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Guide
Roatan, Honduras ππ³
#761
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Roatan is an island in the Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back lifestyle. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 130,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-50 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 1.00 HNL; major credit cards accepted. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, uses Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro; prepaid SIM cards available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks such as BanRural and Banco de Occidente accept international transactions. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and local guesthouses. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is still king for small vendors. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer a variety of short-term rental properties. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Roatan and Coconut Tree West End offer affordable rates. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | West End is popular among tourists for its vibrant atmosphere and beach access. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | West Bay is preferred for its coworking spaces and relaxed lifestyle. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Blue House offers a great coworking environment with reliable internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Escondido has good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for working. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local meetups often happen at The Blue House and various expat groups on Facebook. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Roatan International Festival and local dive meetups are great for networking. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are common; no ride-hailing apps available. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available at various rental shops, like Roatan Scooter Rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | West Bay Beach is recognized as one of the best beaches on the island. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | TACA Airlines operates regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta fly to Roatan. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Roatan has one main road connecting various areas of the island. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; local buses are available. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses are inexpensive, costing around $1 to travel between towns. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Ferry services operate to nearby islands like Utila. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Clinica de Mar is one of the main healthcare facilities. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Retreat offers classes and wellness programs. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Roatan Sports Complex has a variety of fitness options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants may offer delivery; check social media for available options. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood dish called 'coco's catch', featuring fresh fish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Tong's offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Sushi & Sweets has great desserts and is popular with locals. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Coxen Hole are great for budget shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers; be aware of longer shipping times. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery options; check with them. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | West End has a lively nightlife scene with bars and clubs. |
π» Local Brewery | Roatan Brewery produces local beer worth trying. |
π· Wine Bars | Casa de la Cultura features local wines in a cozy setting. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors in West End sell local snacks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Frank's Bar and Grill offers a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Roatan Marine Park offers stunning natural marine beauty. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Garifuna Museum showcases local culture and history. |
π° Historical Sites | The historic town of Coxen Hole has several important landmarks. |
π Religious Sites | The St. Luke's Church in West End is worth a visit. |
π Annual Events | Roatan's Carnival in July features local culture and festivities. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The West End area is vibrant with local culture. |
π Theater Venues | Local theaters often host cultural performances; check community boards. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Coxen Hole market is an excellent spot for local goods and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music Can be found at several locations in West End. |
π¨ Street Art | Various local artists have murals around West End. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on local cuisine are offered at various venues. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Roatan Art Gallery showcases local artists' work. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-era buildings can be found in Coxen Hole. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Garifuna culture is a significant part of Roatan's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Gumbalimba Park offers ziplining and natural trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The Santos Guardiola National Park is accessible for hiking. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach are scenic and popular for walking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Carribean views from the viewpoint near the West End are breathtaking. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Jungle trails around the island have great opportunities for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on West Bay Beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services are available for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Coxen Hole offer tech repair options. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have table tennis tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Various language schools on the island offer Spanish classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The local community center has reading rooms. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Many community centers host events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges are available; often gaming is done at home. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on the island; local bars may have gaming nights. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $102,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $78,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $128,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $96,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
π¦ Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents, taxing local income only. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
π§Ύ VAT | 15% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable tax regulations for foreign entities exist. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates are low, around 1% of property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% on property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can enjoy lower tax rates and exemptions on foreign income. |