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Guide
San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
#1938
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
🏙️ City | San Fernando is the second-largest city in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its vibrant culture and close proximity to natural attractions. |
👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.80 TTD; Currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD). |
🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Voltage is 110V, 50Hz; plugs are Type A/B. |
📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Digicel and bmobile. |
💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely accept VISA and MasterCard; banks like Republic Bank and RBC are available. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include renting apartments via Airbnb, local real estate agencies, or short-term rentals. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Youth Hostel San Fernando are financially accessible. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The City Center and areas close to the waterfront are popular for tourists. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the City Center for easy access to cafes and coworking spots. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workery – provides a collaborative environment with high-speed internet. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee and Company – offers free Wi-Fi and a comfortable workspace. |
💼 Networking Events | Look for local tech meetups and digital nomad gatherings on platforms like Meetup.com. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out 'Expats in Trinidad' Facebook group for events and community gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify (Bolt) is a reliable ride-hailing option. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; consider getting a local bicycle for rent from a community shop. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Maracas Beach is about 40 minutes by car. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines serves various regional routes. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, JetBlue, and British Airways provide international flights. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Southern Main Road and the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; local maxi-taxis are the primary form of transport. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; pay per ride on maxi-taxis. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Maxi-taxis are the most affordable way to travel between cities. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | San Fernando General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Street San Fernando offers classes and wellness programs. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Factory is a popular gym option in the area. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local laundromats such as Wash and Fold. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services like FoodExpress and Ria's Kitchen are popular. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Doubles – a tasty street food made with flatbread and curried chickpeas. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Table offers excellent plant-based meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Dessert Shop is known for its local sweets. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the San Fernando Market for local produce and foods at good prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Browse TriniTops for local products and home deliveries. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services available via Massy Stores and SuperValu; generally, online ordering is an option. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Ariapita Avenue area is known for nightlife and bars. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Carib Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Visit the Vino & Co. for a range of wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors in the city center offer an array of street foods. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Tiki Village serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | San Fernando Hill offers panoramic views of the city. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The San Fernando Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The San Fernando Cathedral is a notable historical building. |
🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church is worth visiting. |
🎉 Annual Events | Carnival is the biggest event, celebrated with vibrant parades and music. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Marabella district for its local culture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | The La Joya Theater hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the San Fernando Market for local crafts and food. |
🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene includes calypso and soca, particularly during the Carnival season. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals are displayed throughout the city, showcasing local talent. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available through community centers, focusing on Caribbean cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | The San Fernando Art Gallery features rotating exhibits of local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic buildings like the Naparima Bowl are significant landmarks. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrate the diverse heritage with festivals throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The pitch lake in La Brea is an accessible natural wonder and about a 30-minute drive. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Turtle Beach and fishing villages are nearby, known for their natural beauty. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the waterfront promenade is popular. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | San Fernando Hill provides stunning views of the surroundings. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Trinidad’s mangroves are great spots for spotting local bird species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations beforehand. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for shipping needs. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair services, such as iFix Tech. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have facilities for table tennis. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes can be found at local community colleges. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The San Fernando Library is a good quiet study spot. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and gatherings for expats. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Look for local gaming lounges that host tournaments and events. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Royal Castle Casino provides gaming options for visitors. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. TTD 1,100,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = TTD 4,400,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. TTD 900,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = TTD 3,600,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. TTD 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = TTD 7,200,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. TTD 1,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = TTD 6,000,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. TTD 1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = TTD 12,000,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. TTD 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = TTD 9,600,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Rate is 15% for dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate of 25%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12.5%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax is based on the value of the property. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | While not specifically designed for digital nomads, low personal tax rates can be beneficial. |