Resources: General Information
 
Here you will find some general information and travel tips for Dominica which may prove useful when planning your visit and during your stay.
 
Size 289 sq. miles (749 sq. km)
Population Approx. 71,000
Language English, Creole (A language primarily based on French with Carib loan words and West African syntax)
Capital Roseau
Currency The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is the currency used locally. At the banks you will get EC$2.67 per US$1 cash, and EC$2.68 per US$1 travellers’ cheques. United States dollar, British Pounds and the Euro currency are acceptable everywhere on the island.
Credit Cards Most hotels, restaurant, car rental agencies and tour operators accept Master Card, Visa, and American Express as well as Travelers’ cheques.
Postal Information

The General Post Office is located on Bayfront, Roseau and its opening hours are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday.
There are sub-post offices in all towns and villages and the opening hours are 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
Telephones Dominica has a modern, fully and reliable digital telecommunication system and the area code for Dominica is 767.
Telephone services are available at various points throughout the island, using coins and cards.
Telephone is necessary for local and overseas call, and prepaid cards can be purchased at Cable & Wireless, Marpin Telecoms and agents throughout the island.
Power Supplies The voltage is 220/240 volts - 50 cycles. The country is served by Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) Approximately 70% of Dominica’s electric power supply is hydro generated. Diesel generators provide the remainder.
Appliances rated at 110 volts (US Standard) works satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units. An adaptor plug is necessary for small appliances.
Medical Facilities The main hospital is the Princess Margaret and there are smaller ones in other parts of the island - Portsmouth the second town, Marigot in the East and Grand Bay to the South.
Clinics and Doctors can be found through out the island.
Driving Licence Driving is on the left side of the road and a local drivers’ permit is required.
These can be obtained from the airports, car rentals agencies, and the Traffic Department on High Street in Roseau, (Monday-Friday) 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Fees are US$12.00 or EC$30.00 for one (1) month, and US$23.00 or EC$60.00 for three (3) months.
One must be between the ages of 25-65, have a least two (2) years driving experience and be able to present a valid drivers’ licence when applying for a permit.
Emergencies In case of emergency please dial 999 for the police, Fire, and Ambulance.
Clothing Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in evenings, elegantly casual attire is appropriate. Swimsuits may not be worn in the streets or stores. A light sweater is recommended for the cooler evenings. Raincoats and walking shoes are recommended for hikes through the rainforests.
Airports Melville Hall Airport
Cane Field Airport
Departure Tax $30.00EC
Business Hours
Banks: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
  Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Commercial: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Government: Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  Tuesday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Shops: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
  Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
    Some shops open until 6:00 pm
Banks
Aid Bank (Agricultural Industrial & Development)
Charles Avenue, Goodwill Road, Roseau
tel: 448-2853
email: aidbank@cwdom.dm
Bank of Nova Scotia
28 Hillsborough Street, Roseau
tel: 448-5800
email: scotia@cwdom.dm
Banque Française Commerciale
Independence Street, Roseau
tel: 448-4040
email: bfc@cwdom.dm
First Caribbean Bank (formally known as Barclays)
Old Street, Roseau
     tel: 448-2571
Portsmouth Branch
     tel: 448-5271
email: barclay@cwdom.dm

National Commercial Bank of Dominica
64 Hillsborough Street, Roseau
     tel: 448-4401
Portsmouth Branch
     tel: 445-5430
email: ncbdom@cwdom.dm

Royal Bank of Canada
Bay Front, Roseau
tel: 448-2771
email: rbcdominica@cwdom.dm