Travel & Tourism:

FAQ

The Basics

How do I get here? What airlines can I take? Where do I land? What is the currency? Can I drink the water? What about tipping? Are there any fast-food outlets in Dominica? What kind of nasty wildlife must I watch out for?

So you have all these questions before you start your adventure in Dominica. And quite an adventure it will be! Dominica is not your ordinary fun-in-the-sun kinda island. It's a mysterious, romantic, natural island where you will encounter a French-creole culture with the overtones of ae British heritage. Yes, it is the Queen's English which is spoken but with such a heavy French accent that sometimes it is a little difficult for one to understand. But guess what? Dominicans have a difficult time understanding you sometimes. The key is to speak slowly and softly. Make sure you articulate and enunciate your vowels and words properly. Bear in mind that what sounds like "beer" to you could sound like "bear" to the other person (my favourite misunderstanding was "I'm going to meet the sheep" was actually "I'm going to meet the ship"). It all depends on where they are from and what they are used to.

Now what is the easiest way to get to Dominica? American Eagle via Puerto Rico is by far the easiest way to book your flight to Dominica if you are coming from North America. From England take British Airways. Other ways here try to get to either Guadeloupe or Martinique via Air France and then to Dominica.

Don't get frustrated yet -for there are flights available from LIAT, Caribbean Star to Dominica from neighbouring islands. Just try to get to St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe or Antigua for the cheapest flights.

So now you are about to arrive in Dominica. More than likely you will fly into Melville Hall Airport near Marigot. Let's just say that the airport is indicative of what Dominica is about - rustic charm. You won't find a super-modern airport nor will you encounter just a strip with a shed. Rather, you will get a taste of Dominica's innovative organization skills as they operate with a very limited budget! And the experience is not unpleasant if you remain flexible, open and patient - and have nothing to declare. Just relax and know that everyone is trying to do his/her job the best to their ability. And that is how 'tings' are done in Dominica which is very different from how 'things' are done in North America, Europe or anywhere else in this world. And then you can have the most fabulous experience of a lifetime in Dominica.

Okay, so you most likely have rented a car (recommended) for your adventure. If you didn't then you probably are on a taxi heading down to your hotel. You probably want to make your accomodation arrangements before you reach Dominica but in case you haven't - then please have at least a vague idea of which area of Dominica you would like to explore first, i.e do you want to be in the mountains, by the sea, near a river, close to the falls...check out our site and figure it out. Anyways, more than likely your first tip to a Dominican will be to the men who assist you in carrying your baggage; then you might want to tip the taxi driver, if you have one. Of course, like anywhere else in this world, if you tip the hospitality and restaurant service workers it would be greatly appreciated by the people of Dominica.

If you haven't changed your currency yet -remember that $1 US fetches about $2.50 EC on the 'blackmarket". In a bank, you can obtain it for $2.67 or $2.71 depending on the bank you use and whether you are buying or selling.

So now you have the basics somewhat...except for food and water! Well, you can drink the water...its highly chlorinated when its from the tap but the crystal clear waters of the rivers are cool, refreshing and safe if you have a good stomach - rapid changes in one's diet can always be upsetting to one's digestive track. Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol have always helped me throughout my travels (and are particulary helpful if you try Dominica's hot pepper sauce) and you'll find them in any one of Roseau's phamacies/chemists (a few of which stay open late, i.e 10 pm).

Dominica's food is very fresh and healthy. Cooked primarily creole style with natural seasonings and herbs as the store bought seasonings can be a little too expensive for the local pocket and budget, Dominican's diet consist of dasheen, yam, fig, tanya, plantain, breadfruit, goat, fish, crabs, mountain chiken (crapaud), agouti, manicou and chicken. The only fast-food chain restaurant in Dominica is the KFC which opened in 1997. And it seems like Dominican's like the taste of the Colonel's chicken... but once the novelty wears off they will realize that "noffing" taste better than the local barbeque chicken which you can buy on the roadside for around $5 EC.

Well, so that you enjoy yourself a bit more in Dominica, remember that people are very friendly and that the concept of personal space doesn't exist here. In fact all those pseudo-pop-psychological theories would never really stand a test of validity in Dominica. People are very friendly but are not shy to make a dollar. For the most part though Dominican's don't like to remind you that they make their living off guiding you around their natural beautiful island. Once upon a time, they were able to subsist on the agricultural-banana industry. And this banana republic has fought to maintain an equilibrium between the environment, development and technology. As you will see for yourself, nature always has its way in Dominica. Dominica is one of the few small islands (population <70,000) with a conservation society.

So go on, discover Dominica...or "do Dominica"! It's relaxing, exciting, fun, tranquil, natural, spontaneous, mystical and unique. Let the charm of Dominica absorb you as you hike, drive, walk and swim in its natural beauty. Know that you can relax and not worry about lions or tigers or anything mortally poisonous. Our creepy-crawlies are more or less like the people, friendly and inquisitive but harmless. If you enocunter a snake or Boa Constrictor (not likely) remain calm, they are probably more frightened of you than you of them. And don't feel like you cannot venture into the less known or established areas or businesses...safety is not yet a big issue in Dominica. Just remain alert! At night just be a little bit more prepared and try to have all your car travel arrangements determined in advance.