It doesn’t matter where you travel in the world, whether it’s on a luxury Cruise to Europe or an African Safari. There are certain essential travel information every traveler needs to know before landing on any island or country. Below are the top ten travel essential information every traveler needs to know before traveling to Dominica:

Passports:

All Visitors to Dominica are required to present a valid passport on arrival. Basically, all need to show a return ticket and some need to have a visa. For Canadian citizens and French national can stay for up to two weeks just by presenting a valid identification. Visitors coming from a specified list of countries, who intend to stay for 21 or less, do no require a visa.

Taxi:

They are easily identified by the letters, H, HA or HB preceding the registration numbers on the number plates. There are standard fees from the city to both airports. The fare from Melville Hall to Roseau is EC$50 and from Canefield to Roseau EC$25.In the Capital Roseau there many different bus stops which will take you the different villages and towns. Note: that the buses have different departure times, so it’s wise to ask a local person or Bus Driver for the best times.

Car Rentals:

If you’re the adventurous kind there are a number of car rental agencies on the island offering vehicles for rent. But before you get on the road, you will need to obtain a driver’s license which cost $30 (US$12). You must be between 25 and 65 years old, with two years’ driving experience to qualify for a driver’s permit. Please note: Traffic use the left side of the road.

Currency:

Dominica’s local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Banks will offer EC$2.68 for a US$1.00 traveler’s cheque. Everywhere else on the island businesses accept:

• United States Dollars – EC$ 2.67 to US$ 1.00
• British Pounds – EC$5.21 to GBR$1.00
• Euros – EC$3.51 to Eur$ 1.00

Departure Tax:
Visitors will need to pay an EC$55 departure tax when exiting the island. Visitors can pay their departure at the Airline Check-in counter at the airport.

Accommodations:

Dominica offers a diverse choice of accommodation to match very visitor budgets, personal tastes, or vacation plans. Beach front villas will maximize your appreciation of the island’s rugged coastlines and volcanic black sand beaches. Natural resorts perched in the center of the rainforest provide a soothing getaway to modernity. Mountain top cottages facilitate your hiking expeditions and riverside lodges afford frequent swims in transparently clean rivers. Click the links for information on the different accommodations: Hotels, Guest Houses or Apartments.

Language:

Dominica’s official language is English; however a large portion of the population speaks Kwe’yo`l, which is syntax burrowed from a variety of West African indigenous languages with is based primarily on French and Carib vocabularies.

Climate:

Visitors to Dominica should expect lot of sunshine (which means you will need to take your Sun block Cream or protective clothing with you to the Beach or River). There are also chances of intermittent rainfall. The island’s annual temperature averages at 27? C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island’s extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm.

Medical Facilities and Emergency Numbers:
On island there are three public Hospitals: the Marigot Hospital, the Portsmouth Hospital, and the premier Princess Margaret Hospital. Intensive care units are only available at the Portsmouth Hospital and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).In the event of emergency you can dial 999 for the Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department.

Credit Cards:

Most tourism related business, such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and car rental agencies accept Master Card, Visa and American Express credit cards, including Traveler’s Cheques. Most business will also ask you for some form of identification, so its wise to walk with some form for ID.

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