BANKING: Banking hours are generally Mon - Thur 8.00am - 2.00pm. Friday 8.00am - 12 noon and 3.00pm - 5.00pm.

SHOPPING HOURS: Mon-Friday 8:00am-4.30pm. Saturdays open 8:00am-12 noon. Supermarkets generally stay open later. Post offices Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm.

CURRENCY: Tobago's official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TT$). US Dollars are widely accepted as are credit cards. You can expect an exchange rate of US$ 1.00 = TT$ 6.23

DRESS CODE: Casual dress is normal although some hotels and restaurants require 'elegantly casual' in the evenings. Please ensure to cover up if you are venturing into the shops from the beach. Topless bathing is not encouraged on the beaches, and men should not go barebacked in public places.

ELECTRICITY: Depending on where you are staying, you may find either 110 Volt or 220 Volts. Best to check before you travel so you know whether to bring travel adaptors and transformers.

LANGUAGE: The local language is English with a delightful local dialect.

LOCATION & CLIMATE: Tobago lies 21 miles (33 km) north-east of Trinidad at 11 degrees and 14 minutes North and 60 degrees and 40 minutes West. It is 116 square miles (300 square km) in area. Cooling Trade Winds blow consistently along with a sunny climate all year round and an average temperature of 28°C - 84°F and the water temperature only a few degrees lower it is understandable that you might want to spend all day in the sun. To ensure you still go home with a good tan try to avoid the intense 'mid-day' sun between 11.00am and 2.00pm and always use a high protection sun cream, even on overcast days. Build your tan slowly - there's plenty of time. Slightly wetter conditions exist in the hills.

WATER: Generally safe to drink, but you can opt for bottled water if you prefer.