You’re walking through the bustling Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, the smell of sizzling doubles hitting you before you even see the vendor. You reach into your pocket, pull out a bright blue bill, and realize it feels... different. It’s not paper. It’s smooth, almost like a thin sheet of flexible plastic. If you haven't visited the islands in a few years, the Trinidad and Tobago currency might catch you off guard.
The days of soggy, torn cotton bills are gone.
Honestly, the transition to polymer was a bit of a whirlwind. It wasn't just about making the money "pretty" or waterproof (though being able to accidentally wash your $100 bill and have it survive is a huge win). It was a calculated, high-stakes move by the Central Bank to clamp down on "black money" and money laundering. In late 2019, the government basically gave the country a three-week window to swap out the old paper $100 notes. It was chaotic. People lined up for hours, and about 5% of those old bills never even made it back to the bank. That’s hundreds of millions of dollars just... poof. Vanished.
Why the Trinidad and Tobago Currency Change Matters Right Now
If you're holding a stack of the old "cotton" notes from a trip five years ago, I've got some bad news: they aren't legal tender anymore. You can’t buy a beer with them. You can't even use them at the grocery store. However, you aren't totally out of luck. The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago still redeems those old notes indefinitely, but you’ll have to make the trek to their office in Port of Spain to do it.
The 2026 Refresh: A New Look
Wait, there’s more. As of August 2026, the currency is shifting again. Don't worry—the colors are staying the same. You’ll still look for red for $1, green for $5, and that iconic blue for $100. The big change is the Coat of Arms. Following the country’s move to remove colonial-era symbols (like Columbus’s three ships), the new Series 2026 banknotes feature a redesigned national emblem.
They're also beefing up the security. The new $100 note has a much larger transparent window with a shimmering Bird of Paradise. It's essentially the Fort Knox of banknotes.
Understanding the "Blue Note" and Its Siblings
The Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD) is a proud currency. While many Caribbean neighbors use the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, T&T sticks to its own. Here is the breakdown of what you’ll actually be carrying in your wallet:
- The $100 (Blue): The "big" bill. It features the Greater Bird of Paradise.
- The $50 (Gold): This one is gorgeous. It features the Masked Cardinal and was actually the first to go polymer as a commemorative note before the rest followed.
- The $20 (Purple): Look for the Cocrico, a bird native to Tobago.
- The $10 (Grey): Features the Brown Pelican.
- The $5 (Green): Displays the Trinidad Mot-mot, known for its distinct racket-shaped tail feathers.
- The $1 (Red): The workhorse. It features the Scarlet Ibis.
Pro tip: The coins are a bit of a dying breed for anything other than exact change. The one-cent coin was killed off in 2018 because it cost more to make than it was worth. Now, shops round to the nearest five cents. You’ll mostly see the 5, 10, and 25-cent pieces. The 50-cent coin exists, but it’s like seeing a unicorn—rare and slightly confusing when you actually get one.
The Exchange Rate Reality Check
You've probably checked Google and seen a rate around TT$6.70 to US$1.
Kinda. Sorta.
In reality, the TTD is "managed," meaning the Central Bank keeps it within a tight range. While the official rate hovers there, getting your hands on actual US dollars in Trinidad is notoriously difficult for locals. For travelers coming in, however, it’s a different story. You’ll find that most businesses are happy to take your US cash, but they might give you a slightly worse rate than the bank—often rounding down to 6.00 or 6.25 for simplicity.
If you’re using an ATM (which is your best bet), you'll likely get the "real" rate. Just watch out for those $25–$40 TT fees that local banks like Republic or RBC tack on per withdrawal.
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Practical Advice: Don’t Get Caught Short
Cash is still king in the islands, especially if you’re heading to Maracas Beach for bake and shark or taking a "maxi-taxi" (the local minibuses). While fancy restaurants in the malls or hotels in Tobago will happily swipe your Visa or Mastercard, the guy selling fresh coconut water on the side of the road definitely won't.
- Tell your bank you're traveling. T&T is sometimes flagged for fraud, and there’s nothing worse than having your card eaten by an ATM in San Fernando because you didn't call ahead.
- Carry small denominations. Nobody wants to break a $100 bill for a $10 doubles. You’ll get "the look."
- Check for the "Feel." To tell if a note is real, run your fingers over the bottom corner. Each denomination has a unique raised "tactile" shape (circles, triangles, etc.) to help the visually impaired and to prove it’s not a photocopy.
- The Airport Trap. Avoid the exchange booths at Piarco International if you can. The rates are historically terrible. Use the ATM right next to the exit instead.
What’s Next for Your Money?
As we move through 2026, keep an eye on your change. You’ll start seeing the "Old Coat of Arms" and "New Coat of Arms" notes circulating together. The Central Bank says they'll both be legal tender until at least January 2, 2031.
If you're planning a trip, the smartest move is to carry a mix. Keep a "travel" credit card for the big stuff and grab about $500 TT in small bills for the street food and taxis. You don't want to be the person trying to pay for a $5 solo with a credit card. It just isn't going to happen.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your old stash: If you have TTD from before 2020, it’s just colorful paper now. Plan a visit to the Central Bank in Port of Spain if you need to swap a large amount.
- Download a converter: Use an app like XE, but remember that the "street" rate and "bank" rate in T&T can vary slightly.
- Prioritize ATMs: Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Republic Bank, First Citizens, Scotiabank) for the best security and rates.