f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
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Shopping<br />
A recent feature <strong>of</strong> the shopping scene is the visiting Indian<br />
Trade Fairs <strong>and</strong> Expos that sell a range <strong>of</strong> ethnic clothing,<br />
furniture, jewellery <strong>and</strong> home furnishings. Advertisements are<br />
placed in the local press, so be sure to look out for them<br />
especially around Divali.<br />
The country’s capital, Port <strong>of</strong> Spain, still boasts the finest<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> fabrics, from exotic batiks <strong>and</strong> fine sari silks, to<br />
upholstery <strong>and</strong> drapery fabrics, bridal <strong>and</strong> evening wear, men’s<br />
suitings <strong>and</strong> fine linens—the choices are endless <strong>and</strong> the prices<br />
excellent. With the growing sophistication <strong>of</strong> the population,<br />
many now seek the advice <strong>of</strong> interior designers when furnishing<br />
their homes, <strong>and</strong> talented <strong>and</strong> skilled persons make drapery <strong>and</strong><br />
s<strong>of</strong>t furnishings to international st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
The dem<strong>and</strong> for Carnival fabrics <strong>and</strong> accessories, an infinite<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> which is available, now extends throughout the year<br />
as our regional neighbours shop for their Carnival celebrations,<br />
which are not held at the same time <strong>of</strong> year as in <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Tobago</strong>. Merchants are well placed to advise clients on shipping<br />
their goods.<br />
In downtown Port <strong>of</strong> Spain, be sure to visit Excellent City<br />
Centre housing a wonderful variety <strong>of</strong> over sixty shops <strong>and</strong> its<br />
very own Excellent Stores with a vast selection <strong>of</strong> items <strong>of</strong> every<br />
description, from clothing to household items. Excellent Stores<br />
in MovieTowne <strong>of</strong>fers shopping seven days a week with easy<br />
parking <strong>and</strong> security.<br />
The Selection House located in downtown Port <strong>of</strong> Spain<br />
has the widest variety <strong>of</strong> Tee shirts <strong>and</strong> special souvenir items<br />
that you will not find elsewhere. You can also choose from<br />
a huge selection <strong>of</strong> steelpans <strong>of</strong> all sizes <strong>and</strong> all the necessary<br />
accessories.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> has become increasingly renowned as the shopping<br />
mecca <strong>of</strong> the southern Caribbean, as the country has, over the<br />
years, developed a unique sense <strong>of</strong> style, <strong>and</strong> a harmonious<br />
<strong>and</strong> tantalising blend <strong>of</strong> international fashionable elegance. The<br />
merch<strong>and</strong>ise <strong>of</strong>fered around <strong>Trinidad</strong> is <strong>of</strong> excellent quality <strong>and</strong><br />
prices are becoming more <strong>and</strong> more competitive. Close links<br />
with North America, keep shoppers current with the latest trends,<br />
fashions <strong>and</strong> prices.<br />
Fine jewellery is an integral part <strong>of</strong> the elegance <strong>and</strong> an extensive<br />
selection, influenced by European, East Indian <strong>and</strong> Venezuelan<br />
designers. The Gem Shop invites you to choose from their fine<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> gemstones, watches <strong>and</strong> gold <strong>and</strong> sterling silver<br />
jewellery at locations in WestMall <strong>and</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong> Bazaar.<br />
Optometrists Today has six convenient locations: Port <strong>of</strong> Spain,<br />
The Falls at WestMall, Gr<strong>and</strong> Bazaar, Trincity Mall, Centre City Mall<br />
<strong>and</strong> Gulf City Mall. Their pr<strong>of</strong>essional service caters to all tastes<br />
<strong>and</strong> pockets with a fabulous choice <strong>of</strong> frames for men, women <strong>and</strong><br />
children.<br />
At the House <strong>of</strong> Jaipur, you will be greeted with an authentic<br />
selection from the Indian sub-continent: jewellery, clothing, gifts<br />
<strong>and</strong> home interior accessories. In the wonderful ambience <strong>of</strong><br />
their Indian Tearoom, enjoy a traditional Indian lunch or tea. Visit<br />
African Trophies <strong>and</strong> you will be transported to the exotic African<br />
Continent. Here you will find a wide variety <strong>of</strong> unique modern<br />
artefacts in wood, stone <strong>and</strong> copper, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria<br />
<strong>and</strong> Zimbabwe.<br />
Hours <strong>of</strong> Business<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> stores in the city open from 9:00 a.m. to<br />
5:00 p.m. <strong>and</strong> on Fridays until 6:00 p.m. On Saturday<br />
opening <strong>and</strong> closing hours are from 8.30 a.m. to<br />
1:00 p.m. The malls, however, have extended hours<br />
<strong>and</strong> usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,<br />
Monday to Saturday.<br />
Currency <strong>and</strong> Banking<br />
Credit cards, U.S. currency <strong>and</strong> travellers’ cheques<br />
are acceptable at most shops but it is always<br />
advisable to have local currency at h<strong>and</strong>. Banks <strong>and</strong><br />
ATMs are located in most areas <strong>of</strong> Port <strong>of</strong> Spain,<br />
Arima, Chaguanas <strong>and</strong> San Fern<strong>and</strong>o. For greater<br />
convenience, banks are also located in the major<br />
malls <strong>and</strong> the opening hours are from 11:00 a.m.<br />
to 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to<br />
Friday. At the time <strong>of</strong> printing, the rate <strong>of</strong> exchange is:<br />
US$1 = TT$6.34<br />
42<br />
The <strong>Ins</strong> & <strong>Outs</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong>