Sandwiched between the beautiful islands of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south, the Caribbean Island of Dominica is renowned for its untouched wilderness featuring flowing mountain streams, lush emerald woodlands, serene lakes, steaming hot springs and undulating volcanic peaks. This natural treasure serves as an off-the-beaten-track tourist hub boasting a thriving nightlife and drawing eco-adventurers from all corners of the globe. Visitors can look forward to hiking through thick tropical rainforests and expansive tropical jungle, snorkeling amidst colorful coral reef, and discovering stunning white-sand as well as black volcanic-sand beaches fringed by the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Don’t miss a visit to the spectacularly scenic Northern Forest Reserve and the Central Forest Reserve, home to a variety of amazing fauna and flora.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency used in Dominica is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also legal tender. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is tied at a fixed rate to the US Dollar.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday - Thursday 08h00-15h00, Friday 0800-1700.
American Express, MasterCard (limited) and Visa cards are widely accepted. ATMs are located around the island.Travellers cheques are accepted by most hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
The main airline to serve Dominica is LIAT. There are no direct, non-stop flights from Europe or the USA, mostly because the two airports are too small for jets. Popular routes from Europe are via Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, Guadeloupe or Puerto Rico, then a local flight to Dominica.
Roads are well maintained in and around Roseau, but total just 700 kilometres.Traffic is scarce outside Roseau. Car hire is available, but rural roads can be tricky to navigate. Taxis are efficient, and rates are set by law, so taxi drivers don’t expect tips.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
For the freshest food opt for the daily special or the dish of the house. Island cooking includes Creole, Continental and American dishes so food is good and plentiful – and reasonably priced. During the week, restaurants close at about midnight but are open later at weekends. Root vegetables, such as yams and turnips, are often referred to as ‘provisions’ on a menu. Local spirits, rum especially, are inexpensive. Wines (mainly French and Californian) are expensive. There is a wide choice of beers. There are no licensing hours.
In larger towns and cities, mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild stomach upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main towns is not advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
A 10% service charge is applied by most hotels and some restaurants. In less touristic places, service isn’t added to the bill so tipping is discretionary; 10 to 15% of the bill is the norm.
Climate and Weather
Dominica has a hot and subtropical year-round climate. June to October is the principal rainy season, when it is at its hottest and most humid; December through to May is generally thought to be the best months to visit.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
When visiting this tropical island, lightweight cottons and linens are recommended. Keep waterproofing close at hand as rain can occur year-round.
Internet Availability
Access is available at an Internet cafe and in some hotels. Connections tend to be slow.
Electricity and Plug Standards
For the most part, there are two types of electrical sockets used in the Commonwealth of Dominica (Dominique): the ‘Type G ‘ British BS-1363 and the ‘Type D’ Indian (old British BS-546 5 amp ‘small’) sockets. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.
Electrical sockets in the Commonwealth of Dominica (Dominique) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
