WHATS ON THE MENU

The Island benefits from a fusion of foods because our culture is so diverse. From authentic Italian restaurants, authentic northern and southern Indian cuisine, Chinese & French influenced foods, good ole American dining and our very own local cuisines and fusion foods, dining and meals in Trinidad and Tobago is nothing short of a treat.

Home cooked meals can be whipped up from common and well-known brands found at our local grocery chains. Also available are membership based wholesale club type shopping options where you are able to find bulk type supermarket finds.

Want to cook like a local? Online food guides, local cook books and social media groups can serve to be your personal mentors that can guide you step by step in the kitchen. You would be cooking like a Trinbagonian in no time.

Here are a few of our favourite food resources locally in Trinidad and Tobago:

http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad/dining/

http://trinichow.com/

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Often referred to as the land of the hummingbirds, Trinidad and Tobago has a wide range of outdoor recreational facilities suitable for all ages. Geologically different from Trinidad, Tobago, the smaller of the two islands is of volcanic origin and part of the Caribbean islands, while Trinidad was part of the South American continent. This contrast of geography presents a wealth of outdoor exploration opportunities and sports activities. From kayaking, zip lining, bird watching, bicycling, hashing, fishing, rock climbing, snorkeling and surfing, both islands offer a unique experience for all who seek it.

For information on Natural Attractions, Beaches, Other Places of Interest or a Summary of Activities at the popular vacation areas, you can explore the following links:

http://www.trinoutdoors.com/pages/places.htm

http://www.tntadventures.com/

http://www.tdc.co.tt/?made.in.tt

RE-SHIPPERS AND SKYBOXES

So you have arrived in Trinidad, and been living in country for a while. You may find certain items hard to come by and not readily available in stores. For the person with this specific need it is quite common practice among locals to have a sky box or re-shipper, an agency that provides you with a US address or PO Box, and that delivers these items directly to your door on the island.

How does it work?

Once you sign up with a provider, you are provided with a mailbox number including a personal Miami address for use when shopping online, via catalog or telephone at your U.S. store of your choice, or when receiving certain documents. All packages and documents that arrive at your address in Miami are then shipped to Trinidad, cleared through customs (customs and delivery charges may occur) and delivered to your door step or designated location.

I have included some of the more popular providers on the island below:

·         Red Express - http://redxpresstt.com/

·         WebSource - http://shipwebsource.com/

·         Aeropost - http://www.aeropost.com/web/frontend/principal?lang=_eng&country=pos

IMMIGRATION DEEP DIVE

Once your work permit has been approved and you arrive in Trinidad, there are some additional steps that you will need to complete to close out the immigration process.

•      Visa Waiver 

–     Once an assignee is issued a TT Work Permit and entering the country without a TT VISA, they must apply for a VISA waiver for themselves and each family member.

–     The VISA Waiver Form is completed and submitted to the immigration officials at the airport along with a fee of TT$400 / US$67 for each family member.

•      Immigration Medical

–    Required by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore all persons are required to complete a medical examination once the duration of the work permit is more than one (1) year.

–    Make appointment with company or personal doctor.

–    Immigration medical forms must be completed by the doctor and submitted with your completed VISA application form.

Here is the link to the immigration medical forms: http://sta.uwi.edu/media/documents/2012/HR%20Immigration%20Medical%20Form.pdf

•      Extension of Landing Certificate and VISA Application

–      Extension of Landing Certificate is required by all

–      TT VISA is required by all except for UK and Canadian citizens

–      Documents required for TT Visa:

•      Passports

•      Copy of Work Permit

•      Immigration Medical Report – including x-ray report

•      Visa Application Form (required by all persons except UK and Canadian citizens)

–      Fees – Extension of Landing Certificate –TT$100 per person: Visa Application Fee - $400 per person.

The application for your extension of landing certificate will need to be done in person at the immigration offices:

Immigration Division
Permanent Residence and Citizenship and Extensions (Variations)
Student Permit, Visas, Certificate of Immigration Services
Moonan Building
#116 Frederick Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad
Tel: 625-9261
Fax: 627-9735

STUDENT PERMITS

If you are moving to Trinidad and Tobago with your kids and plan to enroll them in school, you will need to apply for a student permit for each child. The Immigration Division does not issue Student Permits to students prior to their arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. This application will need to be done after your arrival in country, once they have successfully been accepted and enrolled into their school of choice. The list below includes the relevant documents required for submission to Immigration:

·         Student Permit Application Forms 

·         Letter and Receipt from the School (the schools are familiar with the letter required)

·         Passport of applicant (student) and assignee

·         Applicant’s TT Visa

·         Copy of Work Permit

·         Fees – TT$200

Additional information can be obtained from the Ministry’s website using this link: http://www.immigration.gov.tt/Services/Permits/StudentPermit.aspx

There are various agencies in Trinidad that can assist with applying for a student permit. I have included the info for you as well:

·         Aegis Business Solutions http://www.aegistt.com/

·         LARM http://www.larmgroup.com/trinidadytobago.html

LANGUAGE & CULTURAL TRAINING

When moving to any new country it is important to consider differences in both language and culture. Seeking some form of intercultural training, prior to your move can serve as important tool in helping both you and your family assimilate. An Intercultural briefing will assist you to:

−      Understand the role of culture in business and social relationships

−      Learn vital information about Trinidad.

−      Develop the skills for successful adaptation to life and work in Trinidad

−      Look at opportunities and Challenges for the Spouse/Partner/Children

Here are some useful links:

trinidad@larmgroup.com

http://www.cartus.com/en/

http://www.soleilintercultural.com

http://www.canadawise.com/page/intercultural-training/

TRINIDAD BANKING

If you are in the country on a long term basis you may need to open a $TTD bank account to facilitate currency conversion or bank wires. The following is a list of the requirements to open a local bank account:-

·         Two forms of Identification for Assignee and spouse (if applicable)

·         A banker's reference letter from your home bank 

·         Credit score from the country of residence

·         Proof of address from your present home location (overseas) e.g. A utility bill

·         Job letter from TT employeer

·         Copy of your work permit

Click here http://www.tntisland.com/ttbanks.html for a listing of Trinidad and Tobago Banks by location.