New to ScubaBoard Roatan money ?s

[bigtank58]

3 days to Roatan. Whats the best way to take money? Cash small bills or large bills? Are ATMs reliable - fees? Is it best to convert to Honduran money? I would imagine credit cards sre not a good option? This is our 1st time to Roatan can hardly wait to get out of the snow! 5+ feet here so far this winter and not much has melted. :cool2:

 

[Madvelazquez]

Ive been to Roatan three times. Cash (small bills) is the best option. Credit cards are not accepted in many places (depends where you are staying). ATM are not realiable. We learned the hard way the first time. Where are you staying? With who are you diving with? Have a great time.

 

[diversteve]

Everybody in the West End took dollars. There is (allegedly) an ATM there. We never saw it and covered the area pretty thoroughly.

I never had a problem using a CC at any regular restaurants in that area either. Had to use it at the hospital in Coxen Hole also (not me) one day. You should contact your bank and tell them when/where you'll likely be using it. Otherwise they may deny charges for potential fraud.

Even the little store at Coconut Tree Divers has a CC machine. But when the power fails (often) he loses his network connection - so do all the Internet access points.

One reliable option we found were two ATM's at the airport. By either main entrance. Both either only gave out lempira IIRC or else that's what we wanted. The one on the right speaks English.

Edit: reliable meaning that I used it on Thursday and it still seemed to be working Sat. morning when we left. If it's anything like their Internet up-time I'd have to agree with ncchuck.

 

[ncchuck]

I can't tell you how many times I've been there without working ATM's. Don't count on them. Take very small bills if possible.

 

[DandyDon]

You should contact your bank and tell them when/where you'll likely be using it. Otherwise they may deny charges for potential fraud.

Very true for any trip. I've had my CC turned off while I was in Florida, but there it was easy to call in to explain and turn on.

I don't use my CC unless it's a machine I can swipe tho. Too many times I have returned from Mexico and soon after had my card turned off for real fraud attempts.

 

[adjuster-jd]

Lempiras do make nice souvenirs for the kids though. I brought back a whole collection of various denonminations from my last trip there.

 

[CajunDiva]

Lempiras do make nice souvenirs for the kids though. I brought back a whole collection of various denonminations from my last trip there.

You're a brilliant man! We always make it a point to bring home money from each country we visit for the kids...they have quite a collection

P.S. Have fun at Fantasy Island!

 

[RTBDiver]

Cajun.
Enjoy Fiji,
A big BULA to you and make sure to enjoy a High tide KAVA
If Fiji were easier to get to I would probably not have owned a place on Roatan

 

[CajunDiva]

OK...no teasing allowed. I WANT DETAILS!!! (please :blinking

I tried to pick the best areas of Fiji for diving, but EVERY area is potentially the best. We'll be spending the first week at Taveuni diving the "Rainbow Reef" area, followed by a second week at Wananavu diving the Bligh Waters.

What do you think

 

[Dive n00b]

OK...no teasing allowed. I WANT DETAILS!!! (please :blinking

I tried to pick the best areas of Fiji for diving, but EVERY area is potentially the best. We'll be spending the first week at Taveuni diving the "Rainbow Reef" area, followed by a second week at Wananavu diving the Bligh Waters.

What do you think

I'll tell you what I think... you can probably make room for me in your suitcase!!!

So jealous! Fiji will be amazing!
At least I have my first visit to Roatan to look forward to. 31 days and counting...