DOMINICA

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Dominica Island Basics

Dominica's capital city is Roseau (pronounced Rose-oh), located on the southwest coast. English is the official language, and a French patois is used by the islanders. Electricity is 220/240 volts and the water is safe to drink.

Because of its northeast trade winds and mountainous interior, Dominica's tropical climate can host heavy rainfalls. In the interior they can be as high as 300 inches a year, while along the coast they averages about 50 inches yearly. For many, the island's beauty is enhanced by rains that provide spectacular sunsets and magnificent rainbows. The rainiest season occurs in August and September, also the time that the island is most susceptible to hurricanes.

The climate and temperatures can vary drastically, depending on the season and your location. Temperatures spreads can be as wide as 50-92 degrees from the mountain slopes at night to the coastline at midday.

The main airport is Melville Hall (DOM) in the northeast, 38 miles from Roseau. The smaller Canefield Airport (DCF) is in the southwest, three miles from Roseau. A valid passport and onward/return ticket are required for stays of up to 21 days. Departure tax for US citizens is about $20.

At this time there are no nonstop direct flights to Dominica from the mainland US or Europe. Connections with local carriers are readily available from nearby island gateways such as Antigua, Barbados and Puerto Rico, among others. Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, BWIA, British Airways, Continental, Lufthansa and Caribbean Sun serve these gateways.

The Dominican government oversees the transportation system. It trains and authorizes the uniformed taxi drivers and sets the fares of the readily-available mini-bus public transport. In Roseau, the Old Market is the terminus for buses traveling south and the West Bridge for those traveling north.

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar and the current exchange rate is about 2.7 to the U.S. dollar. Office/shopping/banking hours are generally 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Shops close at 1pm on Saturday. The importation and exportation of fruit, vegetables and flowers is restricted, as is the purchase of coral.

Dominica Island