FAQs
Can I use U.S. dollars?
Most guests use U.S. dollars. The Honduran currency is the Lempira (nicknamed "lemp") and it is common to pay in dollars and receive change in Lempira. Try to spend the Lempira before you leave, or exchange it at the airport or use the Lempira to pay your $34 departure tax. The exchange rate is roughly 18.9 Lempira to 1 dollar.
For example: if gas is 800 Lempira (800/2 = 400, move the decimal = about $40),
$10 change is about ($10 x 2 = 20, move decimal = about 200 Lempira).
Language?
Most islanders speak Spanish and Creole English. Traditional English is taught in schools so most kids speak English and an English translator is available at most businesses. Italian and French are also prevalant.
Electricity?
The electricity on Roatan is 110 volts AC, 60 cycles, (the same as in the U.S., using standard U.S. plugs). Like many of the Caribbean islands, it is not uncommon to have the electricity go out for a few hours. Roatan Casa has a power inverter for continuous power to security systems plus a portable backup generator in the event of a longer power outage.
Can I drink the water?
Most islanders and tourists drink bottled water. The water at Roatan Casa is collected directly from the roof during rain storms and stored in a 20,000 gallon cistern with supplemental water from a well. Household water is fully filtered and sanitized, plus there is bottled water available at the house.
Climate?
Beautiful Year-Round, 79°F +/- 3° Every Month.
From January until October, the weather in Roatan can be compared to Florida; lots of sun with occasional showers. October through December will rain more often, but rain rarely compromises the snorkeling or diving. The island is not in the direct path of most hurricanes, as they typically spin north before reaching shore. Water temperature varies from 78°F/25°C in winter to 84°F/29°C in summer, and underwater visibility is typically 80 to 100 feet.
How do I get there?
Direct, non-stop flights between Roatan and North America are provided by Continental Airlines and Delta. Additional flights are available on American Airlines, TACA and vacation charters.
What are the necessary travel documents?
Travelers should have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it and $34.00 for departure tax.
How do I get around?
Roatan Casa rental includes a car at no additional charge. There are also hundreds of taxis. The island is only 2-3 miles wide and 33 miles long with one paved main road that runs east-west from the city of Oak Ridge on the east end of the island to the west end of the island with additional dirt or gravel side roads. Driving is on the right side of the road, the same as the U.S.
Crime?
Like many tourist attractions, stealing is the biggest crime on Roatan. If you leave valuables unattended, don’t be surprised if they disappear. However, you will feel safe walking down streets at night and no theft has been reported at Roatan Casa.
Groceries?
Concierge will gladly provision the home for your arrival or the grocery store is nearby.
Plaza Mar is conveniently located on the route between the airport and Roatan Casa. Plaza Mar has a good variety of groceries and spirits. The building is on the hill behind the gas station on the main road to the airport (about 3 miles from Roatan Casa).
Gift Shops?
With over one million tourists visiting Roatan each year, there are many island gift shops to choose from. For the biggest variety all in one location, try the Mahogany Bay cruise ship port just 8 miles from Roatan Casa, past the airport before the city of French Harbor.
Medical Care?
There is one hospital on the island and several clinics along with two decompression chambers for divers.
A new, three story Woods Medical Center has been built in Coxen Hole about 4 miles from Roatan Casa. The medical center is good for off hours or emergency situations. 445-1080
Anthony's Key Resort (on the road between Roatan Casa and the town of West End) - decompression chamber and anything non-emergency, the doctor here works during normal office hours plus Saturday and Sunday morning.
www.anthonyskey.com/en/diving/recompression.htmlClinic Esperanza: www.clinicaesperanza.com
There is a small doctor's office outside West End by the gas station, open 4pm to 7pm.
Ambulance 445-1500
Police 445-1138
Fire 445-1198
