When I arrived in Port of Spain, Trinidad yesterday, I knew that the exchange rate was quite high for U.S. currency over the TT…its 6.1 TT to each U.S. dollar. Wowza! Now, before I began looking up shopping destinations, I had to get a feel for the prices of things in Trinidad. I mean, 6.1 is a fantastic exchange rate, but that doesn’t mean that things are going to be cheap! While I was in Barbados in August, I found that the prices of things were actually equal to the prices in the US – despite having a 2 to 1 exchange rate.
I was starving when I landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Unfortunately, the only shops in their “food court” – and I use that term loosely – were Subway, Church’s Chicken, KFC and some deli…I will just say that the food items in the deli had flies buzzing around them, so that was not an option. And I didn’t come all the way to Trinidad to eat fried chicken, so I opted to save my appetite for later and just have a small sub from Subway while I waited the 3 hours until my husband arrived on his flight.
That Subway? Well, I think it was spoiled, because it tasted rancid and I had to spit it out and throw it away. But, I did find out the average value of the TT. My 6 inch Subway club was $25.99 TT. It came out to about $5.75 US…which is right on par with our costs back home. So, while the US dollar is strong in Trinidad, it’s not THAT strong that I can go on a shopping spree.
But…I do have to say that I feel like a total baller with over $1000 in my wallet – even if it is in TT!
And dinner at the Hilton last night with my husband? Granted, it was expensive even by my taste at $50 US a person…but in TT?
What’s the craziest exchange rate you’ve ever experienced with foreign currency? I’d love to hear about it!
Wowzers! Even those it’s in TT, it still looks crazy paying that much for dinner 😉
This was a blast to read…I am fascinated! I remember when my mom and I were in Europe (before the Euro), the Italian Lira really threw us for a loop. We were completely clueless and everything seemed so expensive because they cost a gazillion Lira!
Wow that really is a crazy exchange rate! When I went to Italy back in 97 I remember the exchange rate being pretty awesome. My mom and I came home with lots f gold jewelery and leather shoes. 🙂
I love that too! I’ve been to a few Eastern European countries & it was the same way–like, everything was several thousand [whatevers].
I hope you’re having an awesome trip!
Looks like a lot of money!
I live in Trinidad and whenever I go to the US it’s exactly the opposite for me LOL. Prices are definitely on par with the US and many times a lot higher because of import duties.
Apart from the yucky airport food though I hope you got a chance to try some local fares like “double”, “bake and shark” and “phoulorie”. Did you at least get to hit the beach?
I didn’t get around to trying roti or doubles, but I did get to Maracas Bay on Saturday and ate Shark & Bake from Richards! It was great! 🙂
Yeah his is definitely the BEST! Next time you’re here, put doubles and roti on your list. I could give you some yummy recommendations 😀