An Expat Talks about Moving to Carenage, Trinidad & Tobago

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Carenage

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

WIFI Extender (homes are concrete), Hoodies, Sweaters, Jackets for indoors, Tech Gadgets.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Laventille, Enterprise, Sea Lots, Blue Basin and some rural places are where you DON'T want to live. If you are brown, you will fit in anywhere. Try for higher ground because flooding is common on days of rain, but not where vegetation is missing because mudslides do happen.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

In a mansion basically - every bedroom is ensuite and has a veranda. Pool, jacuzzi and view of the sea. I didn't want to live with expats, I wanted to live with Trinis. There is a gate at the community entrance and I have gates at my house.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

I looked everywhere and found a gorgeous home in a gated community with NO EXPATS and all upper crust Trinis.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Lower. If you want the false security of where expats live (and thus to me, a target for when SHTF) you are going to pay crazy high prices because Trinis rent these houses to corporations and get big money from them. If you live in a nice community without expats in Trinidad, it is much more reasonable. My house is $2,800US with 5 bedroom, 5 bath, all stainless kitchen, pool, jacuzzi, view and I'm right by Chaguaramus, beaches, and town. The one road in and out sucks but nothing is perfect. PS - my electric bill per month is the equivalent of $150US - I paid $350 a month in the summer to cool my ranch house in the US!!!