f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

Shopping
A recent feature of the shopping scene is the visiting Indian
Trade Fairs and Expos that sell a range of ethnic clothing,
furniture, jewellery and home furnishings. Advertisements are
placed in the local press, so be sure to look out for them
especially around Divali.
The country’s capital, Port of Spain, still boasts the finest
selection of fabrics, from exotic batiks and fine sari silks, to
upholstery and drapery fabrics, bridal and evening wear, men’s
suitings and fine linens—the choices are endless and the prices
excellent. With the growing sophistication of the population,
many now seek the advice of interior designers when furnishing
their homes, and talented and skilled persons make drapery and
soft furnishings to international standards.
The demand for Carnival fabrics and accessories, an infinite
selection of which is available, now extends throughout the year
as our regional neighbours shop for their Carnival celebrations,
which are not held at the same time of year as in Trinidad and
Tobago. Merchants are well placed to advise clients on shipping
their goods.
In downtown Port of Spain, be sure to visit Excellent City
Centre housing a wonderful variety of over sixty shops and its
very own Excellent Stores with a vast selection of items of every
description, from clothing to household items. Excellent Stores
in MovieTowne offers shopping seven days a week with easy
parking and security.
The Selection House located in downtown Port of Spain
has the widest variety of Tee shirts and special souvenir items
that you will not find elsewhere. You can also choose from
a huge selection of steelpans of all sizes and all the necessary
accessories.
Trinidad has become increasingly renowned as the shopping
mecca of the southern Caribbean, as the country has, over the
years, developed a unique sense of style, and a harmonious
and tantalising blend of international fashionable elegance. The
merchandise offered around Trinidad is of excellent quality and
prices are becoming more and more competitive. Close links
with North America, keep shoppers current with the latest trends,
fashions and prices.
Fine jewellery is an integral part of the elegance and an extensive
selection, influenced by European, East Indian and Venezuelan
designers. The Gem Shop invites you to choose from their fine
selection of gemstones, watches and gold and sterling silver
jewellery at locations in WestMall and Grand Bazaar.
Optometrists Today has six convenient locations: Port of Spain,
The Falls at WestMall, Grand Bazaar, Trincity Mall, Centre City Mall
and Gulf City Mall. Their professional service caters to all tastes
and pockets with a fabulous choice of frames for men, women and
children.
At the House of Jaipur, you will be greeted with an authentic
selection from the Indian sub-continent: jewellery, clothing, gifts
and home interior accessories. In the wonderful ambience of
their Indian Tearoom, enjoy a traditional Indian lunch or tea. Visit
African Trophies and you will be transported to the exotic African
Continent. Here you will find a wide variety of unique modern
artefacts in wood, stone and copper, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria
and Zimbabwe.
Hours of Business
The majority of stores in the city open from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. and on Fridays until 6:00 p.m. On Saturday
opening and closing hours are from 8.30 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. The malls, however, have extended hours
and usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
Monday to Saturday.
Currency and Banking
Credit cards, U.S. currency and travellers’ cheques
are acceptable at most shops but it is always
advisable to have local currency at hand. Banks and
ATMs are located in most areas of Port of Spain,
Arima, Chaguanas and San Fernando. For greater
convenience, banks are also located in the major
malls and the opening hours are from 11:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to
Friday. At the time of printing, the rate of exchange is:
US$1 = TT$6.34
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The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago