Farther along Queen Street is the fabric area with great window displays and bargains on linens at Peter s. For an interesting mix of traditional and innovative crafts, try the shops around Independence Square , a block east of the terminal. If you ve fallen in love with pan or calypso music, you can pick up a tape or CD from Rhyner s Record Shop in the cruise-ship terminal complex. The heat on the street can get serious so look for coconut vendors, especially around Independence Square, who lop off the top of a coconut, add a straw and peddle a cool, refreshing and healthy drink. Prices are usually listed in Trinidadian dollars, but U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
Larger stores give an equivalent rate of exchange and take credit cards.
Be aware that the local shops recommended by tour operators, taxi drivers and your ship s port lecturer generally pay for the privilege. Prices at the shops recommended by the ship may be somewhat higher than others, but passengers usually get a money-back guarantee, valid for 30 days, if anything goes awry. As always and everywhere, buyer beware. Most shops are open Saturday mornings, but closed on Sundays. A few may open if there is a ship in port.