Roseau Basics
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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.
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$1. US Dollars, the Euro and the British Pound are also usually accepted on the island, but change is given in EC dollars. Travellers checks and money can be exchanged at major hotels and at the bank. Banks open from 8am to 2pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 4pm on Friday. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by most businesses, but not small vendors and there are several ATMs attached to banks in the capital, Roseau, which dispense EC Dollars.
Currency Exchange Rates
| XCD 1.00 = | A$ 0.60 | C$ 0.47 | IRR 3.45 | NZ$ 0.69 | £ 0.26 | US$ 0.38 | R 3.98 |
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Language: English is the official language. The local people speak a Creole patois.
Entry requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to six months.Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals require a passport but no visa for a stay of up to six months, irrespective of endorsement in passport regarding national status.Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 21 days and may enter Dominica with a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals need a passport for entry but may stay in Dominica without a visa for up to 21 days.Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens require a passport to enter Dominica and may stay without a visa for up to 21 days.Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Citizens of the Republic of Ireland require a passport to enter Dominica, and may stay for up to six months without a visa.Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealanders require a passport for entry to Dominica but a visa is not required for a stay of up to 21 days.Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require a return or onward ticket, entry documents for their next destination and sufficient funds for their stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
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.
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.
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.