Surving In Trinidad On US$210 A Week

Surving In Trinidad On US$210 A Week

I will be flying into Port of Spain on Saturday 5/7/2011 For a shutdown at the refinery. I was told that it will be a great experience. But, I had also heard from one of the guys that was there about a year ago. He was saying, he was basically imprisoned in his house and could only leave with an escort. He was saying his back yard had 8ft fence with razor wire all over the top, and his front door and all the windows were covered in additional locking steel doors. I might have been less likely to take this assignment if I'd been privy to this bit of intel. So please someone tell me he was giving me a hard time ? This will be my first time working outside the US, actually first time leaving the US, so I was hoping for some adventure, in a good way Also, since I am an American citizen I will be getting paid in USD. It will of course, be direct deposited into my US banking facility, but I was curious? Do most retailers accept USD or will I have to exchange it? I know what the exchange rate is, but that tells me little of the cost of living there. My company is providing me with an apartment and a vehicle to drive. They are also giving me $210USD a week (knock around ) money just for meals and needs. My question is? is $210 USD enough for a man to live on a week? It would be great if my paycheck could just stay in the bank untouched if you know what I mean. I want to buy a new truck when I get back to Texas.