Dominica
Money in Dominica: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD) for most purchases; carry cash for guesthouses, buses and small restaurants, and use cards in larger hotels. Tip about 10 % in restaurants, $1‑2 per drink, and round up taxi fares.
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GuideDominica
Key facts
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- US dollar acceptancecheck
- Widely accepted in tourist areas, but change given in XCD
- ATMscheck
- Mainly in Roseau and Portsmouth
- Card acceptancecheck
- Cards work in larger hotels and some restaurants; cash preferred elsewhere
- Typical tipcheck
- ≈10 % of bill in restaurants, $1‑2 per drink, round up taxis
Quick answer
Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged 1 XCD ≈ US$0.37. Bring cash for most daily expenses; cards are reliable in major hotels and some restaurants.
Currency and payment methods
ATMs are limited to Roseau and Portsmouth; withdraw enough for a few days and keep small notes. US dollars are accepted in many tourist spots, but you will receive change in XCD.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work in larger hotels, some restaurants and tour operators. Small guesthouses, local buses, market stalls and many restaurants only take cash.
| Venue | Preferred payment |
|---|---|
| Hotels (4‑star+) | Card or cash |
| Guesthouses / B&Bs | Cash |
| Minibuses / local transport | Cash |
| Restaurants (tourist areas) | Card or cash |
| Street food / market stalls | Cash |
Tipping guide
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. A 10 % service charge is common in restaurants; if no charge is added, leave about 10 % of the bill.
For bars, leave $1‑2 per drink or round up the total.
Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but rounding up to the nearest whole XCD is appreciated.
- Restaurants: ~10 % of the bill
- Bars: $1‑2 per drink
- Taxis: round up fare
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Dominica?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the official currency, pegged to the US dollar at roughly 2.70 XCD per US$1.
Should I use cash or a card in Dominica?
Carry cash for most daily purchases, especially in guesthouses, buses and small eateries. Use cards in larger hotels and some restaurants where they are accepted.
How much should I tip in Dominica?
Tip about 10 % in restaurants if no service charge is added, $1‑2 per drink in bars, and round up taxi fares.
Are US dollars accepted?
Yes, especially in tourist areas, but you will receive change in XCD; keep some local cash for smaller vendors.
Where can I find ATMs?
ATMs are mainly located in Roseau and Portsmouth; plan withdrawals accordingly.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialDominica Tourism Office
Ask about Dominica
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