Dominica travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The United Kingdom style plug with three flat pins is used. Round three-pin plugs are also used.
Language
English is the official language, but the local people speak a Creole patois.
Money
The official currency of Dominica is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is fixed to the US dollar. US dollars, the euro and the British pound are also commonly accepted on the island, but change is usually given in EC dollars. Money can be exchanged at major hotels and banks. Banks open from 8am to 2pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 4pm on Friday. Major credit cards are accepted by most businesses, except small vendors. There are several ATMs attached to banks in the capital, Roseau, which dispense EC dollars.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is usually added by hotels and restaurants but, if it has not been added, a discretionary tip of between 10 to 15 percent is acceptable for good service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Health
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for visitors to Dominica, and a yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for entry if visitors are coming from an infected area. For those travellers who will be eating and drinking outside of hotels and restaurants, a typhoid vaccination should be considered. Dengue fever is on the increase and visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites. Medical facilities on the island are limited, so health insurance with evacuation cover is recommended. It is advisable that visitors bring any personal medications they may need with them, and ensure they have all the necessary documents from their doctor to get the medication through customs. Food and drinks are safe to consume in hotels and restaurants, but it is preferable to drink bottled water.
Safety
Visits to Dominica are usually trouble-free, but visitors should be wary of petty theft and take sensible precautions with money and valuables.
Local customs
Islanders tend to be friendly and appreciate having their smiles and greetings returned. It's also best that visitors only wear revealing outfits at the beach or poolside. Nudity on beaches is not acceptable, nor is haggling at the markets. Local attitudes towards the LGBT community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean.
Doing 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 1 litre 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 WiFi is available at some hotels. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
All visitors require a return or onward ticket, entry documents for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Dominica. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if visitors over the age of one are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, or have transited for longer than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a USA tourists for up to six months.
British citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months for British passport holders.
Canadian citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for up to six months.
Australian citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for up to six months.
South African citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Irish citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.
Useful contacts
Discover Dominica: +1 767 448-2045 or www.discoverdominica.com/en/home
Emergencies: 999 (police and ambulance).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of Dominica, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 364 6781.
High Commission of Dominica, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7370 5194.
High Commission of Dominica, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 8952.
Embassies / consulates in Dominica
United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Dominica): +1 246 227 4000.
British Consulate, Roseau, Dominica: +1 767 275 7800.
Canadian Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Dominica): +1 246 629 3550.
Australian Embassy, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Dominica): +1 868 822 5450.
South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Dominica): +1 876 620 4840.