Roatan Check List HELP!!

[leadweight]

There are two ATM's in West End. Both were usually working when I was there (Jan 21-Feb 4 2009). There is an ATM at the airport. Some tend to run out of money on weekends, but this trip I was able to get cash on a Sunday, much to my delight. There are a few in Coxin Hole, right outside banks. These worked when others in West End did not on a previous trip. There have to be ATM's in West Bay. Its a lot better than Utila where there is one ATM for the whole island.

 

[mrlipis]

There is also an ATM at the Mayan Princess Resort at West Bay. You need to use a pen to punch the numbers in, as the damn thing will shock the crap out of you.

Bruce

 

[LynnB]

do they charge that percentage on atm machines? Any idea what they charge?
We will be going in June...!!!

 

[CajunDiva]

My boss is going to give me a heart attack, my trip is back on, good lord.

I keep reading to bring "lots" of money, ones, fives, tens, go easy on the twenties and nothing larger. Question is what is "lots"? Is $500 in cash enough? I'm staying at Fantasy Island which is all inclusive including alcohol (new special) so how much do I need. I'll probably want to bring the wife something home and a couple of t-shirts. Any other thoughts? What is appropriate tipping?

We visit Fantasy Island a couple of times a year. No way you need to worry about bringing
$ 500 in cash. Bring lots of 1's...it's amazing how much better the service will be at breakfast/lunch/dinner if you leave a little ($1/$2) tip each time. Yes, drinks are now included, but I understand there is a limited "free" drink menu. If you're not picky, you should be fine. Anything you purchase at the resort can be charged to your room (t-shirts, etc) and settled up when you check out. We usually do this and settle our bill with a credit card at the end of our stay. You will definitely need cash to tip your divemaster and boat captain...they take great care of you all week. Above all, don't forget to save $ 35 for the exit tax at the airport!

 

[leadweight]

Ask them if they will make a Long Island Iced Tea at FIBR. Everything in it is "white" local stuff from the well, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and triple sec plus a splash of Coke and sour mix.

 

[Ayisha]

Is the current departure tax exactly $35?

Does anyone know about ATM's and/or being able to withdraw money on the South side in/around Reef House? Too secluded?

Thanks!

 

[Stormingheaven]

What is a reasonable tip for your boat captain and dive master? Do you tip every dive, every day or at the end of your stay?

 

[CajunDiva]

Is the current departure tax exactly $35?

Does anyone know about ATM's and/or being able to withdraw money on the South side in/around Reef House? Too secluded?

Thanks!

Departure tax is $ 34.04, or within a couple of pennies of that. Usually if you give them more they will give you change in Lempiras, so be mindful of that...

 

[CajunDiva]

What is a reasonable tip for your boat captain and dive master? Do you tip every dive, every day or at the end of your stay?

This is so highly personal and subjective, just like tipping when you go out to dinner. We usually give about $50 pp to the divemaster and $ 25 pp to the boat captain, who is also very helpful before and after our dives. We also try to be considerate in other ways. For example, we got new regulators this year, so we took one of our "used" ones down to Roatan and gave it to our divemaster. Little things mean a lot...

 

[leadweight]

do they charge that percentage on atm machines? Any idea what they charge?
We will be going in June...!!!

The banks in Honduras do not charge anything, but the banks in the US may be charging up to $5 per transaction. With some banks this is waived if you are a relationship customer. I think the maximum withdrawal is 4000 limpera, about US $210.

To pay that .04 exit tax without change, try to hold on to a 2 or 5 limpera note. Otherwise you can spend the limpera on your next trip or donate it to a charity that has a box right next to where you pay the tax.