3 months in Roatan - what to bring vs buy there

[RTBDiver]

I have a hard time with this whole post . Bring dive gear, your wanting to be a pro right? So you own all your own stuff right? Then its shorts, t shirts and swimsuits. THEN MOST IMPORTANT Is money, You cannot work or get paid for anything legally, If you do then you may also want to make sure you have the embassy number available

 

[beaverdivers]

Be prepared for bugs; sand fleas and mosquitoes. Light weight long pants and long sleeve shirts, socks and bug juice.

What are you doing for malaria?

Check the CDC web site.

 

[RTBDiver]

Be prepared for bugs; sand fleas and mosquitoes. Light weight long pants and long sleeve shirts, socks and bug juice.

What are you doing for malaria?

Check the CDC web site.

Malaria is a good point, Other than that, I can honestly say, since my first bay Islands visit in 1998 I cannot recall ever wearing long pants or long sleave shirt while on the Island other than one christmas party when winds and rains were an issue. I Put my trust in DEET and Chloroquine
On another note, if your not worried bout FDA or whatever the authority is, Chloroquine can be bought on the Island dirt cheap , but it is still very cheap in the US on my policy

 

[oreocookie]

RTBDiver, maybe my post was badly worded or a bit misleading as to what I was asking. The dive gear is all getting packed, clothes (bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, etc) are getting packed. My electronic gadgets (laptop, e-reader, etc) are coming along. Chloroquine and enough bug spray so that I don't have to make a mad dash to the store as soon as I get there are getting packed. I'm also going to have money because I'm well aware that I can't legally get paid while I'm there.

Based on travels to other Caribbean islands, I know that availability and price of some items can differ dramatically from what I'm used to seeing at home. Basically, what I was trying to find out is are there certain things I should plan to bring spares (or more than a travel 3oz bottle) because of limited availability or high price on the island. For example, if a bottle of shampoo were going to cost me $8 on the island, if I had room in my suitcase, I'd bring a $3 bottle from home.

 

[RTBDiver]

For example, if a bottle of shampoo were going to cost me $8 on the island, if I had room in my suitcase, I'd bring a $3 bottle from home.

Like I already posted

You mention toiletries, that is one thing I would not be concerned with at all unless you really need a particular brand for some odd reason

 

[jlevine]

I suggest bringing an unlocked GSM cell phone with a charger. You can pick up a local cell phone chip for Tigo or Claro.

 

[oreocookie]

So if I'm reading this right.... cash, dive gear, clothes and chloroquine, everything else is secondary, more of less...?

If that's the case, then I'd just pack pretty much the same way I would for a week and then see how much room I have left. I'm willing to admit that I'm probably really overthinking this, but I've only ever been away from home for a week and a half at a time and am used to bringing anything I need with me (because for that length of time, it's really easy). I might also just be worrying about the little things so that I can be excited about the experience as a whole.

...

jlevine, thanks for the reminder to get my phone unlocked.

 

[RTBDiver]

I would not bother getting a phone unlocked these days unless you do it yourself or it is of no cost,, you can get one on the Island dirt cheap as long as your OK with just a basic phone

---------- Post added ----------

So if I'm reading this right.... cash, dive gear, clothes and chloroquine, everything else is secondary, more of less...?

.

Probably more like ....Cash, dive gear, cash, clothes, cash, chloroquine and cash.
BTW, Chloroquine is available on the Island as well so depending on your costs and comfort you could just get your first dose then buy it on Roatan

 

[Mike]

If you're a female, I'd think about feminine products if you're unsure of what's going to be available, big supply of lotions, moisturizers, make-up... I'd bring a few extra books as the selection in English may be lacking. Definitely get the battery issue handled, a good set of rechargables, and something with a USB charging port also might be a good idea. Contraception, a big bottle of your favorite Asprin/Ibuprofin. Any spare dive equipment and repair stuff you can think of. Extra memory card for you camera... if you can change your battery yourself in your dive computer, bring an extra battery, if you can't, have it changed before you go.

 

[oreocookie]

Probably more like ....Cash, dive gear, cash, clothes, cash, chloroquine and cash.

Are ATMs non-existant or just not trustworthy on the island? just curious