If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Trinidad and Tobago, please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in Trinidad and Tobago, country information and more...
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Expat Community
Trinidad & Tobago is just one of many expatriate communities around the world which unities members of 180 nationalities.
Website: www.facebook.com/ExpatsLocalsTrinidadTobagoCommunity
International Schools
International School of Port of Spain
The International School of Port of Spain consists of three divisions: The Elementary School (Pre-kindergarten through Grade Five), Middle School (Grades Six through Eight) and High School (Grades Nine through Twelve). The International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) offers an international education based upon a US curriculum model while utilizing the rich and diverse environment of Trinidad and Tobago and draws on the special qualities of the ISPS community to prepare young people for the challenges they will face as citizens of the twenty-first century.
Curriculum: US
Address: 1 International Drive, Westmoorings, Trinidad
Tel: 1(868) 633-4777
Fax: 1(868) 632-4595
Website: www.isps.edu.tt
Maple Leaf International School
Maple Leaf hosts 350 students, comprising both an Elementary School – serving JK through Grade 8, and a Senior School serving grades 9 through 12. Maple Leaf offers the continuity of almost 20 years of traditional private education following the Ontario Curriculum, with 35 full-time instructional faculty members (of which 80% are Ontario Teacher Certified), and 48 including support staff. Maple Leaf guides their students through an energetic, illuminating and complete learning experience, that features a thoughtful and thorough core curriculum, balanced with far-reaching electives, sports and arts programmes.
Curriculum: Ontario System of Education
Address: Alyce Heights Drive, Alyce Glen, Petit Valley, Trinidad
Tel: 1(868) 632 9578
Fax: 1(868) 633 3068
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mapleleaf-school.com
The British Academy
In September 2006 the British Academy opened its doors and currently offers classes from Standard 5 through to A levels. Our content of faculty and curriculum includes local and foreign staff and subjects. The Academy is a registered Cambridge International Centre that is aligned with several UK Universities. It is also a registered school with the local Ministry of Education.
Curriculum: UK National Curriculum
Address: 23 Alexandra Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Tel: 1(868) 622 4285
Fax: 1(868) 628 2075
Email: [email protected]
Website: britishacademy.edu.tt
Trillium International School
We are a private school, established in 2002, offering the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum to Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary Students. Our school is located in the Borough of Chaguanas, in Trinidad & Tobago. Our educators provide every student with a traditional classroom education, along with social skills, health and fitness, arts and cultural activities. We have created a positive learning environment that challenges the student to think, mature and grow. We are dedicated to providing individualized attention to our students by offering small class sizes.
Curriculum: Ontario Education System
Address: Hakim Juman Street, Liberty Centre, Chaguanas
Tel: 1(868) 665 2641
Fax: 1(868) 665 6174
Website: www.trilliumtt.com
Local News in English
Trinidad Express
Trinidad Express is the most visited website in the country.
www.trinidadexpress.com
News Day
www.newsday.co.tt
Guardian
www.guardian.co.tt
Country Information
Location: Central America
Capital City: Port of Spain
Other Important Cities: Chaguanas
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1-868
Internet TLD: .tt
Electricity: 115V 60Hz
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Expats looking into working in Trinidad and Tobago other than a citizen or resident are required to obtain a work permit before engaging in to any profession, trade or occupation. However, if you are looking to getting employed within 30 days per year then you are not required to get a work permit.
How to Apply for Work Permit
The Work Permit Secretariat of the Ministry of National Security processes the applications for work permit. The company has to make the application of work permit on behalf of the individual. Here are the documents required:
- Completed application form (including 11copies)
- 3pc photographs
- 2 character references
- Good character certificate from police officer where individual is residing for the last 5 years.
- Proof of qualifications
- Advertisement stating what the job was about, must have run for at least 1 to 2 weeks in two daily newspapers
- Copy of the advertisement presented with the application
Applications can be sent to:
Work Permit Secreariat
Ministry of National Security
Temple Court II
52-60 Abercromby Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 623-2154/44 exts. 2250 or 2251
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
For more information, you can visit the government website www.gov.tt
Accommodation
There are a lot of single family houses in Trinidad and Tobago than apartment buildings or townhouses. Over the years, the real estate developers have built more apartments that provides full security guard services. Here are the cost of living in Trinidad and Tobago (as of August 2014):
Rent per month:
- 1 bedroom apartment in city centre = 3,662.50 TT$
- 1 bedroom apartment outside city centre = 2,455.56 TT$
- 3 bedroom apartment in city centre = 7,611.11 TT$
- 3 bedroom apartment outside city centre = 4,850.00 TT$
Buying an apartment:
Price per sq. m. in city centre = 9,064.15 TT$
Price per sq. m. outside city centre = 15,364.74 TT$
Driving License
Non-residents of Trinidad and Tobago holding valid driving permit from another country are entitled to drive p o 90 days from the date of arrival in the country. However, if you are planning to stay for more than 90 days, you are required to apply for the driving permit.
Purchase a Regulation Study Guide and Highway Code from the cashier at all Transport Division Offices (USD3 approx.) as this guide will help you prepare for the written test.
Bring three passport size photos with green background at the nearest transport Division office when you are ready to take the test. You also have to bring a complete application for driving permit, passport copy, valid driving permit, and passed written regulation exam.
The good thing about getting your driving license in Trinidad and Tobago is you don’t need to book an appointment. You can collect your driving license permit on the same day provided you come at the office before noon.
Healthcare
Trinidad and Tobago operates under a two-tier healthcare system. There is the existence of both public and private healthcare facilities. The public healthcare is available to both citizens and expats free of charge. On the other hand, private healthcare is available to those who can afford it. Credit card payments are accepted as well as insurance schemes and plans.
Here's a list of some of the private hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago.
West Shore Medical Private Hospital
West Shore Medical is a private hospital which operates on the twin-island Caribbean Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Since its inception in 2004, West Shore has been looking after the medical needs of not only locals, but international patients as well. This state-of-the-art hospital comes equipped with the latest in medical technology and is manned by an expert team of dedicated practitioners who always put patients first. This website is just a glimpse as to what West Shore has to offer and we hope that as you navigate through its pages, you will be magically transported into the West Shore experience.
Address: 239 Western Main Road, Cocorite Trinidad
Tel: 1(868) 622 9878 / 9670
Fax: 1 (868) 622 3289
Email: [email protected]
Website: westshoreprivatehospital.com
St. Augustine Private Hospital
St. Augustine Private Hospital (S.A.P.H.), as the name suggests, is a private medical facility located in St. Augustine. The facility was founded by four medical practitioners who recognized the need to provide quality health care in the eastern part of Trinidad.
Address: 2-4 Austin Street, St. Augustine, Trinidad
Tel: 1(868) 663 7274
Fax: 1(868) 663 2348
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.saphtt.com
Southern Medial Clinic
Southern Medical Clinic is one of the leading private medical establishments in Trinidad & Tobago. We offer a full range of medical and surgical specialties, diagnostic imaging and our state-of-the-art oncology diagnostic and treatment centre.
Address: 26-34 Quenca Street, San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago
Tel: (+868) 652 4535 / 2064
Fax: (+868) 657 4525
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.southernmedicalclinic.com
Insurance Companies
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com
