Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Trinidad & Tobago Expat Forum

Moving to Trinidad

New Topic Newest First
International
  10/4/2016 04:06 EST

Hi there

I am considering a move to Trinidad with my family (currently based in Europe) and I wondered if I could reach out to the forum for some help?

I apologise, I have a lot of questions!

- What sort of rent should I be budgeting for in the Westmoorings area? Will (up to) 18,000 TTD per month get us something in a gated compound with 2/3 bedrooms, a garden and access to a pool..?

- What would be a sensible monthly budget for utilities (inc. a mobile phone, internet, air con use, etc.)?

- And what about food / petrol / car insurance budgets?

- I'd also be interested to hear how much health insurance costs?

- And then there's the matter of nursery, any thoughts on the cost of say 3 days per week (x 2 kids, aged 4 and 2)?

Many thanks for your help.

Cheers!!

Msturge
  10/4/2016 13:16 EST

We just moved from there after 4 years and I think the rental rices have gone down since a large percentage of expats have recently left, but you may want to expand your areas to Victoria Gardens (a lot of expats there too) and Fairways which I love the location of, especially the more southern section of Fairways which is much more central (less traffic getting into central POS). And the the schools, at that age, the school I would recommend is the Montessori Academy, and for the 4 year old either Montessori or Arbor which is across the street, or the International school, ISPS. You can email them directly for costs, etc. If you guys do decide to move there send me a PM and I will connect you with the expat moms group on Facebook called Busybees.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

International
  10/5/2016 11:27 EST

Thanks Msturge, your advice is much appreciated.

I will certainly broaden the scope of my search re: rental properties to the areas that you suggest.

On schools, I must admit, I have been very surprised at how expensive the fees are for all of these places (especially with the "foreigner" tax)...

larrybatey
  10/5/2016 12:28 EST

I am American citizen. Don't come to Trinidad. I rob at gun point of money and gold chain. They tried to kidnap my wife by criminals masquerading as police. My wife is trini. They robbed us at our home. I don't trust the police. I don't no shoes who. Don't come

larrybatey
  10/5/2016 12:30 EST

I am American citizen. Don't come to Trinidad. I rob at gun point of money and gold chain. They tried to kidnap my wife by criminals masquerading as police. My wife is trini. They robbed us at our home. I don't trust the police. I don't no shoes who. Don't come

TechRep
  10/5/2016 12:47 EST

You might be a US citizen, but your wife isn't the only one that is Trini.

Your statement is just like a Trini talks, barely understandable.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

International
  10/6/2016 03:02 EST

Well this thread has taken a turn for the bizarre... I just wanted to know how much electricity costs ;)

(I'm aware of the crime situation - if we decide to come then we will have to get ourselves comfortable with that.)

gingerbaby
  10/6/2016 04:15 EST

"I don't no shoes who." What on earth does this mean? For an American citizen with a Trinidadian wife, I would expect you to write English properly. I have yet to hear a phrase like that in Trinidad. Everyone and everyone who lives in Trinidad knows that Trinidad has become a little Chicago or New York when it comes to crime and you have to be just as cautious as you would be in America especially if you live in a big city. It is unfortunate that they nearly kidnapped your wife. I wonder how come they did not pull it off. That part I don't believe. It sounds very fabricated to me.

gingerbaby
  10/6/2016 04:19 EST

Correction: "I am yet". I can't find an edit button.

larrybatey
  10/6/2016 19:11 EST

I meant I don't trust the police here because the criminals that robbed me and tried to kidnap my wore the same uniforms as the police.

kenwyn
  10/10/2016 06:02 EST

lol...........anyway an average size house costs around 100 USD every 40 days (weird billing cycle) so that works out to about $2.50 usd daily or 75 per month. Might be slightly higher based on usage. Good Luck.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

kenwyn
  10/10/2016 06:02 EST

lol...........anyway an average size house costs around 100 USD every 40 days (weird billing cycle) so that works out to about $2.50 usd daily or 75 per month. Might be slightly higher based on usage. Good Luck.

International
  10/19/2016 06:59 EST

Hi everyone, just reposting my questions (as the thread seemed to get derailed, slightly)... Any thoughts on the below?

Many thanks



- What sort of rent should I be budgeting for in the Westmoorings area? Will (up to) 18,000 TTD per month get us something in a gated compound with 2/3 bedrooms, a garden and access to a pool..?

- What would be a sensible monthly budget for utilities (inc. a mobile phone, internet, air con use, etc.)?

- And what about food / petrol / car insurance budgets?

- I'd also be interested to hear how much health insurance costs?

- And then there's the matter of nursery, any thoughts on the cost of say 3 days per week (x 2 kids, aged 4 and 2)?

International
  10/19/2016 07:00 EST

And, thanks for your response Kenwyn!

kenwyn
  10/20/2016 05:19 EST

Hey............just to correct my previous post, the billing cycle is every 60 days......so average would be 50USD per month.

kenwyn
  10/20/2016 05:19 EST

Hey............just to correct my previous post, the billing cycle is every 60 days......so average would be 50USD per month.

Imulligan
  11/20/2016 08:27 EST

I moved to Trinidad 6 months ago.. it's very challenging after living in the US for 42years. Taking care of my elderly mother and looking to connect with other expats.

Imulligan
  11/20/2016 08:31 EST

It is extremely dangerous, but there are many people who are wonderful. Lots of noise and dust pollution, reckless drivers and chaos. It is very challenging living here and lonely because in poor villages people are fearful and mostly uneducated. Lots of foreign islanders who take advantage of many locals... no rules are enforced and bribes are endemic. .

OhChuts
  11/20/2016 10:11 EST

lmulligan, what was your reason for moving to Trinidad, if I may ask? Did you visit for a short while before making the move?

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Trinidad & Tobago GuideLiving in Trinidad & Tobago Guide

Expats in Trinidad & Tobago love the family-focused Trinis, the laid-back island culture and the beautiful beaches. That being said, many expats find dealing with bureaucracy a challenge, the pace of life frustrating and the cost of housing, food and cars much higher than expected.

Trinidad & Tobago Forum Trinidad & Tobago Forum
Join our Trinidad & Tobago forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Trinidad & Tobago.

Contribute to Trinidad & Tobago Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Trinidad & Tobago.

Best Places to Live in Trinidad & Tobago Best Places to Live in Trinidad & Tobago

If you're thinking about living in Trinidad & Tobago, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023.

Expat Healthcare Advice in Trinidad & Tobago60 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Trinidad & Tobago

Expats living in Trinidad & Tobago talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Trinidad & Tobago and more.

Cost of Living in Trinidad & TobagoCost of Living in Trinidad & Tobago

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Trinidad & Tobago.

Moving to Trinidad & TobagoMoving to Trinidad & Tobago Guide

Our guide to moving to Trinidad & Tobago with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Real Estate in Trinidad & TobagoReal Estate in Trinidad & Tobago

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Trinidad & Tobago.

Pros Cons of Living in Trinidad & TobagoPros & Cons of Living in Trinidad & Tobago

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Trinidad & Tobago.

Retiring in Trinidad & TobagoRetiring in Trinidad & Tobago

Advice for people retiring in Trinidad & Tobago.

10 Tips for Living in Trinidad & Tobago10 Tips for Living in Trinidad & Tobago

If you've recently arrived in Trinidad & Tobago, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Trinidad & Tobago.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Trinidad & Tobago Network Contribute
Help others in Trinidad & Tobago by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Trinidad & Tobago.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal