Dominica
| Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of Dominica is about 71,000.
How big is the country/island? Dominica is 29 miles long and 16 miles at its widest point, for a total area of about 290 sq miles.
Can I drink the tap water? Although the tap water is safe to drink in the main towns, it is advisable to drink bottled water.
What are the best things to buy here? Duty-free items include designer fashions and accessories, cosmetics, perfumes, leather goods, watches, jewellery and Cuban cigars.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for grass rugs, woven baskets, dolls in local dress, EGO household linen, pottery, hand-molded ornaments and figurines, glass jewellery and local books and CDs.
Are there nude beaches? There are no nude beaches in Dominica.
What are the main industries? The main industries are soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks and shoes.
What native dishes should I try? Local delicacies include crapaud, also known as mountain chicken (a large mountainous frog that is fried or stewed), goat water (goat stew), black pudding (highly seasoned blood sausage) and smoked or stewed manicou (a small possum) and agouti (a guinea pig-like rodent).
Other local dishes include buljow (a Creole dish of salt fish and spices), flying fish or volan and bakes (fried fish and fried bread), lambi (conch, pronounced conk), Creole-style beef, chicken and fish (blue marlin, mahi mahi, grouper, kingfish, snapper and tuna), lobster, river crayfish, prawns, roti (curried vegetables inside a tortilla-like pouch), san coche (codfish boiled in coconut milk served with dumplings and boiled green bananas), callaloo soup (made from the leaves of the dasheen plant and sometimes made with crab meat) and pumpkin soup.
Can I use my calling card from here? Directory assistance: Operator/international call bookings, 0 Local enquiries, 411
AT&T: Service is available from pay phones and/or select hotels for calls to the US only using AT&T Calling Cards, AT&T Corporate Cards, American Express, Diners Club, Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard and Visa. Dial 1-800-872-2881 + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts.
BT: Dial 1-800-744-1144, input your account number and PIN, then dial the number you require.
Canada Direct: Service is only available on public pay phones for use with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus. Dial 1-800-744-2580 to reach a Canadian operator directly.
MCI MinutePass: no service available
Sprint: Dial 1-800-744-2250 and follow the voice prompts.
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Dress in Dominica is casual. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits in public. Light cotton clothing is suitable during the day and elegantly casual clothing is appropriate for evening wear. You may also want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings. If you plan on hiking in the rainforest bring a raincoat and comfortable walking shoes.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity is 220/240 volts, 50 cycles. Appliances from North America require a voltage converter or transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units.
How much should I tip? Tip about 15%. Most hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so check first as it is not necessary to leave more unless you feel it is warranted. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Disclaimer:
Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All information should be verified prior to travel.
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