Money, SIM Cards and Tipping in Trinidad

The TT dollar

The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD, written TT$).¹ Prices in shops, at fetes and on street food stalls are in TT dollars unless someone tells you otherwise.

On 2 October 2026, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago published these rates for the main visitor currencies:²

As a quick rule of thumb, TT$100 is a little under US$15. Rates move, so check the Central Bank's homepage before you travel.²

Cash, US dollars and cards

• US dollars are widely accepted, at roughly TT$6.8 to US$1 according to the tourism board, but euros and pounds are not as widely accepted.¹ Paying in TT dollars keeps the maths simple and avoids rough conversions at the till.
• Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and malls.¹ Street food, maxi taxis, many route taxis and small vendors usually take cash, so always carry some small notes.
• ATMs are widely available, but bank fees apply.¹ Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked.
• Travellers' cheques are not accepted.¹
• Change money at banks and cambios, not on the street.¹

Taxes and service charges

Trinidad and Tobago charges Value Added Tax at 12.5 percent, and VAT is normally included in the final shelf price.³ For hotels and restaurants, the tourism board lists three charges you may see on a bill:¹

• VAT: 12.5 percent
• Hotel tax: 10 percent
• Service charge: 10 percent

When comparing hotel quotes, ask whether the rate includes these, because they add up quickly over a Carnival week.

Tipping

Start by reading the bill. If a service charge is already included, you do not need to add much, if anything. If there is no service charge, our suggestions:

• Restaurants with table service: a tip of around 10 percent for good service is a kind gesture.
• Taxis and drivers: round up, and tip more for a driver who waits for you after a fete or helps with heavy luggage.
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: a few TT dollars a bag or a day is appreciated.
• Street food and bars: not expected, but rounding up is always welcome.

These are our editors' suggestions rather than official rules. Tipping is a thank you, not an obligation.

Staying connected: SIM cards and eSIMs

Trinidad and Tobago's country code is +1 868, followed by a seven-digit number.¹ There are two main mobile networks: bmobile and Digicel.¹ Before you buy anything, check what your home provider charges for roaming.

Digicel Tourist eSIM

Digicel sells Tourist eSIM plans online: you choose a plan, register, and the eSIM is emailed to you.⁴ As listed in October 2026 (VAT included):⁴

Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

bmobile

bmobile sells prepaid day and month plans, with one-day plans starting at TT$30 including VAT, and it publishes eSIM setup guides for iPhone and Android.^5,6 Visit a bmobile store with your passport, since some bmobile services ask for one form of ID such as a passport.⁵ bmobile also runs bzone, free Wi-Fi hotspots around the country that you register to use.¹