The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD). Also used by Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St, Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

• The rate is set at EC$2.68 to US$1.00 and
• about EC$2.93 to EUR 1.

Many businesses accept US Dollars and the EURO, but you will get the most favourable exchange rate at the banks. Major Credit Cards are accepted in many places.

For information regarding the EC dollar and exchange rates, visit ECCD Central Bank here.

The calling code for Dominica is 767

Calls to Dominica

If calling from the Caribbean, USA: 1 + 767 + seven digit number.

If calling from Europe, China etc:  00 + 1 + 767 + seven digit number.

With WiFi and Internet so available many people use Skype, Magic Jack and What’s App as a means of communication

This applies to most businesses though there are exceptions. Most close on public holidays.

• Monday – Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
• Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Some businesses close for lunch between 1 – 2 pm.

Government

This applies to all government departments. They are closed on weekends and all public holidays.

• Monday: 8 am to 5 pm
• Tuesday – Friday: 8 am to 4 pm

Some offices are closed for lunch between 1 – 2 pm.

Note that a government department, or section of a government office, dealing with financial transactions of any sort closes an hour before the end of the day. Monday at 4 pm and Tuesday – Friday at 3 pm.

Banking Hours

• Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 2 pm
• Friday: 8 am – 4 pm

Gas Stations

Most gas stations stay open till either 7 or 9 pm.

Gas stations associated with a 7 – 11 mini mart usually stay open till 11 pm.

Supermarkets & Minimarts

This applies to most grocers, some smaller village shops will have more varied and sometimes irregular hours.

• Open everyday till about 7 pm
• Some Mini marts like Miniya’s, and ACS are open everyday, some till 11 pm and on all public holidays.

There are 12 public holidays in Dominica.
The local tradition is to head to the beach or river for large gatherings, picnics and BBQ’s. On some holidays, like National Community Day of Service, volunteers are encouraged to work to improve an area or community. Christmas and Easter tend to be very family-oriented holidays spent at a family house or property. There is a national parade on Independence Day and during Carnival there are many activities. Learn more about Dominica’s culture and traditions here or see our annual events page.

There are five hospitals in Dominica as well as various village and community clinics. The main hospital is Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) located in Roseau. In the event of an emergency, patients will be treated at PMH but it is also possible to be flown out to neighboring islands.

• Princess Margaret Hospital: (767) 448-2231 or (767) 448-5720
• Portsmouth Hospital: (767) 445-5237
• Grand Bay Hospital: (767) 446-3706
• Marigot Hospital: (767) 445-7091
• Justin Fadipe Centre (Private Hospital, Mero): (767) 449-8466 or (767) 235-8466

There are also a number of Pharmacies and various medical specialists.

Belgian Consulate

Brazilian Embassy

British Embassy

British Consulate

Canadian Embassy

Chinese Embassy

Cuban Embassy

French Consulate

French Embassy

Jamaican Consulate

Norwegian Consulate

Venezuelan Embassy

United States of America

One of the biggest issues with sending mail to Dominica is that it often gets mistaken for the Dominican Republic.

When addressing documents:

Person’s Name
P.O. Box xxxx or  Street Address
Commonwealth of Dominica
Eastern Caribbean
00109-8000 (zip code) OR 00152 (postal code)

The Postal code is used by countries other than the USA. The one for Dominica is: 00152

The Zip code is a postal code used by the USA. The one for Dominica is: 00109-8000

Ways to Mail

General Post office

The Dominican Post office is located along the Roseau Bayfront, opposite the Roseau Ferry Terminal.

Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Monday, 8 am – 4 pm Tuesday – Friday.

Parcel Pick up

Make sure to bring

1. a valid ID
2. the Slip indicating package has arrived
3. if picking up for someone else, whether it is for a family member, spouse or employer, make sure to have a signed letter to present to the officer. This letter must state you are authorized to pick up an parcel on behalf of the person whose name is on the package. If this will happen more than once, the officer will keep it on file.

Note that this office closes promptly during the lunch hour (1 – 2 pm) and closes for the day at 3 pm.

Stamp and Mailing

Note that will the effects of TS Erika (August 2015) – some of the mailing times have been delayed. 

Post coming to and from USA arrives and is sent out weekly on a Tuesday via Amerijet. Be sure to have your post in by 11:00 am on a Monday so that it can get out in time.

Post coming from Europe and the rest of the world is sent out daily usually to Barbados via Liat. Be sure to get to the Post Office before 11:00 am so that it can get out the next day.

Other Means of sending and receiving packages. 

See our listings on Courier & Freight Services and Shipping Agencies

FedEx

DHL

Liat Quickpak & Cargo (UPS)

Aeropost

Ezone

SwiftPac

Tropical Shipping

Amerijet

ShopBox

Tonge Financial Services

Our cuisine is like our history and culture, an exciting blend which draws heavily from our Creole past. Tropical fruits and vegetables are in abundance, and not surprising for an island, our range of seafood is second to none!

Particular delicacies you should try include land crabs, our delicious locally grown coffee, and a wide range of local fruit juices. Be sure to take home with you our hot pepper sauce! Find out more about our cuisine and dining in Dominica

English is the official language, but a French-based Creole (also known as Patois) is widely spoken, especially in outlying villages. Find out more about our language.

There is a 15% Value Added Tax (10% on accommodation).

A number of attractions in Dominica require visitors to pay a small fee. Click here for full details.

Tipping is generally on a discretionary basis; many hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge.

Electricity

Our electricity system is 220 – 240 volts, 50 cycles. Power outlets are 3-prong English style. Most hotels have 110v, but you are advised to bring a small travel transformer if required.

30% of our electricity is generated from Hydroelectricity (using water). Although a naturally occurring lake, the Freshwater lake was dammed in order to make this possible. There is also a project underway to tap into geothermal energy given our volcanic nature. You will notice one of the sites along the drive to Titou Gorge and the Boiling Lake.

Telecommunications

Dominica has a fully digital telephone system, and indeed was the first country in the world to operate one in 1987. Presently, the companies providing telecommunication services include:

Land-lines and cellular services: Lime (Cable & Wireless) and Digicel

Television: Marpin 2k4, Digicel Play and Wikibuli

Wifi and Internet: Lime (Cable & Wireless), Digicel Play and Wikibuli

Water is safe to drink. Some hotels use municipal water or collect spring water onsite all of which is treated.

Wifi and internet is readily available throughout the island and available in most accommodation and restaurants.