Utila ATM, taxi prices and equipment prices

[Fishy_Parabola]

Hi guys.

I'm thinking of going to Utila in February for a couple of months to do a divemaster course. These threads have been quite imformative but there are a few small things i'm not quite clear on:

Firstly the ATM. Aboututila.com says that "despite the ATM having VISA, Plus, Cirrus, MasterCard and Systema Clave stickers all over it, I have been reliably informed it only accepts VISA cards". Running a search on cash machines comes up with the 'Utila Banking Adventure' thread, where AboutUtila says in one post that he has used a Cirrus card, and in another post "the ATM in Utila does NOT accept MasterCard". So I'm a little confused, and would like to be sure about this before i leave, especially since i don't have a VISA card. I would like to be able to use my Cirrus debit card. The 'Utila Banking Adventure' thread is after all 3 years old, and aboututila.com seems like it could be out of date. Can anybody clarify the current situation please? Can Mastercard be used now?

Secondly, taxi fares on the mainland, between San Pedro Sula airport, bus, and the ferry at La Ceiba. Does anyone know these, and do you need to haggle?

Thirdly, just wondering about the difference in price when buying equiptment in Utila versus the UK. For example here a SCUBAPRO MK2+AF R295 regulator costs about GBP145 (~USD215). Any advice appreciated.

Oh, and do you guys in Utila use A-clamps or DIN fittings?

As you might have guessed i'm on a tight budget...

Thanks.

 

[sebach]

Firstly the ATM. Aboututila.com says that "despite the ATM having VISA, Plus, Cirrus, MasterCard and Systema Clave stickers all over it, I have been reliably informed it only accepts VISA cards". Running a search on cash machines comes up with the 'Utila Banking Adventure' thread, where AboutUtila says in one post that he has used a Cirrus card, and in another post "the ATM in Utila does NOT accept MasterCard". So I'm a little confused, and would like to be sure about this before i leave, especially since i don't have a VISA card. I would like to be able to use my Cirrus debit card. The 'Utila Banking Adventure' thread is after all 3 years old, and aboututila.com seems like it could be out of date. Can anybody clarify the current situation please? Can Mastercard be used now?

I have a visa, so no idea about other cards. When I was there, The ATM (s?) was (were?) not working. I had to withdraw cash from a bank.

Secondly, taxi fares on the mainland, between San Pedro Sula airport, bus, and the ferry at La Ceiba. Does anyone know these, and do you need to haggle?

I paid roughly the princes indicated in Lonely planet. In some cases, I had to haggle, othewise I would have paid at least 5 times more.

Oh, and do you guys in Utila use A-clamps or DIN fittings?

They use int/yoke fitting with no insert. To use a din first stage, you need a adaptor. [at least in all the places I went or asked in Utila or Roatan]

 

[ncchuck]

I lived in Utila for 4 months during the summer of 2006. I went through DM and instructor schools while there. The ATM only works some of the time regardless of the card you use. I used a US bank debit card with a VISA type number and sticker that worked. Master Cards are not accepted in many places and they don't work in the ATM.

There is virtually no equipment for purchase in Utila. There are a few odds and end in various places but you can't count on finding anything. Prices are not great anyway. Buy elsewhere and take it with you or just rent when you get there. Most schools provide free rental with DM classes. I didn't like the rental so I tried to buy equipment and ended up having it shipped from Roatan. I don't recommend doing that.

Have a great time and good luck with your training.

 

[GoProHonduras]

There are now 2 equipment retail stores on the island, with a wide range of equipment, from Scubapro, Mares. Aqualung, Suunto and Cressi-Sub.

The prices are comparable to UK or US, maybe even cheaper.

For items like wetsuits, or booties, that require a more personal fit, you may be better off buying locally.

 

[ncchuck]

There are now 2 equipment retail stores on the island, with a wide range of equipment, from Scubapro, Mares. Aqualung, Suunto and Cressi-Sub.

The prices are comparable to UK or US, maybe even cheaper.

For items like wetsuits, or booties, that require a more personal fit, you may be better off buying locally.

Sorry, sounds like things have improved on one of my favorite islands.

 

[Fishy_Parabola]

Thanks for the advice guys it's all helpful. And thanks for the Lonely Planet tip sebach - hadn't thought to look there. It's always useful to have an idea of what you're up against when haggling.

 

[leadweight]

On the ATM, I recall some Brits complaining that the machine only worked with Visa Plus. I don't know how that differs from Visa, I don't think we have it in the states. My Visa ATM/Debit card works there and on Rotan. ATM's run out of money Friday evening and stay empty until Monday afternoon even when everything is going right. They mostly kick out 500 limpera notes for which it is difficult to get change. Try asking for 1900 instead of 2000 to get some 100 limpera notes.

I have met Andy Phillips who posted above. He is the the real deal, and definitely the guy to see if you are interested in becoming an instructor.

 

[kathydee]

Hi,

I'm in utilia now. it's a great place to do a DM , many people doing the same.

to do a divemaster course.

plenty of DM courses here, maybe it's best to shop around at different shops once you arrive?

Firstly the ATM. Aboututila.com says that "despite the ATM having VISA, Plus, Cirrus, MasterCard and Systema Clave stickers all over it,

They do have lots of stickers, my atm card with visa written on it from the states works, not sure about the others ... i can ask around

Thirdly, just wondering about the difference in price when buying equiptment in Utila versus the UK. For example here a SCUBAPRO MK2+AF R295 regulator costs about GBP145 (~USD215). Any advice appreciated.

I'll try to take a look if the shop is close by, haven't seen one.

Oh, and do you guys in Utila use A-clamps or DIN fittings?

Don't see any DIN fittings here.

As you might have guessed i'm on a tight budget... Some shops have great rental gear, check to see if it is included in your DM fee, maybe you can borrow.

Lots of ways to cut costs here, splitting an apartment with a kitchen is a good start.

Thanks.

 

[leadweight]

kathydee,

Post a few updates for those who are stuck up North.

 

[kathydee]

What updates? feel free to ask any questions and I'll try to find answers.

The diving is great. I had a fantastic time on the north shore today! We dipped 34m into the pass through on the pinnacle and watched a huge turtle glide by. Deep beautiful blue water!

Vis has been anywhere from 20-35m. Today it was amazing. Water is 26 degrees C and I am wearing shorts and a tanktop! I have been diving 2-4 times a day for the past 10 days with a few days off here and there. There are occasional rain showers and swells but now it is pretty calm. The whale sharks are back and there are almost daily sightings! I haven't seen any yet, but did get to swim with a pod of 20 dolphin today! Also watched an octopus gobble a fish on a night dive last night.

There are lots of shrimp, lobster, coral, eels, fish, new friends and lots of fun tonight for New Years!

Love the toad fish that croak! Also did a night dive off Jewel Kay at 7:30pm and saw 5 octopus! Now kinda dizzy from the boat so will try to be more creative later!

Happy New Years everyone!