Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Short Term Trips to Trinidad

Why should I bring my team to Trinidad?
Do I need a passport in order to travel to Trinidad?
Do I need any immunizations?
How do I get airline tickets?
What is the cost?
Are there any additional costs?
What kind of food will we be eating?
Is the water safe to drink?
Do I have to go through Customs and Immigration when I enter the country?
Will someone meet us at the airport?
How do we travel within the country?
How do I book a team?
What should I bring?
Are there any rules that we must follow?
How can we contact friends at home or have them contact us while we are in Trinidad?
How can I get more information?

Why should I bring my team to Trinidad?
Trinidad is an ideal location for a mission trip for the following reasons:
1. Location: It is far enough away to remove your team from "home distractions," yet close enough to be reached easily in one day of travel.
2. Diversity of Religious Groups: Your team will be exposed to a wide variety of religious beliefs and will thus be able to use a wide range of evangelistic skills and strategies.
3. Language: No need for translators since the people speak English.
4. Safety: Trinidad is politically and economically stable. It is a peaceful island.
Do I need a passport in order to travel to Trinidad?
Yes you will need a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, they can take up to 8 weeks to get, so apply early. Citizens of many countries including the United States, Canada, CARICOM and the British Commonwealth do not require visas to visit Trinidad. If you or any member of your team is in doubt please contact us with your inquiries.
Do I need any immunizations?
Your doctor may recommend that you get certain vaccinations before traveling outside the US, but the government of Trinidad does not require visitors to have any immunizations.
How do I get airline tickets?
The best thing to do is to contact a travel agent. Once you have a price quote, let us know and we will call our travel agent here. She is sometimes able to get a better price.
What is the cost?
Our cost per person per day varies on the size of your team, the duration of your stay. If you email us or call with this information we can give you the price of accommodation for your team. This will cover 3 meals daily, lodging, and all internal transport. All checks made out to United Caribbean Evangelical Mission (our US ministry office of Trinidad & Tobago Urban Ministries) are US tax deductible. Just ask us for a tax deductible receipt.
Are there any additional costs?
The airport does charge an exit tax. This is $18 US per person. Also, on your day shopping and at the beach, each person will be responsible for his/her own lunch. There are fast food restaurants (McDonald's, KFC, PizzaHut, etc) in Port of Spain, and you can get really good shark sandwiches at the beach. We also recommend that each person brings spending money for snacks and souvenirs. If you would like to do a lot of construction, we ask that you try to raise extra money to help with construction materials.
What kind of food will we be eating?
Our cook makes a variety of American and Trinidadian dishes. Trinidadian food consists of homemade breads called roti and bake, rice, meats, lentils, vegetables, etc,
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes.
Do I have to go through Customs and Immigration when I enter the country?
We will contact your team with further details on customs and immigration before your trip.
Will someone meet us at the airport?
We will be at the airport waiting for you. We will have transportation for you and your luggage.
How do we travel within the country?
We will have private buses, called "maxi taxis" hired to take you wherever you need to go.
How do I book a team?
You can email Jennifer Bachew at urbancru@ttum.org or you can call her at (868)-669-7700.
What should I bring?
1. Clothes for Females^*
  1. ABSOLUTELY NO tight-fitting clothes or low neckline tops.
  2. Shoulders, knees and everything in between must be covered COMPLETELY for all ministries (No shorts, no sleeveless shirts, no midriff showing - even when bending over or stretching arms over head).
  3. Capri pants are acceptable for some types of ministry; some ministries require long skirts or pants.
  4. Church services – Trinidadian women get very dressed up for church. Bring something dressy for church, but ministry dress code rules still apply (shoulders, knees and everything in between completely covered).
  5. Swimsuits must be ONE PIECE and CONSERVATIVELY styled.
  6. LONG shorts may be worn around compound.
  7. Make-up and jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Any body piercings (other than earrings) need to be removed and tattoos covered if possible.
  8. No camouflage – Trinidad law forbids it!
2. Clothes for Males^*
  1. Long pants (no jeans) required for church services and some ministries.
  2. Jeans and shorts are acceptable for some ministries.
  3. No sandals in church.
  4. No tank tops for ministry.
  5. No hats for some ministries.
  6. All body piercings must be removed and tattoos kept covered if possible.
  7. No camouflage – it’s illegal in Trinidad!
3. Suggested items to bring personally:
  1. Flat sheet (We provide a fitted sheet, pillow and pillow case.) You will most likely be sleeping on bunk beds.
  2. Towels – enough for showering, swimming in pool and beach.
  3. Laundry detergent – if you want to do laundry during your mission trip, we have token operated machines. Tokens are available for purchase on mission compound.
  4. Sunscreen – even if you don’t usually burn – the sun is very intense!
  5. Insect repellant for skin.
  6. Small fan and extension cord (if desired).
  7. Rain poncho or umbrella.
  8. Spending money for snacks and souvenirs.
  9. Sweater or light jacket – it can get chilly at night.
  10. Guys – bring some long pants and shorts.
  11. Girls – bring some long skirts or dresses, some Capri pants, long pants, and some long shorts.
  12. Girls – bring feminine supplies – traveling can disrupt your cycle, so come prepared.
4. Suggested items to bring as team:
  1. Clothesline and clothespins.
  2. A can of Raid.
  3. Laundry detergent.
  4. If doing VBS – craft supplies and snacks (or money for snacks) for children.
Are there any rules that we must follow?
Beside the dress code, we have developed the following rules for your safety and to help make your ministry as effective as possible. Team leaders are welcome to add to these rules as they see fit.
1. No smoking.
2. No alcohol.
3. No illegal drugs.
4. No obscene language.
5. No coupling off (if not married).
6. Curfew – Noise curfew is 10:00pm. Everyone must be inside mission house by 11:00pm.
How can we contact friends at home or have them contact us while we are in Trinidad?
1. Calls to US: We believe that calling home during your mission trip is a distraction and we therefore discourage it. If, however, it is necessary for you to call home, please be advised that calling cards purchased in the US DO NOT work from Trinidad, nor do collect calls. You will either need to buy a calling card upon your arrival in Trinidad or go to an international calling centre.
2. Please do not have anyone from home send you mail in Trinidad, as it will most likely arrive after you leave.
3. Emergency Contact Info:
  - TTUM Mission Compound (868) 669-7700
  - Javed’s cell (868) 762-7436
  - Pastor Bachew’s cell (868) 680-6208
  - Jennifer at home (868) 669-0624
How can I get more information?
You can contact Jennifer Bachew by email at urbancru@ttum.org or call her at (868) 669-7700.
^*The guidelines we have established for personal appearance and dress are meant to help you make the most of your ministry. You will probably see local people dressed less conservatively than we ask you to; however, your doing so could hinder the effectiveness of your ministry. We reserve the right to ask you to change your clothes before going out on ministry if we feel that you are not dressed appropriately.