Money and Currency in Dominica
Just about everyone in Dominica takes US Dollars, so if you’re coming from the US, converting your money to Eastern Carribbean Dollars is not necessary. You may want to bring cash for your convenience, as ATM’s are not plentiful. They are found at banks in larger cities like Portsmouth and Roseau, as well as one at the airport and a new one in Calibishie. The best currency conversion rate is gotten by using a credit card wherever you can, and cash everywhere else, however credit cards are not widely accepted. The exchange rate is set and does not fluctuate with market dynamics. At a bank, you will get a rate of approximately 2.68 ECD to 1 USD. In all stores you will get between 2.5 and 2.65 with an average of about 2.6. Traveler’s cheques are not necessary nor terribly helpful.
Dominica Weather
The winter average temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) and 82 degrees in summer (28 Celsius), and there is a lovely breeze most of the time, with a few exceptions (there is a consistent sea breeze at all times at Calibishie Cove). Though late spring is the driest season, a light rainfall (or occasional hour-long deluge) can cool you off at any time. The rain is a delight in Dominica, as activities, the casual culture, and the physical environment are all well-suited to a little rainfall. It is rarely a hindrance. Expect showers on most hikes in rainforest areas. There is little seasonal variation in Dominica’s weather, so no month is much better than another.
What to Pack for Dominica
Shoes
Although you could get by with flip-flops or running shoes, we suggest amphibious footwear to get the most out of an active visit to Dominica. You’ll find these shoes will come in handy time and again once you get home, too. We recommend something like Keen Footwear or Salomon Techamphibian shoes. Adventures in Dominica may have you crossing the occasional crystal-clear river or trekking up a muddy slope, so wet/dry open-circulation shoes with traction are ideal.
Save space in your suitcase and leave high heels at home. Trust us – they truly are impractical everywhere but the capital.
Clothes
The people of Dominica are casual in style, and not even the nicest restaurant on the island requires formal clothing.
If you don’t like getting damp while on a hike, you may want to bring a light raincoat that you can stash in your backpack. For optimum enjoyment, we suggest bringing any outdoor/adventure clothes you may have, such as Patagonia, Columbia Sportswear, or Ex Officio items that are designed for maximum utility and quick drying.
