TRAVEL INFORMATION DOMINICA
Required Documents
Immigration officials require most visitors to Dominica to present a valid passport on arrival. All need to show a return ticket and some need to have a visa. Canadian citizens can show documents certifying proof of citizenship that also bears a photograph, and French nationals can stay for up to two weeks by presenting a valid identification card. Visitors coming from a specified list of countries, who intend to stay for 21 days or less, do not require a visa. Click here for a list of these countries.
Money
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Banks will offer EC$2.68 for a US$1.00 traveller's cheque. Everywhere on the island businesses accept United States Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros. Local currency can be drawn against Visa and other credit cards at selected ATMs in Dominica, at Melville Hall Airport and in a few other towns.
Most tourism related businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and car rental agencies accept Master Card, Visa and American Express credit cards, including Traveller's Cheques.
Time Zone
Dominica Time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as eastern Daylight Time.
For more information about time differences we refer you to www.world-time-zones.org
Vaccinations
All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Yellow fever: Required for travellers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.
Hepatitis B: For travellers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months.
Clothes - Climate
Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island's annual temperature averages at 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island's extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. For female travellers we advise a strong and comfortable bra. The roads are not always as good as somebody wishes and a solid bra can certainly be useful. The sun can be very powerful. It is sensible to take a hat or cap, as well as sun cream with high protection and sunglasses on tours with you.
Communications
Dominica has a modern and reliable telecommunications system. It is easy to find public phones in the city and in most communities. Hotels offer International Direct Dialing from their rooms, and there are two major mobile service providers on the island:LIME and DIGICEL. The island's area code is 767.
Photography and Video
A journey through Dominica is an introduction to another culture and different people. You certainly want to capture these encounters on photo or video. Sometimes the local people consider this as an intrusion to privacy. Showing respect by asking if you may take a photograph before pulling out your camera, creates a lot of 'goodwill'. This way the contact with the local people will be a bigger experience instead of shooting pictures from a distance. You can charge the batteries of your equipment in most places.
Voltage
Dominica's electrical services use 220/240 volts. American appliances are quite popular, but their users utilize transformers for voltage conversion. Many accommodations offer both outlets, but it would be wise to receive confirmation from the specific establishment.
3-pin (square) sockets. Electric switches generally switch on downwards. The voltage can greatly vary, be careful with sensitive equipment. In addition you need a three-legged plug. If you do not have this then a good idea is to buy a world plug. This allows you to use it worldwide.
Food & Drinks
You can drink the tap water. Water sold in sealed bottles are perfectly fine to drink. It is important to drink a lot of water especially when it's hot. In Dominica you can find delicious banana dishes ( also plantain type dishes), stews, pastes and juicy fruits and drinks.
Departure Tax
Visitors will need to pay an EC$55 departure tax when exiting the island.
Personal Safety
Dominica enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the entire Caribbean: however visitors are encouraged to practice common sense in their deportment and the protection of their property.
Business Hours
Businesses open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday with a lunch break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Banking hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturdays, the banks are closed but merchants open their enterprises from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Language
English is the official language of Dominica; however a large portion of the population speaks Kwéyòl, which is based primarily on French and Carib vocabularies and a syntax borrowed from a variety of West African indigenous languages. A few Northern villages use a distinctive English dialect called Kokoy.
Tipping
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. It is usual to tip guides and drivers, especially if you feel they did a good job.