Roatan Travel Tips
What To Bring in addition to basic vacation attire?
- aloe
- boat towels
- bug spray
- cover ups (ladies)
- flashlight
- hats
- itch cream
- light rain jacket during Sept-Dec.
- sun glasses
- sun screen
- swim suites
- medications & toiletries
- small bill (ones, fives, and tens)
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Things you'll need money for:
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• What kind of currency can I use while on vacation in Roatan?
US dollars are widely accepted on the island. It is recommended that you bring small change as venders cannot always come up with correct change in US dollars. Don't bring bills larger than $20s and $50s as they are hard to change. The local exchange rate is around 19 lempira to 1 US dollar. Credit cards can be used in most established businesses. There is normally a 5-16% difference between using cash and the cc fees assessed each time you use your card. Your bank may also attach a fee to convert the charge from lempira to dollars. Travelers Cheques can be used in most established businesses. Please be aware that if you signature is not an exact match on both lines, we are not able to accept them. The banks here are very particular about the criteria for accepting them. If they are ripped or badly bent, they will not be accepted either. We also recommend using American Express Travelers Cheques as they are the most widely accepted across the island. |
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• Is there ATM's available on Roatan?
There are a few machines on the island though there is never a guarantee that they will be stocked with money. Most charge a credit card fee of 5-8 % to withdraw money. Use American Express Travelers Cheques as they are the most widely accepted.
• What if I need to check my email or use the internet?
Internet Cafe's are available as well as some resorts have WiFi.
• Are there laundry facilities on Roatan?
Yes...
• If I choose to tip, what is the standard rate?
10% in standared although 20% helps the local economy. Some places add it to your bill you will need to check your receipts on this.
• What if I want to rent a car during my stay?
Because of the changing availability of rental cars, we recommend reserving a car before you arrive.
• Will I have problems with the language on Roatan?
Spanish is the Islands official language, although English is also common.
• Do I need a passport to come to Roatan?
You will need a passport to enter and exit the country. All visitors traveling to Honduras will need to have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel and ALL visitors require a passport to enter Honduras. Please check with your passport agency to make sure your passport info is in order before you leave for your vacation. It is a good idea to make copies of your passport to carry with you at all times.
• Is there an Exit Tax in Honduras?
Please be aware that there is a mandatory Honduran exit tax of $32-$34 that will need to be paid in cash at the airport when you leave. Also, the airline will provide you with a document that you will fill out on the airplane before you arrive in Roatan. Do not lose this paperwork. You will need it when leaving the country. Please plan accordingly.
• Busses on Roatan
Van Type busses travel back and forth between:
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Coxen Hole and West End at regular intervals during the day
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French Harbor and the East End at regular intervals during the day, although less frequent than on the West End of the island.
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Full size busses act as a connection for the longer trip between Coxen Hole and French Harbor thus allowing bus servie for about 80% of the length of the island.
This is the transportation of choice by most of the working class Hondurans on Roatan. They are regular, dependable and inexpensive. |
