Sending parcels to Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean is considered paradise by many people around the world (particularly those of us living in countries with 'temperamental' climates!). As such, it's become much more than just a luxury holiday destination; it's now a dream retirement location. In fact, chances are that if you have the opportunity to move there, you probably grab it with both hands!
Unsurprisingly, thousands of parcels are sent to the Caribbean every year - be it for Christmas/birthday presents for loved ones, or just shipping possessions to a friend who has emigrated. The southern-most island in the region is
Trinidad and Tobago - a beautiful country with a diverse population. Around 1.3 million people live there enjoying the year-round sunshine, and if you hold a United Kingdom of GB and NI passport you don't need a visa to work there. This goes some way to explain why so many parcels are sent across every year.
Like all countries, however, there are certain things you need to know before sending a parcel to Trinidad and Tobago. Here's the lowdown.
What can't I send?
Don't get caught out by sending something prohibited by Trinidad and Tobago's general import restrictions. Some will be obvious (if you're thinking of sending explosives, for example, please report yourself immediately!) but others you might not be aware of. Here are some things you can't send:
• Firearms (or any kind of weaponry)
• Explosives
• Live animals
• Plants and plant material
• Lottery tickets and gambling devices
• Money
• Pornographic/obscene material
• Hazardous waste (such as syringes)
• Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind
• Perishable foodstuffs
Ensure safe packaging
Paradise is a long way away from home. Trinidad and Tobago's capital Port of Spain, for example, is 4,422 miles away from London - or a ten+ hour direct flight! To make sure your parcel is going to arrive with your loved one in the condition it was sent, it's very important that you package it correctly.
Start off with the box or large envelope. If it's a box you're using, make sure you secure all of the edges with quality tape, ensuring there are no gaps. Also, we always recommend that senders use bubble wrap to keep the items inside safe - especially if they're delicate. Likewise, if it's a large envelope you're shipping, make sure you use one that's layered with bubble wrap inside.
When you've got your items packaged, the next thing you need to take care of is the labelling. Double check the address before you write anything to ensure it's correct - scribbles on a parcel will only create confusion! Then, when you've got it 100 per cent, write it out on the top of the package clearly. The address should be written like this:
Mr. John Smith (addressee)
15 Park Road (premises and street)
Logdenville (sub-locality)
CHAGUANAS 500234 (locality and postcode)
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (country)
As you can see, the locality and country (in this case, Trinidad and Tobago) should always be written in capital letters.
Now you're ready to send! If you have any more questions about sending parcels to Trinidad and Tobago, don't hesitate to
get in contact with us.
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