Roatan, Honduras ๐ญ๐ณ
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
๐๏ธ City | Roatan is a beautiful island in Honduras known for its stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs. |
๐ฅ Population | Approximately 120,000 |
๐ป Internet Speed | Average 20 Mbps, with some cafes offering 50 Mbps |
๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 USD โ 1 USD (local currency is Lempira, but USD is accepted everywhere) |
๐ฐ Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
๐ Power | 110V, 60Hz, ๐ Type A/B sockets |
๐ถ SIM Card | Providers include Claro and Tigo; prepaid SIM cards available at local stores |
๐ณ Banking for Expats | Banking options include Banco Atlantida and HSBC. International cards widely accepted. |
๐ Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common; prices vary from $30 to $150 per night. |
๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards accepted widely in major establishments. |
๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays, prices from $50/night depending on the villa. |
๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Sundowner Hostel offer dorms from $15/night. |
Working and Networking
๐ข Best Coworking Space | The Roatan Island CoWorking Cafe offers a tranquil environment with high-speed internet. |
โ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee & Bakery with reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
๐ผ Networking Events | Monthly Meetups for expats at various local bars and cafes. |
๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Roatan' organize regular meetups. |
Transportation
๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Roatan Yellow Taxis; no app, but taxis are available everywhere. |
๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Many locals offer scooter rentals for around $25/day. |
๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | West Bay Beach is known for its beauty and snorkeling opportunities. |
โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Honduras Maya Island Air serves regional flights. |
โ๏ธ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United fly directly to Roatan. |
๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Main roads connect the island, but public transport is limited. |
๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Public buses serve local routes, though infrequently. |
๐ Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; fare is usually $1 per trip. |
โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Ferries are available to nearby islands such as Utila. |
Health and Wellness
๐ฅ Best Hospital | Clinica del Caribe is the primary healthcare facility on the island. |
๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bamboo Yoga is a popular center offering classes. |
๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort has a gym open to the public for a fee. |
๐งบ Laundry Services | Local laundromats do laundry services starting around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Roatan Eats for local and international cuisine. |
๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Baleadas, a popular Honduran dish, filled with beans and cheese. |
๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Peace & Love Cafe offers plant-based options. |
๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Gelato spot on West End known for tropical flavors. |
๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Coxen Hole and West End for budget groceries. |
๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Local online stores include tienda.hn for various products. |
๐ Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets offer delivery services for a fee. |
๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | West End is the hub for nightlife with various bars and live music. |
๐ป Local Brewery | Roatan Beer Company offers locally brewed beer. |
๐ท Wine Bars | Wine & Cheese Bar in West Bay offers tastings. |
๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Coxen Hole Food Market offers local street food options. |
๐ Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offering pizza, sushi, and Italian food. |
Culture and Attractions
๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | The Roatan Museum and Carambola Botanical Gardens. |
๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | The Roatan Museum features local history and artifacts. |
๐ฐ Historical Sites | Port Royal, an old pirate settlement, is historically significant. |
๐ Religious Sites | Various churches in Coxen Hole reflect local culture. |
๐ Annual Events | The Roatan International Fishing Tournament is held annually. |
๐จ Cultural Districts | West End and Coxen Hole have rich local culture and artisan shops. |
๐ญ Theater Venues | Local theaters show film and performances periodically. |
๐๏ธ Local Markets | Weekly markets in Coxen Hole highlight local crafts and food. |
๐ผ Music Scene | Live music in many bars, with a focus on reggae and calypso. |
๐จ Street Art | Various murals depict local culture around West End. |
๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered at local resorts focusing on Caribbean cuisine. |
๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Retail spaces like Art Shop in West End showcase local artists. |
๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | Old buildings in French Harbour showcase colonial architecture. |
๐ด Local Heritage | Garifuna culture is a significant part of the heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Utila and other nearby islands for snorkeling and diving. |
๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Maya Key, a wildlife rescue park, is popular for day trips. |
๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Various biking trails lead to scenic viewpoints around the island. |
๐ Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of Mount Fantassy offers breathtaking views. |
๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Cayos Cochinos for unique bird species. |
๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches such as Little French Key allow beach bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate for parcel services. |
๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Roatan Tech offers repairs for phones and laptops. |
๐ Table Tennis Spots | Some hotels have ping pong tables available for guests. |
๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Language Institute in West End offers Spanish classes. |
๐ Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes like Coffee & Bakery also serve as informal study spots. |
๐๏ธ Community Centers | Rotary Club of Roatan offers community events and support. |
๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Limited options, but some cafes offer gaming stations. |
๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | The Paradise Hotel has a small casino for gaming. |
Business
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = $100,000) |
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = $72,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = $138,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = $102,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,100 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = $168,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = $128,000) |
๐ผ Corporate Tax | 25% |
๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
๐ฆ Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
๐งพ VAT | 15% |
๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing CFCs. |
๐ Property Tax | Annual property tax based on valuation. |
๐ Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% of the transaction value. |