GENERAL
Official name of the state
Commonwealth Dominica.
Capital
Roseau.
Geography
As a country located in North America according to aristmarketing, Dominica was formerly part of the British colony of the Windward Islands, today it is counted to the Leeward Islands, which corresponds to the geographical division. Volcanoes, mountain streams, waterfalls, geysers, hot volcanic lakes, the many volcanic and white sandy beaches as well as dense rainforest with orchids and other tropical vegetation characterize the varied landscape. To the north is Guadeloupe and to the south Martinique.
Government
Republic (in Commonwealth) since 1978. Constitution of 1978. Unicameral parliament with 9 appointed and 21 elected members. Independent since 1978 (former British colony).
Head of state
Charles Savarin, since October 2013.
Head of government
Roosevelt Skerrit, since 2004.
Electricity
220/240 V, 50 Hz; Adapter required because American plugs are common.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
TRAVEL WARNING
Overview Dominica
Security advice from the Foreign Office:
Status: October 12th, 2016
Unchanged valid since: October 10th, 2016
Country-specific safety information
Natural disasters
In Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and the southern states of the United States, cyclone season is from June to the end of November. The strength of the storm and the specific threat to islands in its course can change within hours. Tropical storms, heavy rainfall and, under certain circumstances, landslides must be expected. Travelers should also follow the regional weather forecasts and observe the advice of the local security authorities. Constantly updated information is available from the external link, opens in a new window National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
Piracy
Sailors should note that robberies on anchored ships or ships close to the coast or cases of piracy in the Eastern Caribbean occur sporadically and take appropriate measures (caution with spontaneous guests on board, self-protection at night). Emergency calls to the Police / Coast Guard via 911 (cellular phone) may be more reliable than emergency calls made via marine cellular radio.
Crime
Like many countries in the region, Dominica has seen an increase in violent crime. In the recent past there have been a number of robberies against foreigners, one of them resulting in death, in the northeast of the island. Especially there you should find out about the current security situation before going on trips to more remote places. In general, caution is advised when walking in less busy areas or parks, especially after dark.
MONEY
Currency
1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: EC $, XCD (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 EC $; Coins in circulation: 1 EC $ as well as 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. The East Caribbean dollar is pegged to the US dollar.
Credit cards
American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, and travel agencies. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs with the EC card with the Maestro or Cirrus symbol.
Bank opening times
Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import of local and foreign currencies, mandatory declaration. The export of the local currency and foreign currencies is permitted up to the amount declared.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices. US dollars, British pounds sterling and euros are accepted across the island.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English. The colloquial language is French Creole (Patois). Cocoy, an English dialect, is spoken in the Marigot and Wesley region.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Dominica duty-free:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227 g tobacco (people over 18 years of age);
1 l alcoholic beverages (people over 18 years);
Personal items such as clothing, hygiene articles and electrical devices such as hair dryers, razors, etc.;
Gifts once a year that must not exceed the total value of EC $ 400 (excluding tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and commercial goods).
Prohibited imports
Various plants including bananas, coconuts, coffee, avocado plants and fruits, as well as animal products, paints, varnishes and other chemicals.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is the language of business. Appointments and business cards are taken for granted. There is also a casual atmosphere in business life. Office hours : Mon 7.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
Economy
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (Society for Industry and Trade)
PO Box 85, 14 Church Street, DM-Roseau
Tel: 449 19 62
Internet: www.daic.dm
Business contacts
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (Society for Industry and Trade)
PO Box 85, 14 Church Street, DM-Roseau
Tel: 449 19 62
Internet: www.daic.dm
COMMUNICATION
Overview
The main post office is located in Bayfront, Roseau (Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00pm). There are branches in all towns and villages (Mon-Fri 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.). Postage stamps are available in stores where postcards can be purchased. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of around US $ 1. Airmail shipments to Europe take around 4 weeks.
Phone
International direct dialing. Phone cards are available from Cable & Wireless, Marpin Telecoms and their offices across the island.
Cellphone
TDMA network. Network operator is Cable & Wireless Dominica (Internet: www.cwdom.dm). Visitors with TDMA telephones can make calls without prior notice by providing their credit card number. Cell phones can also be rented.
Internet
Internet access in Cable & Wireless offices in Roseau and in internet cafes. The main Internet providers are Cable & Wireless (CWDom) (Internet: www.tod.dm) and Marpin.
Post Office
Poste restante items will not be accepted. Post office opening times: Mon 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tues-Fri 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Local handicrafts, including hats, bags, and rugs made from vetiver and banana leaves, are popular souvenirs. The Carib Reserve Crafts Center offers bags made of two layers of sedge that are buried to create a three-tone shade. After that, they are wrapped in fibrous sheets that make them waterproof.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Some hotel bars are open until 11 p.m., and many hotels have entertainment programs on the weekends. A popular nightlife spot in Roseau is La Robe Créole, which offers music in the evenings and live entertainment on the weekends. The Warehouse, Scorpio and Doubles International are some of the most popular nightclubs. Singers and dancers wear original costumes on many folklore evenings.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
In recent years the hotel offer has increased. The largest hotel has 170 rooms. There are three hotels on the edge of the national park. For more information, contact the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, 38 King George V Street, PO Box 384, Roseau. (Tel: 448 65 65).
Categories: Most hotels offer a variety of accommodation options, including the Modified American Plan (half board) and the European Plan (overnight stay only).
Camping
Camping is currently seen reluctantly. Overnight safari trips are offered by some operators.
CULTURE
Religion
Mostly Roman Catholic 61.4%, other Christians 29.5% as well as Muslim, Hindu and Jewish minorities and Baha’i.
Social rules of conduct
Clothing: Casual clothing is accepted, but swimwear and shorts should not be worn in town. Evening wear should be casual but conservative.
Manners: The Catholic Church plays a big role.
Taking photos: Before taking a picture of someone, the best thing to do is to ask “OK – Alright?”, This phrase is also a common greeting.
Tips: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service. Away from the tourist centers, tips are not included in the bill and are left to the guest, 10-15% is appropriate. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot and subtropical all year round. The main rainy season (June – October) is the hottest season.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 767 Area (sqkm) 751 Population 73607 Population density (per sqkm) 98 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999