Pros and Cons of Living in Port of Spain

"I love the tropical weather. We live near the bay, and I love to watch the birds and ships go in and out. The Trinis are a happy, fun-loving, music-addicted culture - people burst into song in the grocery, always have time to chat and spare a laugh. Social life is very family-oriented, though, and while many Trinis are friendly on the surface, getting to know them more deeply isn't the norm. They tend to socialize with their own extended families. I have yet to be invited to a Trini's house for dinner that wasn't a business function, although I've had them over. Ex-pats socialize with each other, though," said one expat in Port of Spain.

"Expats in Port of Spain appreciate the vibrant local culture, which is characterised by its diverse array of music, cuisine, art and festivals. The people of Port of Spain are warm and welcoming, which makes it easy for expats to transition smoothly into their new life. There is a wide variety of cultural activities to enjoy, ranging from traditional craft markets to local theatre productions. Expats also appreciate the close proximity of the city to stunning beaches and rainforest trails, as well as the various outdoor activities they can take part in. The cost of living in Port of Spain is reasonable, allowing expats to enjoy a high quality of life," said a person living in Port of Spain.

"The pace. Everything takes more time - driving, getting any work done, dealing with any bureaucracy. And the systems make no sense. Efficiency is like a dirty word. My A/C technician calls to say he'll be here in half an hour and shows up two hours later. I just waited a day and a half for the guy to show up to fix my garage door. And the last time he fixed it - he was here for 3 days!!! I watch my neighbor remodel (not build, just remodel) his house - it took 16 months!! Every time I looked over there, the workers were taking a break! Trash is everywhere - I watch huge bunches of it wash out to sea after every storm. There's no recycling, no sense that the environment is something to be protected, not just used. Water shortages every year, power outages, the cable goes out regularly. They cut off our phone for no reason - the bill was paid - and I spent 2 hours on the phone getting it reinstated. It didn't come back on for a month," said one person in Port of Spain.

"Expats often find it difficult to adjust to a new culture, language and way of life, as well as finding suitable accommodation and work in a foreign country. Additionally, some expats may have difficulty adapting to different laws, customs and regulations and navigating the local bureaucracy system. Building a social network of friends and contacts can also prove challenging. Expats may also struggle with being separated from family and friends back home," remarked one expat in Port of Spain.