- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Dominica
Dominica
The Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the British Windward
Islands, situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the
Caribbean. Tourism has suddenly exploded on the island, which is
increasingly popular as a stop for cruise ships, particularly since
it became the setting for the hit movie franchise,
Pirates of the Caribbean. Don't come to Dominica for the
archetypical Caribbean sandy beaches, though. The coastline is
rugged with steep cliffs plunging into the sea. Never mind, because
on this volcanic island nature has traded white powdery beaches for
other treasures, like thick forests, magnificent waterfalls and
gushing rivers. Offshore there is a wondrous world for scuba divers
with diverse sloping reefs, pinnacles, walls and underwater hot
springs to explore.
Many of those who come ashore from cruise liners have only a day
to take in the delights of Dominica, which is certainly not enough
for all the activities and excursions on offer. There is the
fascinating 'Boiling Lake' in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park,
tubing down the Layou River, snorkelling among the tropical fish at
'Champagne' (where volcanic fissures make the water bubble), hiking
through the forest, plunging into the green depths of the Emerald
Pool, riding an aerial tram through the rain forest canopy, or
watching a live folklore show, to name just a few of the diversions
to be enjoyed.
This unspoilt tropical paradise does not offer luxury resorts
and high-rise hotels, but is rather designed for those who want to
take a break and relax in cliff-top villas, small mountain spas,
guesthouses and apartments. At the same time the island is equipped
with all the modern conveniences, including good communications,
banks and numerous restaurants, usually run by local families, in
which to sample the delicious local West Indian cuisine. Those
brave enough might like to tuck into traditional favourites like
stewed opossum, or 'mountain chicken' (which is actually a large
frog), which can be washed down with some hearty coconut rum
punch.
Dominica is one of the few places left in the world, and most
certainly in the Caribbean, where it is genuinely possible to 'get
back to nature'.
Information & Facts
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.
Climate
Dominica's tropical climate means there is plenty of sunshine,
humidity and heat all year round, but this is interspersed with an
abundance of frequent rain showers. The rain is not all bad though,
dampening the often intense heat and nourishing the island's
extensive rainforest. It is dryer on the coast. The island is very
susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, usually between June
and November.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Language
English is the official language. 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 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.
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. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going 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. A yellow
fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Dominca
within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six
months validity remaining after your intended date of departure
from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
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.
Time
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.