DOMINICA

CURRENCY:

East Caribbean Dollar - XCD, Symbol EC$

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

COIN: EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

NOTE: the Pound Sterling and US dollar is also accepted legal tender within Dominica, and the XCD is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely (see above).

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

There are ATM machines around the island. American Express and Visa are accepted but MasterCard less so.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

This is best conducted at banks and authorised bureaux de change.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

It might be preferable to use cash, but if necessary, use travellers cheques in US dollars.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Thurs 0800-1500 Fri 0800-1700.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

Import of local currency is unlimited, export of local currency permitted up to the amount imported. Import of foreign currency is unlimited, and export up to the amount imported as long as declared.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Dominica's full name is The Commonwealth of Dominica and is an island in the Caribbean. It is well known for its natural beauty. This country only became a fully independent nation in 1978. Prior to that it had been a colony of the United Kingdom and then part of the West Indies Federation. The capital is Roseau and the official language is English.

POPULATION:

Around 72,000.

ECONOMY:

The economy of Dominica has had a fair share of near-crisis and poor performance. Growth in more recent years has been thanks to an increase in tourism as well as areas in the banana industry, offshore services and construction. The banana industry dominates the economy, and the majority of the labour force works within agriculture. Other exotic fruits are also exported. Tourism has grown more slowly than on other Caribbean islands due to the volcanic terrain which means less beaches.