Shopping in Trinidad and Tobago

Shopping in Trinidad and Tobago is all about variety.  In one instant you can be making your way through a busy street bazaar, and the next walking through a department store in the mall.  There are also locally owned businesses and various souvenir shops.

The Goods

Much like the people of Trinidad and Tobago, their craft industry is a vibrant one.  If you are looking to take home a souvenir symbolic of the island, look towards the locally made items.  In this category you will find mini steel pan drums, leather crafts, beaded jewelry, and wood carvings.

Don't forget about souvenirs you can swallow, from local rum to a wide variety of regional spices.

Also, along with the abundance of products that come from international sources, Trinidad is known for it's great fashion and jewelry industry.  Hand printed sarongs and sun dresses, Trinidad t-shirts, painstakingly crafted jewelry, and various other high end designs can be found in boutiques throughout the country.

Where to Shop

Outdoor markets are a great place to find the best prices on handicrafts, textiles, produce, and livestock.  Charlotte Street in Port-of-Spain is well known for street vending, but also be on the look out for street vendors on High Street, Main Street in Chaguanas, and the Central Market at Sea Lots.

The bazaar in Port-of-Spain showcases luxury items from around the globe.  Shoppers will find everything they could dream of, from Irish linens and English china to Swiss watches and French perfume.  At each shop in the bazaar you'll feel as though you've left Trinidad and gone to a whole new country, with the exciting opportunity to bring home a souvenir. 

Trinidad's malls come in two forms: arcade and shopping centers.  Arcades are what Americans recognize as a shopping mall, with department stores flanking dozens of smaller chains, restaurants, salons, movie theaters, and kiosks.  These can be found throughout Trinidad on Chaguanas, Charlotte, Frederick, Henry, and High Roads.  You can expect to pay more at the arcade malls than in the shopping centers.

The shopping centers, meanwhile, are open air shopping plazas, where guests must walk outdoors to move between the shops.  In Trinidad, these include City of Grand Bazaar, Cross Crossing Shopping Plaza, Ellerslie Plaza, Falls at West Mall, Gulf City Shopping Complex, Long Circular Mall, MovieTowne Entertainment Complex,  Trincity Mall,  and Valpark Shopping Centre.

Tobago is filled with shops that sell handicrafts, which is great for a visitor looking for that one-of-a-kind souvenir.  Check out the Scarborough Market, Boutiques, the Cotton House, and Tobago Treasures.  Farro's is the best spot for edible souvenirs.

Duties, Taxes, and Tips

The official currency of Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TT$), however, many shops will accept major credit cards and the United States Dollar (USD). 

Trinidad does offer guests duty free shopping, allowing $200 worth of gifts, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1.5 liters of wine or spirits, and perfume to leave the country with visitors at no charge.  Visitors will find duty free shopping at Excellent City Stores and Maraj and Sons in Port of Spain, Long Circular Mall in St James, and West Mall in Westmoorings.

The eclectic mix of local products and international goods is what is so special about shopping in Trinidad and Tobago.  Make the most of your $200 duty free limit, and bring home fine goods as well as handcrafted souvenirs.