How expensive are items in Dominica? I thought about shipping food and other items down there but an interesting point came up.

Items might be cheaper in th US but if calculate in the shipping cost, customs, handling charges, and transportation costs to drop off and pickup. My estimate, again a rough one at best, it would cost $3+ per pound to ship. Is it worthwhile to ship those items you get down there, just b/c they can be found cheaper here in the US?

Example: I like Raisan Bran and I can find it cheapest at $2.70 w/ tax 16.6 oz box. Add in the $3 shipping = $5.70.

How much more does it cost in Dominica?

What are the most useful or heavy items that are worth shipping or bringing down there?

if you're lookin into shipping, definately check out Amerijet. I just shipped 120 pds of stuff for 214 dollars down there. sure that sounds rough, until you compare around, it's a deal. it takes about 2 days to get stuff to AJ's facility in miami and although they only fly to DOM on tuesdays, they leave in the morn so it's there by the afternoon. all the other big name carriers will be at least twice that price, have weight limitations too, and even take a multiple weeks. as far as what i shipped, i kind of used the same logic you did....some things although cheaper in the US, just arent't worth shipping down there. i opted to ship a few small appliances i can't live without (iced tea pot, george foreman grill) several bottles each of things like shampoo, soap, deo, etc, some foods i doubt i can find down there or know i'll pay top dollar for, office supplies, and some clothing i can't fit into my suitcases...

you may have to pay a lot of tax when you pick up your items in Dominica. I don't think it's worth it to ship cereal!

Yeah, I don't think its worth it to ship too much food. If you can't find it at the small markets close to school you should be able to find it at the regular big markets (Breezee or IGA) in Roseau. Things are really not that bad. Now is you are atopic and seriously allergic to things except your special foods or brands, then you might ship food. Really, shipping too much food will be more hassle than you may want to deal with.

Now, the important thing which I should bring up about your post and CEREAL is the availability of fresh cow's milk as we are used to it the US. When I was in Dominica, admittedly a couple years ago, it was a treat when Tina's store would get fresh cow's milk in. However, it was not a regular thing and students bought up quite a bit when it was available. I'm not sure what the situation is now. But its something to consider before you worry about a bunch of cereal. The vulanized milk you can get anywhere in a box isn't the worst thing, but its just not what we are used to.

-M

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MitchDC/MD
RUSM 2006 Graduate

A little off topic - but when I lived in Okinawa we didn't have fresh milk either - instead we had this God awful stuff called Dairy Made Dairy.


It had ingredientS.


Far as I'm concerned - Milk should have one ingredient. Milk.

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A day without snowboarding -- well -- just sucks.

It seems that if you bring stuff in during the time when there are large numbers of students landing, they don't seem to go through bags and tax stuff. The ask "what's in here" and the response is "personal belongings to attend Ross", and then they let you pass through without even opening them. On the other hand, when you have stuff shipped, you can expect to pay a hefty amount on anything, especially if it has a price tag hanging on it.

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Moderator - Ross University Forum

So whats the best way to ship stuff. All i heard of is amerijet and tropical shipping. Any other ways to ship stuff down there?

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