Quick Facts
Dominica is known as “the Nature Island”
Official Name: Commonwealth of Dominica
Capital City: Roseau
Population: 74,000
Area: 290 square miles / 750 sq km
People: Dominicans
Ethnicity: West Indies Islanders of African descent, Carib Indians
Religions: 80% Roman Catholic, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, Anglican, Rastafari
Languages: English, Creole, French patois
Country Code: 767
Time Zone: Eastern
Money: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC), USD widely accepted
Banking: Credit cars are readily accepts and ATMs are available in Roseau and Portsmouth
Exchange Rate (2007): $1 USD = $2.67 EC
Electricity: 220/240V, 50 cycles, some hotels have 110V outlets
Weights and Measures: Imperial system
Temperature: 75°F / 24°C to 86°F / 30°C year round; temperature does not vary from day to night in low lying regions; the mountains cooler
Climate: 2 seasons; Wet season runs July through October, coinciding with hurricane season; Dry season runs November through June, with April as driest month
Food: Creole; local fresh produce, western food available in North of island
Water: Widely safe from tap, some choose to purchase bottled water, some island streams contain water fresh enough to drink when captured from running sources
Crime: Very low
Dominican Embassies and Consulates: US and UK only
Embassies and Consulates in Dominica: Belgium, China, and UK
Emergency Numbers: 999 for fire, ambulance and police
Hospitals: 3 hospitals located island-wide, Ross Medical School
Visa: Required for stays exceeding 21 days and for residents of former Eastern bloc countries. Inbound passengers from all countries require a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Departure Tax: $55EC ($20USD)
Airports: Melville Hall (DOM) and Canefield (DCF), located at each end of the island; small planes only; No direct service from USA or Europe
Airlines: American Eagle via San Juan, Puerto Rico; LIAT Caribbean Airlines via Antigua and most West Indies islands; Carib Aviation via Antigua or St. Lucia; Caribbean Sun via Antigua (to resume service in 2008); Air Caraibes via Guadeloupe
Ferry Service: L’Express des Isles via Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, other West Indies islands; Brudey Freres via Guadeloupe
Car Rental: $25 USD to $80 USD daily with Avis, Budget on-airport and a variety of local agencies in Roseau; Left-hand drive; Narrow winding mountain roads ; A temporary driving license is required, valid for 30 days at a cost of $30 USD
Speed Limit: 20mph / 32kph in Roseau; no speed limit outside of capital
Lodging: $30 USD to $200 USD; 750 rooms island wide including homestays, guesthouses, and several upscale ecolodges; No international brands; Online booking is available from BareFoot Travel and L’Express des Isle ferry company
Public Transport: Minivans run coastal routes, $2 EC, limited to no service on Sundays
Public Holidays:
New Year’s Day - January 1
Carnival -Two days preceding Ash Wednesday
Good Friday – late March/early April
Easter Monday – late March/early April
May Day – May 1
Whit Monday - Eighth Monday after Easter
August Monday – First Monday in August
Independence Day/Creole Day – November 3
Community Service Day – November 4
Christmas Day – December 25
Boxing Day – December 26
Festivals:
Carnival – starting in January and culminating in 2 days preceding Ash Wednesday
Independence Day – week leading up to November 3
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