Money, Budget, and Shopping in Dominica

Money

Currency

Currency: East Caribbean dollar (100 cents)

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 EC$

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents + 1 and 2 EC$

Exchange rate:

The East Caribbean dollar, known in English as East Caribbean dollar or EC dollar, is also the currency of seven other islands in the region, members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent, and St Lucia.

Exchange

There’s no real difficulty in exchanging money. You’ll easily find exchange bureaus at ports and airports, in most banks, hotels, and many tourist spots. ATMs are also widely available across the country, and most banks have them.

Which currency to bring

While the official currency is the East Caribbean dollar, you can pay almost everywhere in US dollars. In fact, prices are often listed in US dollars rather than East Caribbean dollars. Be careful and confirm the currency, as the difference is significant: 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$ fixed.

As for which currency to bring, keep it simple. Even though the euro is increasingly accepted (though not always at a good rate) in some hotels and restaurants or can be used to obtain East Caribbean dollars, it’s best to bring mostly US dollars for your cash supply, and then supplement with euro-to-EC dollar exchanges on the spot, either by card or cash. Note that ATMs only dispense East Caribbean dollars, there’s no advantage in exchanging euros to US$ to EC$ or euros to EC$ to US$, and the benefit of US dollars is that even if you have some left at the end of your trip, you’ll always have the opportunity to use or exchange them easily elsewhere.

Payment methods

Card payments, like US dollars, are widely accepted on the island. Still, bring some East Caribbean dollars for small expenses, and watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals. As for euros in cash, you can always bring a small amount since they’re sometimes accepted directly as payment (but be mindful of the exchange rate).

Upon return

The simplest option is to finish your trip with mostly US dollars, which you can always use or exchange easily on another trip if you have any left.

Budget

While not one of the most expensive islands, Dominica still requires a certain budget, though a strong euro against the US dollar can soften the impact for travelers from the Eurozone. By eating locally, staying in guesthouses, and using shared minibuses, you can expect to spend around 45 to 65 € per day per person for two, especially in the low season. However, for more freedom, convenience, and to enjoy the hiking trails (which are paid), it’s better to budget at least 55 to 60 € per day.

What can be expensive

Airfare to get there.

Traveling during high season.

What doesn’t have to be expensive

Local minibus transport.

Price range

Double room in a guesthouse: from around 30/40 US$ per night.

Double room in a "tourist" hotel: very few options under 100 US$.

Meal in a "local" restaurant:

Meal in a "tourist" restaurant:

Budget car rental: from 40/50 US$ per day for a standard model and around 60 US$ for a small 4x4.