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Should I?
Where should I? (Bank, AAA)
When should I? (Here or There)
How much (All or just some)
ATM's?
Help!

I usually change money in the airport first thing, nothing much but just enough to get around for a day or two. Long enough for me to reach a bank. Just make sure you catch a bank before it closes Carnival Friday, cause then you will ketch yuh ass til Ash Wed. unless you can find a Blue Machine that is not boarded up.

yeah i usually change it in the airport...not all of it though

sooooo what happens if you change money, but need more after Carnival Friday? Are you just completely out of luck if you don't find one of those "blue" machines someone just referred to. What about just using Traveler's Checks. Is that ok? I'm concerned about having a large amount of cash on me or just laying around. I trust my friend and her family, but I need to watch my back. Also, is Western Union open while everything else shuts down?

Safest bet is using the ATM to withdraw cash from your CC easy conversion and getting it as u need. just dont loose the card

Strongly recommend that you handle your finances no differently than you would here. There are ample "SAFE" ATM and business which accept your debit and credit cards to meet you need. Please be careful during the season!!

I have used ATM's in Trinidad and they are safe and secure. If you don't want to go that route, then change some of your money at the airport and when you get a chance you can go to the bank.

There is a store on Frederick street called 'Mode Alive'.. They normally give you $6.20 = $1 US...

The ATM is definitely the way to go. It's just too risky to carry around a lot of cash. The next best thing is travellers cheques, but you will be limited by banking hours. But whatever you decide to carry, keep it safe and secure, because when money gone, fete done!

I always bring cash and travellers cheques. Also a credit card for emergencies. Just have some place safe to store your money when you go out though. Carrying around a ton of cash is never safe.

The banks are boarded up but there is always an entrance to access the ATMs.

Also some of the merchants in Trinidad take Linx only and not VISA so plan accordingly.

Also many times the US banks may charge $3-4 for an international transaction.

Take it from me this adds up to a whole lot.

That is why I just bring cash and travellers cheques. Avoids all those damn fees. A friend of mine paid $10 on one transaction.