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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You will be surprised how little you will be able to use credit cards. More so on our east side because it's different from the West Bay side. Most all tour operators, drivers, restaurants, and bars all require cash. Bring tons of small bills for tips, even though it's a big wad!
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.
The Honduran Lempira is the official currency, and it's valuable to know its current exchange rate before your trip. Exchange currency at banks, authorized exchange offices, or airports to get the best rates. While US dollars may be accepted in some places, it's recommended to use the local currency to avoid confusion.
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.
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.
The reality is that Roatan is an island, and almost everything consumed here is imported. Our food, products and supplies had to undergo a much longer journey to make it to our happy island, and therefore that drives up the price of just about everything.
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.
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).
Some ATMs in Roatan are unreliable, so I would advise against using a random ATM on the street. If you're in West End, I always prefer to walk the five minutes to the Petrosun and take out cash from one of the two ATMs inside the gas station. I've never had an issue with either of them.
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.
Areas to avoid after dark.Conversely, there are areas or town around Roatan which should be avoided after dark or in which extra precaution is recommended. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye.
Language in RoatanWhile Spanish is the official language, English is spoken universally. Roatan Islanders speak a Creole English. This broken English gets its roots in French, english, and Spanish as well as a few words unique to the Garifuna culture.
Light and Comfortable ClothingIf you're wondering what to wear in Roatan Honduras, the answer is light, cute and comfortable clothing. Roatan's climate, with its warm temperatures and high humidity, can make heavy or restrictive clothing very uncomfortable during outdoor activities and sightseeing.
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.
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.
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.