Language: English is the official language and is spoken universally. You'll also hear Dominican Creole (Kwéyòl), a French-based Creole patois shared with Martinique and Guadeloupe, in everyday conversation.
Currency: The East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar at roughly EC$2.70 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted but change is given in EC dollars. Credit cards work at most hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for markets, minibuses, and smaller establishments.
Entry: Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, and most Commonwealth countries do not need a visa. You'll need a valid passport (six months' validity required), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Since October 2024, Dominica requires visitors to complete an online immigration form (embarkation/disembarkation card) within three days of travel at edcard.dominica.gov.dm. You'll receive a QR code to present on arrival.
Health: No vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is generally safe in Roseau and major towns; in more remote areas, stick to bottled or treated water. Sun and heat are strong at this latitude — use sunscreen and drink plenty of water on hikes.
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are standard. US visitors will need an adapter and possibly a converter.
Phone and internet: Mobile coverage is decent in towns but patchy in the interior. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels. Local SIM cards from Digicel or Flow are inexpensive if you need data for navigation on the trails.
Safety: Dominica is generally considered safe. The main concern on trails is getting lost or caught in rapidly changing mountain weather — hire a guide for serious hikes and tell someone your plans.