Roatan, Honduras 🇭🇳
#761
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Roatan is an island in the Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1.00 HNL; major credit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, uses Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro; prepaid SIM cards available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as BanRural and Banco de Occidente accept international transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is still king for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer a variety of short-term rental properties. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Roatan and Coconut Tree West End offer affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | West End is popular among tourists for its vibrant atmosphere and beach access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | West Bay is preferred for its coworking spaces and relaxed lifestyle. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Blue House offers a great coworking environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Escondido has good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups often happen at The Blue House and various expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Roatan International Festival and local dive meetups are great for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are common; no ride-hailing apps available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available at various rental shops, like Roatan Scooter Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | West Bay Beach is recognized as one of the best beaches on the island. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TACA Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta fly to Roatan. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Roatan has one main road connecting various areas of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; local buses are available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are inexpensive, costing around $1 to travel between towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services operate to nearby islands like Utila. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica de Mar is one of the main healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Retreat offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Roatan Sports Complex has a variety of fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants may offer delivery; check social media for available options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood dish called 'coco's catch', featuring fresh fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Tong's offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sushi & Sweets has great desserts and is popular with locals. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Coxen Hole are great for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers; be aware of longer shipping times. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery options; check with them. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | West End has a lively nightlife scene with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Roatan Brewery produces local beer worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de la Cultura features local wines in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors in West End sell local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Frank's Bar and Grill offers a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Roatan Marine Park offers stunning natural marine beauty. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Garifuna Museum showcases local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic town of Coxen Hole has several important landmarks. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Luke's Church in West End is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Roatan's Carnival in July features local culture and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The West End area is vibrant with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters often host cultural performances; check community boards. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Coxen Hole market is an excellent spot for local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music Can be found at several locations in West End. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various local artists have murals around West End. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on local cuisine are offered at various venues. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Roatan Art Gallery showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-era buildings can be found in Coxen Hole. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Garifuna culture is a significant part of Roatan's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Gumbalimba Park offers ziplining and natural trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Santos Guardiola National Park is accessible for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach are scenic and popular for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Carribean views from the viewpoint near the West End are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Jungle trails around the island have great opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on West Bay Beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Coxen Hole offer tech repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools on the island offer Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local community center has reading rooms. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Many community centers host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges are available; often gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on the island; local bars may have gaming nights. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents, taxing local income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable tax regulations for foreign entities exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates are low, around 1% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can enjoy lower tax rates and exemptions on foreign income. |