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There are a number of international and local car rental firms in Dominica, allowing travelers to choose from any number of vehicles and rental plans that will secure their own transportation on the island. Both standard and four-wheel-drive vehicles are available for rent.
With a cornucopia of lush landscapes and a constantly changing backdrop of scenery to explore, travelers will have many reasons to get out and discover the tropical beauty of Dominica for themselves. Families and travelers who will be frequently moving to a number of locations on the island should consider renting a vehicle as a means of transportation.
Travelers who wish to rent a car in Dominica must be at least 25 years old and have at least two years of prior driving experience. A valid driver's license is required, and a temporary local permit must be acquired for $30(EC), which converts to approximately $11(USD) to $12(USD). The permit may be obtained at the airports, car rental firms, or at the High Street Traffic Division in Roseau. Rates for rental cars can start as low as $39(USD) per day and go up as high as $79(USD) per day for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Prices can increase during the busy tourist season, though renting for longer periods of time will lower the daily rate. Taxes and fees will also drive up the price of the rental. Collision damage insurance, which does not cover tires or other parts of the car, should be purchased from the rental car agency. This insurance can be purchased for as low as $6(USD) per day for a deductible of $1,200(USD) or for $10(USD) with a deductible of $800(USD). Baby seats can be supplied by car rental firms for $2(USD) per day. Most rental companies accept major credit cards and can provide airport pick ups. Gas stations are typically open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Drivers stay to the left-hand side of the road. Travelers from North America and mainland Europe should drive cautiously to avoid being caught off guard by this change. Four-wheel-drive vehicles may be required in rural and remote areas of the island or in areas where roads are in need of repair. Roads can be narrow and twisted. Many steep inclines do not have guardrails to protect cars from the deep ravines and cliffs that may line the road. Road signs outside of the major towns are rare, and travelers should consider investing in a map when driving on the island. Nighttime driving can also be dangerous because most areas are not lit. Remember to bring your own child safety restraint device if traveling with a young child as the rental car companies will not provide them for you.
As always, the local road and driving conditions tend to be unfamiliar to travelers visiting from outside the Caribbean. Drivers should pay special attention to pedestrians and other drivers on the road. Pedestrians may step into the road, and drivers in Dominica may drive more aggressively than visitors are accustomed to. Drive defensively, and allot plenty of time to reach a destination in order to stay safe on the road.
Rental Car Agencies in Dominica
| Agency | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| ACS Car Rental | High Street Roseau 767-448-0413 |
| Atlantic Auto Rental | Marigot 767-445-8307 767-445-7779 (Fax) |
| Avis Rent a Car | Roseau 767-448-0413 |
| Best Deal Rent a Car | 15 Hanover St. Roseau 767-449-9204 767-449-9207 (Fax) http://www.bestdealrentacar.com/ E-mail: bestdeal@cwdom.dm |
| Bonus Rentals | 15 Hanover St. Roseau 767-448-2650 767-448-6050 (Fax) E-mail: cphillip@cwdom.dm |
| Budget Rent a Car | Canefield 767-449-2080 767-449-2694 (Fax) |
| Courtesy Car Rental | 767-449-2080 767-448-7733 (Fax) E-mail: courtesyrental@cwdom.dm |
| Easy Rentals | 50 River Bank Roseau 767-440-2156 767-448-4161 (Fax) |
| Economy Rental | 767-449-9559 767-235-7461 |
| Garraway Rent a Car | 17 Old Street PO Box 1623 Roseau 767-448-2891 767-448-0541 (Fax) E-mail: Garrwaye@cwdom.dm |
| Island Car Rentals Ltd. | PO Box 40 Goodwill Rd Roseau 767-448-2886 767-448-0737 (Fax) http://www.avirtualdominica.com/islandcarrentals/ E-mail: islandcar@cwdom.dm |
| JX Rent a Car | Picard Portsmouth 767-445-3497 767-445-5926 (Fax) |
| SAG Rent a Car | Canefield Box 297 Roseau 767-449-1093 767-449-1098 (Fax) |
Valley Rent a Car |
Roseau 767-448-3233 767-448-6009 (Fax) http://www.valleydominica.com/ |
| Wide Range Car Rentals | 79 Bath Rd. Roseau 767-448-2198 |
There is a whole world of lush vegetation, meandering rivers, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls to explore in Dominica. Rental cars allow travelers the autonomy needed to explore these wonders on a whim.
Visitors who rent bikes and scooters often find that getting around Dominica is as easy as it is fun.
Dominica's bus service allows vacationers to travel like locals.
Accommodations in Dominica are sure to delight every traveler.
