Money:
The official currency of Dominica is the East Caribbean Dollar
(XCD), which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of EC$2.67 to
US$1. US Dollars, the Euro and the British Pound are also usually
accepted on the island, but change is given in EC dollars.
Travellers cheques and money can be exchanged at major hotels and
at the bank. Banks open from 8am to 2pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am
to 4pm on Friday. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are
accepted by most businesses except small vendors. There are several
ATMs attached to banks in the capital, Roseau, which dispense EC
Dollars.
Time:
GMT -4.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The United
Kingdom style plug with three flat pins is used. Round three-pin
plugs with ground are also used. US visitors will need adapters and
transformers for their appliances.
Language:
English is the official language. The local people speak
a Creole patois.
Health:
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for
visitors to Dominica, and yellow fever vaccination is compulsory
for entry for those coming from an infected area. Dengue fever is
on the increase and visitors should take precautions against
mosquito bites. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Medical
facilities on the island are limited, so health insurance with
evacuation cover is recommended. It is advisable to bring personal
medications. Food and drinks are safe to consume in hotels and
restaurants, but it is preferable to drink bottled water.
Tipping:
A 10% service charge is usually added by hotels and restaurants,
but if it has not been added a discretionary tip of between 10-15%
is acceptable for good service. Taxi drivers do not expect
tips.
Safety:
Visits to Dominica are usually trouble-free. There are some
instances of petty theft, so it is wise to take sensible
precautions with money and valuables.
Customs:
The friendly islanders appreciate having their smiles and
greetings returned, and prefer to have revealing outfits confined
to the beach or poolside. Nudity on beaches is not acceptable, and
nor is haggling at the markets. It is an offence to wear camouflage
clothing.
Business:
Business dress is smart, and meetings are formal. Office hours
are Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm with a lunch break between 1pm and
2pm.
Duty Free:
Items that may be brought into Dominica without incurring
customs duty are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 2 litres of
alcohol. Any other goods or appliances for personal use are
allowed.
Communications:
The international access code for Dominica is +1, in common with
the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 767.
Telephone services are excellent and there are public telephones
all over the island. Calling cards can be purchased from a variety
of local shops, the post office, or at the offices of Cable and
Wireless in Roseau. A GSM 850/900/1900 network is in operation and
unregistered roaming is available for credit card holders. Handsets
can be hired. There are Internet cafés in Roseau and visitors can
also access the web at the offices of Cable and Wireless and at
some hotels. The main post office is in Roseau.