Currency in RoatanThe Lempira is the official currency of Honduras but US dollars accepted throughout Roatan and can be used in most parts of the island. Credit Cards can also be used in larger stores and restaurants, but not all.
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If you don't want to deal with currency exchange or taking money out of an ATM during your Roatan trip, you could theoretically bring all of your cash in USD along with you. For a 7-day trip, I would bring at least $700-1,000 USD, with the assumption that you'll have some left over.
You can use your credit cards in Roatan and you can pay with them in most of the hotels and restaurants on the island. Some smaller restaurants and shops only accept cash, so make sure to have cash when visiting these spots. You can also pay for large excursions with a credit card in Roatan.
Currency in RoatanThe Lempira is the official currency of Honduras but US dollars accepted throughout Roatan and can be used in most parts of the island. Credit Cards can also be used in larger stores and restaurants, but not all.
ATMs are the most common way for travelers to exchange money in Honduras, and most cities have multiple banks with ATMs, many of them operating 24 hours. BAC, Unibanc, and Banco Atlántida are the most reliable and are compatible with a variety of networks, including Cirrus, PLUS, Visa, and MasterCard.
Can I use my credit or debit card in Honduras? Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. It's always a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans beforehand to avoid any issues with card usage.
Tipping is expected in Roatan's restaurants. However, inspect your bill to see if you've already been charged for “Servicio.” If so, no extra tip is necessary. Although if you feel the service was excellent, then feel free to add more. If “Servicio” is not included in the bill, tip 10% or more.
Time to fly out of Roatan? If you're on an international flight, you should plan to arrive at least 2 hours ahead of your departure time (and an hour for domestic flights).
Is the drinking water safe to drink? Tap water is not recommended to drink in Honduras. All good restaurants and hotels will provide purified water or use purified water in food preparation. Purified water can be bought easily throughout the country.
How much currency/money/monetary instruments can I bring to/from Honduras? There is no limit on the amount of money that can be taken out of or brought into the United States.
It is true. At the hostel, all over Roatan, Honduras and Central America, toilet paper is normally discarded in the garbage can after you've wiped, not down the toilet. Most places are plumbed with septic systems, not advanced sewage systems, so nothing can go down them except human waste.
Food & Drink CostsFor eating out at most restaurants in West End, expect to spend around $8-$13 per person (not including tip). Food can run about $15-20 a person at a few of the more upscale establishments. To read more about tipping policies and other FAQ here on the island, go here for a helpful guideline.
Departure Tax: All passengers leaving Roatan from the airport must pay a departure tax, $39.12 for visitors, $36.72 for foreign residents and 45 lempiras for Hondurans.
What You Can Bring into Honduras -- Any travel-related merchandise brought into Honduras, such as personal effects or clothing, is not taxed. Visitors entering Honduras may also bring in no more than 400 cigarettes, 500g (18 oz.) of pipe tobacco, or 50 cigars, and 2.5L (2 3/4 qt.) of alcoholic beverages per adult.
Because of the island's hilly topography, water taxis are quicker than cars, and will cost you $3 per person each way. They normally need minimum three people to go, so if it's just two of you and you don't want to wait, it will be $5 per person, or $10 in total.