Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Are there Death Duties ? How large is Dominica? How much will it cost to rent a house? Is there much crime in Dominica? What are the major towns? What are the Public Holidays in Dominica? What currency is used in Dominica? What does Dominica look like? What if I have a question that was not answered on this page? What if I want to build my own house - how much will it cost? What if I want to live in Dominica for a year? What is the population of Dominica? What type of climate does Dominica have? What type of government does Dominica have? What's the Health Care system? Where can I stay in Dominica? Where is Dominica? Will I be able to buy the things that I am used to in the States or Europe? Will my Pension be taxed in Dominica ?

Are there Death Duties ?

Your loved ones will not be burdened by death duties or capital gains tax in Dominica.

 

How large is Dominica?

Dominica is 288 sq miles. The island is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide.

 

How much will it cost to rent a house?

Depending on the location you choose you can expect to pay from US$370 and up.

 

Is there much crime in Dominica?

Dominica is regarded as one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Sensible precautions should be taken as in any country and tourists should not visit isolated areas unaccompanied.

 

What are the major towns?

Roseau is the capital city and Portsmouth on the North West coast is the second town.

 

What are the Public Holidays in Dominica?

	Public Holidays: 2010
Calendar Dates	Day	Holiday
January 1st	Friday	New Year's Day
January 2nd	Saturday	Merchant's Holiday
February 15th	Monday	Carnival Monday
February 16th	Tuesday	Carnival Tuesday
April 2nd	Friday	Good Friday
April 5th	Monday	Easter Monday
May 3rd	Monday	Labour Day (May Day)
May 24th	Monday	Whit Monday
May 28th	Friday	One Day International Cricket Match
May 30th	Sunday	One Day International Cricket Match
August 2nd	Monday	August Monday - Bank Holiday
Independence Activities
October 25th-28th	Monday - Thursday	Creole in the Park
October 29th	Friday	Creole Day
November 3rd	Wednesday	National Day Independence Day
November 4th	Thursday	National Day Community Day of Service
December 25th	Saturday	Christmas Day
December 26th	Sunday	Boxing Day

 

What currency is used in Dominica?

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$2.67 = US$1.00), however US dollars are accepted at most business outlets and shops. US Dollars can be changed into local currency at any of the banks or Exchange Bureaus.

 

What does Dominica look like?

Dominica is very mountainous with sparkling waterfalls, 365 rivers and rain forests. It is a popular destination for American and European tourists, particularly those interested in diving and eco tourism. It also has the world's second largest boiling lake. · The island is volcanic and therefore most of the beaches have black sand. There are a few white sandy beaches in the North of the Island. · Dominica is widely acknowledged to be both the best dive destination and prime whale watching island in the Caribbean.

 

What if I have a question that was not answered on this page?

If you want to know more about Dominica send your request for more information via email, our email address is safehaven@cwdom.dm

 

What if I want to build my own house - how much will it cost?

If you are building a concrete house (which is the most common in Dominica ) the cost will very much depend on the quality of the finish you require and where the property is located as transportation costs of materials from Roseau can be quite high. Building costs are now in the range of US$80 per sq ft. It could be cheaper if your home is built of wood or if you are prepared to undertake a lot of the work yourself.

 

What if I want to live in Dominica for a year?

You will have to apply for a residency permit, otherwise you are allowed to stay for a month at a time and would have to obtain extension. If you are coming from a Commonwealth Country, you are entitled to stay for 6 months at a time. Read more details about Residency here.

 

What is the population of Dominica?

The population is 71,242.

 

What type of climate does Dominica have?

The average daytime temperature ranges from 75-85 degrees, with cooler temperature in the mountains. The nighttime temperature is generally in the low 70s. The rainy season is from July to October and the dry season from January to April. Hurricane season is from September to November.

 

What type of government does Dominica have?

Dominica has a democratically elected government. Elections in May 2005 returned the Labour Party for a second term in office.

 

What's the Health Care system?

Dominica has a basic health care system . The main Hospital is the Princess Margaret Hospital in Goodwill, Roseau. Most of the larger villages have a heath centre. If you are a non-national you will receive medical care at the hospital. Fees are 4 times what a citizen would pay. At the present it costs US$ 15 for an X-Ray. As a non-national you would pay US$60.00 Doctors fees are usually about US$30.00 per visit.

 

Where can I stay in Dominica?

There are many small hotels and guesthouses available to rent. In Roseau the main hotel which is frequented by business people and tourists is the Fort Young Hotel. More places to stay in Dominica

 

Where is Dominica?

The Commonwealth of Dominica, also known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, is located in the Eastern Caribbean, between the French Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Ferry service is available between Dominica Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Lucia.

 

Will I be able to buy the things that I am used to in the States or Europe?

Many food items from the States and Europe are available in the supermarkets. It is possible to source most items.

 

Will my Pension be taxed in Dominica ?

Dominica is particularly attractive to retirees because if your Pension is paid from another country you will not be taxed on that pension in Dominica .