The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), available in 5, 10, 20 and 50 and 100 ECD notes. It is often referred to as “eee-cee-dee.” The official exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at the constant exchange rate of 2.70 ECD. Many establishments – especially hotels and upscale restaurants or shops – gladly accept USD or ECD.
There are ATM’s in various locations around Roseau… but before you travel, check with your card issuer to find out if you will be penalized with foreign transaction fees, as these fees can be substantial. There is no ATM at the airport. Credit cards are accepted widely in Dominica, but not everywhere. Credit card fees of 2-4% are occasionally passed along directly to customers.
In Roseau, it’s good to have some local cash on hand to pay for incidental items and you may get a small discount (or speedier transaction) at hotels and dive shops when paying in cash. Be sure to have a few ECD’s on hand to try out some fresh squeezed juice (“Best in Da World”) from The Juice Man over by the old slave market. You may be able to exchange modest amounts of cash at the front desk of your hotel.
These have limited practical use in Dominica, as only some banks accept them. ATMs are far more convenient, but TC’s do have some value as an emergency backup funding source.
Dominica does not have a tradition of tips, and they are not expected. Of course, they are certainly appreciated if you are happy with the service. As a guide, a 10% tip is adequate.
Though we all feel the spirit of generosity while traveling, giving candy or money to children can lead to begging and unhealthy behavior. If you wish to do something for the children you meet, we suggest giving school supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, erasers, and notebooks. Books are a great idea too, however be thoughtful about cultural and contextual considerations (The colorful and engaging storybook “Joey Goes to the Mall to Buy $200 Nike Shoes” may not be the best selection for an 8 year old in the Kalinago territory, for example). It is immensely easier to bring gifts with you to personally deliver during your visit than to ship them afterwards.
Shopping at locally owned stores and kiosks provides direct economic benefits to Dominicans while encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable economic practices.
In Roseau, we’d encourage you to skip the old slave market and other stores in the vicinity of the cruise ship terminal, most of which sell trinkets (many of which are imported!) designed to entice undiscriminating and fast-moving cruise ship tourists.
Most of Roseau’s markets are oriented towards practical needs, so generally speaking there are few meaningful opportunities for recreational shopping. We think this is one of the nice benefits of being in Dominica: you can focus your time and attention on relaxation rather than souvenir shopping.
A few lodges have small counters selling locally-produced artisnal items. If you see something you like, buy it… you may not see that item again at stops further down your itinerary.
When it comes to shopping for authentic Kalinago baskets (a popular item), talk to your guide about how to ensure your purchase is directly supporting the community. There can be many layers of middlemen between a street vendor and the actual producer.
If you haven’t been exposed to fine aged and infused rum, you’re in for a treat in Dominica (squeeze in a little background research here). Every bar, restaurant and lodge has its own special rum-punch concoction (always “best on the island”) and at least two or three home-made infused herbal rums. A local specialty – peanut rum – is worth a try, and the famed bois bandeé rum is said to have powerful aphrodesiac qualities (we must note however that there are uncertain environmental concerns about harvesting practices of bois bandeé tree bark). You can pick up bottles of Dominican rum at the TGA store in Roseau… just bear in mind baggage restrictions on your return flights. You may be pleasantly surprised – as was your faithful correspondent – to find imported Guyanese and Guatemalan rums on the shelf at remarkably low prices.
If you do find an opportunity to shop in Dominica, our usual recommendations apply:
To avoid disappointment, aggravation, or – worst of all – fines, it’s wise to know what is and isn’t allowed back into your home country. US Travelers should carefully read the Know Before You Go brochure published by the U.S. Customs Service, while residents of Great Britain should review Home Office Border Agency guidelines here. Residents of other countries should inquire with their domestic immigration authorities.
Remember that purchases from duty-free shops are usually not exempt from volume allowances for alcohol or other imported items.
It’s easier to share gifts while you travel, rather than trying to ship items back to Dominica later. If you are interested in environmental conservation efforts, cultural preservation organizations, or other human service NGO’s operating in Dominica, let us know.