting things to do ...
The only truly white beach is on the island of Tobago, reachable by air or ferry. Tickets to other countries (Panama, Barbados, etc.) are expensive, so this is not a good base for exploring the region inexpensively. You can do some scuba diving in Tobago.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is a network of expat women who plan activities (small groups). I recommend joining their WhatsApp chat.
Other families at school. Church groups. Groups associated with your embassy.
A popular Trini activity here is "liming" which is basically partying happily with friends!
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
See my answer about morale, above. This is a good place if you can find your tribe and/or don't mind a rather quiet life ...
Extroverted people with a "try anything" approach will likely find it easier to locate that tribe.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Those we know seem to be happy.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Trinis tend to be friendly and warm people. The country prides itself on religious tolerance.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Watching the Carnival parades, listening to steel pan bands and soca stars, hiking Bamboo Cathedral and other trails, visiting hummingbird reserves and learning about them, swimming at the white beaches in Tobago and snorkeling in the Nylon Pool there, seeing enormous sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and finding a tribe of expat friends with whom to enjoy board games, books, and quiet activities.
We loved it and many families asked to extend their tours.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The gems aren't really hidden. Whenever we have guests, we (and everyone else) tend to visit the same places: Bamboo Cathedral, white beach at Pigeon Point in Tobago, the Caroni Wildlife Reserve (to see scarlet ibis), and the hummingbird reserves. When possible, take in a performance by the steel pan bands! Enjoy viewing the costumes at Carnival! Learn and sing along with popular soca songs.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
absolutely NOT. No.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The tropical climate, quiet life, and smiling faces.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes! We enjoyed our tour there very much.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
warm clothing, any need to hurry.
3. But don't forget your:
binoculars for birdwatching, hobbies, craft supplies, hiking sandals, and books.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Watch soca star Machel Montano's "Pardy" song/video on YouTube to get a glimpse of the joyful, fun side of the culture here ...
