Working remotely is already a well-established part of life and even more so during the covid pandemic. We believe that our island is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s a wonderful place to come on holiday, and it’s an ideal environment for working remotely. So why not combine the two?
Our Work In Nature Extended Visa is an ideal way to break from the mental and physical stresses, the enforced confinement, and the frustrating uncertainty of life at home right now.
Here are some of the essentials you need to know about life in Dominica.
Language
English is the official language of Dominica; however a large portion of the population speaks Kwéyòl (Creole or patois), which is based primarily on French and Kalinago vocabularies and a syntax borrowed from a variety of West African indigenous languages. A few northern villages use a distinctive English dialect called Kokoy.
Currency
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Banks will offer EC$2.68 for a US$1.00 traveller's cheque. Many places on the island, businesses accept United States Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros.
Credit Cards
Most business, such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, car rental agencies, department stores and major grocery stores accept Master Card, Visa and American Express credit cards.
Business Hours
Most businesses open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday with a lunch break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Banking hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturdays, the banks are closed but merchants open their enterprises from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Banks
The following is a list of the banks found in Dominica:
- National Bank of Dominica
- Dominica Agricultural Industrial & Development Bank
- Republic Bank
- First Caribbean International Bank
- Royal Bank of Canada
Telecommunications
Dominica has a modern and reliable telecommunications system. Accommodations offer International Direct Dialling from their rooms and wifi services on compound. There are two major mobile service providers on the island: Cable & Wireless (FLOW) and Digicel. Dominica’s international dialling code is 1 767.
Electrical
In Dominica, the standard voltage is 220-240V with UK-style 3-pin outlets the most common. Holiday accommodation often has a choice of 110V and 220-240V – please check in advance. Should you need a transformer, they can be purchased here.
Medical Facilities
There are three public hospitals on the island:
- Marigot Hospital
Marigot
Tel: (767) 266 2800
Email: marigothospital@dominica.gov.dm - Portsmouth Hospital
Portsmouth
Tel: (767) 266 5605
Email: portsmouthhospital@dominica.gov.dm - and the premier hospital located in the capitol,
the Dominica China Friendship Hospital
Goodwill
Tel: (767) 266 2000
Fax: (767) 448 1971
Email: pmh@dominica.gov.dm
Several specialists and general practitioners operate private clinics.
Emergency
The emergency contact for the Police, Ambulance and Fire Department is 999.
Personal Safety
Dominica enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the entire Caribbean, however visitors are encouraged to practice common sense in their deportment and the protection of their property.
Time Zone
Dominica Time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.
Climate
Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island's annual temperature averages at 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island's extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.
Cost of Living Guide
Dominica affords all the commodities needed for short term stay. The following figures estimate the cost of living on island and may vary based on individual choices.
- Restaurant From EC$15.00 per meal/per person
- Groceries From EC$400.00 per month/per person
- Vehicle Rental From EC$160.00 per day
- Apartment Rental From EC$900.00 - EC$3500.00 per month
- Utilities - Electricity From EC$150.00 per month
- Utilities – Water From EC$50.00 per month
- Utilities – Internet From EC$180.00 per month
- Childcare From EC$300.00 per month
- Fitness – gym From EC$75.00 per month/per person
- Entertainment From EC$75.00 per person
Please note that many property rentals include utilities such as water and internet in the monthly fees. Electricity is usually billed separately or based on pre-payment.