Dominica Travel Information

AIRLINE INFORMATION
At this time there are no nonstop flights to Dominica. Connections with local carriers are readily available from nearby island gateways such as Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Lucia. These gateways are served by international carriers including Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, BWIA, British Airways, Continental and Lufftansa.

Regional Airlines
Air Guadeloupe 448-2181
American Eagle 445-7204
Cardinal Airlines 449-0600
Liat 448-2421/2

ANIMALS
Animals may enter if accompanied by a valid veterinary health certificate plus an importation permit from the Veterinary Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Botanical Gardens, Roseau. Check with the office for current regulations.

BANK HOURS
Monday to Thursday 8am-3pm, Friday 8pm-5pm.

CHURCHES
There is a good representation of religious denom- inations in most towns and villages.

CLIMATE
Average daytime temperatures 75 to 85 degrees, with cooler temperatures in the mountains. Dry season is January to April. Rainy season is July to October.

CLOTHING
Lightweight, casual clothing is best throughout the year, with a light sweater for cooler evenings or nights in the mountains. Swimwear is not acceptable on the streets. Walking shoes and raincoats are rec- ommended for rain forest hikes.

COMMUNICATIONS
Direct-dial telephone, telegram, telefax, data services, radio and television are available. Pay phones appear at intervals along the roads.

CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards and tavelers checks are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and tour operators islandwide.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$2.67 = US$ 1.00), but U.S. dollars are accepted all over the island. The rate of exchange at most local businesses is EC$2.60. You are advised to exchange your currency at the banks, where you will get the most favorable exchange rate.

DEPARTURE TAX
The departure tax is 59 EC$ or 23 US$.

DRIVING
Driving is on the left side of the road. The speed limit in Roseau and other villages is 20 mph. There is no limit ouside the towns.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
220/240 volts, 50 cycles. A transformer is required for all appliances of 110 voltage. Outlets are three prong European-style. Adapters may be needed.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Dial 999 for police, fire and ambulance.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport and a return ticket are required, however, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable from U.S. and Canadian citizens.

FERRY SERVICE
Ferry service to some neighboring islands is on a daily basis. Consult your hotel desk.

FIREARMS
It is illegal to take firearms into or out of Dominica.

GETTING MARRIED
Either party should be on the island to apply for a marriage license. This should be done at least two days prior to thewedding. You will need: proof of citizenship (passport and birth cerificates); proof of divorce where applicable (divorce decree); copy of death certificate if widow or widower.

GOVERNMENT
Full independence with republican status within the British Commonwealth. Now formally known as the 'Commonwealth of Dominica.'

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES
Health centers exist all over the island. The following is a list of hospitals:
Grand Bay Health Centre 446-3706
Marigot Hospital 445-7091
Portsmouth Hospital 445-5237
Princess Margaret Hospital 448-2231

LANGUAGE
English is the official language. Creole and French are widely spoken.

POPULATION
Approximately 71,000 comprising principally afro-West Indian and about 3,000 Carib Indians.

POSTAL RATES
Rates to the U.S. and Europe are EC$.90 (US$.35) for letters and EC$.55 (US$.21) for postcards.

TAXES
15% for food, drinks and merchandise and 10% for accommodations and diving.

TIME ZONE
Atlantic Standard Time Zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

TIPPING
Most hotels have a 10% service charge which is included in the bill. Further tipping is by choice.

TOPOGRAPHY
Dominica is situated at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, lying between the two French islands of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. The island is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide. Volcanic in origin and ruggedly beautiful.

WATER
The water is safe to drink. Some visitors may opt for bottled spring water, available at shops and hotels.

PORTS OF ENTRY
The following is a list of designated ports. Mooring any craft in a marine reserve or protected area is prohibited. The Scotts Head/Soufriere Bay area, in the southwest of the island, is now a marine reserve and is off limits for mooring. A Coast-Wise permit must be obtained from Customs for movement of craft from one location to another.
Portsmouth (in the north)
Roseau (the capital, on the west coast)
Anse Du Mai (in the east)