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Dominica travel information

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The Basics

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.

Getting around: The public transport system is fairly reliable, and consists of private minibus operators. Fares are standardized and cheap, with bus stops at designated points across the island. Buses are scarce at night. Taxis are freely available, identified by the letters H, HA, or HB preceding the numbers on the number plates. Fares are reasonable. It is easy to rent a car, but drivers must be aged between 25 and 65, and will have to buy a local driver's license at a cost of US$12 (must have two years' driving experience to qualify).

Travel Health: There has been a confirmed case of Swine Flu in Dominica. 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 Information: 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.

Local 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.

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