Advice from those living in UTILA!

[Jimeangel44]

Hello there!

Me and my boyfriend are off to Utila in July and planing to stay 1 month or more if possible. He will be doing his MSDT and IDC, and I will probably be doing the open water or advance.

We would like to stay in a very affordable place. I know there are many cheap places or apartments that are not listed on the internet. Is it easy to find this places as soon as we arrive? how much should we be prepare to spend? any recommendations to call and make reservations?

I would also like to know if is possible to find a job. For him as an instructor as soon as he finish his courses (he is Colombian/European), and for me waiter or any place who needs help (Im Colombian/American). I am Graphic Design/community manager.

Thanks!
Piero and Jimena

 

[Stout]

You'll get a few free nights at the Mango Inn with the close to $5000 you'll be spending on education and you can use that time to search out the best deals on accommodation be they a crappy apartment under the stairs or a shared situation. A "decent" apartment can be had for $400/month + utilities, with those utilities being a minimum of $100/month, triple that if you like running the air conditioning.

Utila is a very challenging place to make money. Sure, it's possible to find work however earnings are low, very low. As a for instance, there's a bar/restaurant, Babalu that has a sign that reads " Bartenders don't get paid a wage and work only for tips" taped to the bar. Dive instructors ? Also possible but considering how many graduate each month, expect a waiting period for those possible jobs and keep in mind that Sept-Jan is low season.

The Utila lifestyle eats up money...bring lots. A minimum of $1000/month ( for two people ) to finance your stay on the island.

 

[laurenceh]

yes bar staff generally just get tips at all bars, generally locals don't tip at all (or leave 1 lempera = 5 cents) and the backpacker crowd tips frugally. many a bartender has told me that they'd only made $10-20 in a whole shift but then once in a while they'll have a great night. its hard to make a livable wage, so bring enough money with you.

 

[laurenceh]

also re. looking for an apartment contact utila apartment finders, they do a great job at finding inexpensive places for medium and longer term renters and as you'll be visiting in low season they should have no trouble finding you something nice.