Practical Information: Roatan

Local SIM Cards

Tigo and Claro are the main mobile carriers in Honduras.

Mobile Providers

Purchase prepaid SIM cards at the airport or authorized stores.
Your passport is needed to register the SIM card.
SIM cards are inexpensive; data packages are affordable ($10-$20 USD/week).

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in tourist areas.

Access & Reliability

Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and dive shops offer free Wi-Fi.
Speed and reliability vary; expect slower or intermittent service at times.
Mobile data on local SIM cards typically offers good coverage in main tourist areas.

Language & Translation

Spanish is the official language, but English is also common.

Communication Tips

English is widely spoken and understood in the Bay Islands, especially in tourist hubs.
The Google Translate app (with offline Spanish pack) is useful.
A small Spanish phrasebook can help with basic phrases.

Helpful Spanish Phrases

Common Expressions

"Hola" (OH-lah) - Hello
"Por favor" (por fah-VOR) - Please; "Gracias" (GRAH-see-as) - Thank you
"¿Cuánto cuesta?" (KWahn-toh KWES-tah?) - How much is this?

Business & Banking Hours

Typical Operating Hours

Shops: Generally 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM (Mon-Sat).
Restaurants: Lunch 11:30 AM-3:00 PM; Dinner 6:00 PM-10:00 PM.
Dive Shops: Typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with early morning departures.
Larger grocery stores often open until 8:00 PM/9:00 PM, including Sundays.

Banking & Holidays

Banks: Generally Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM/5:00 PM.
ATMs: Available in main towns; use during daylight hours.
Public Holidays: Banks, government offices, and some businesses close (e.g., Holy Week, Independence Day).
Seasonal Closures: Some smaller businesses may operate on limited schedules in low season.

Communication Tip

For language learning on the go, explore Rosetta Stone before your trip to pick up essential Spanish phrases.

Cultural Norms & Etiquette

Respectful interactions enhance your travel experience.

Greetings

A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" upon entering establishments is polite.

Attire

Wear respectful clothing outside beach areas, like t-shirts and shorts/dresses.

Dining

Tipping 10-15% is customary for good service in restaurants. Embrace "island time" for a relaxed pace.

Greeting Customs

Simple gestures show respect to locals.

Interactions

A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" is appropriate when interacting.
Handshakes are common greetings, especially between men.
Women may offer a light kiss on the cheek to female friends or acquaintances.

Photography & Privacy

Mindful photography respects local privacy.

Ethics & Permissions

Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
A simple gesture or "Permiso?" (permission?) shows politeness.
Be respectful of privacy; avoid intrusive photography.

Sensitive Topics & Gender Considerations

Cultural Sensitivities

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or sensitive social issues initially.
Public displays of affection are generally more reserved.
Avoid criticizing local infrastructure or services.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Roatan is generally more accepting than mainland Honduras, especially in tourist areas.
Public displays of affection by same-sex couples may draw attention outside liberal enclaves.
Exercise discretion in more conservative local areas or smaller villages.

Etiquette Reminder

When visiting local communities or markets, a simple "Hola" and a smile goes a long way. This shows respect for local customs.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges should understand the local infrastructure.

Infrastructure Overview

Roatan's infrastructure has limitations for mobility challenged travelers.

Mobility Challenges

Sidewalks are often non-existent or uneven; roads can be challenging.
Many older establishments are not designed for accessibility.
Some newer or higher-end resorts may offer limited accessible rooms or ramps.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Access to certain attractions and transportation can be challenging.

Considerations

Natural attractions like beaches may pose difficulties depending on terrain.
Public colectivos and water taxis are not accessible.
Pre-arranging private, accessible transportation is needed for smooth travel.

Visual & Hearing Impairment Support

No specialized services are widely advertised or available.

Support Landscape

Travelers should plan for limited formal assistance in these areas.
English being spoken in tourist areas may assist those with hearing impairments.
Thoroughly research individual accommodations and attractions for features.

Accessibility Resources

General advice and direct inquiries are the most useful approaches.

Information Channels

No specific Roatan-focused organizations for accessible travel are widely known.
Contact specific hotels or tour operators directly with detailed accessibility questions.
Consult international accessible travel resources for general advice on similar destinations.

Important Considerations

Road Conditions

Roads can be rough and uneven, posing challenges for wheeled mobility.
Consider traveling with an attendant for additional support.
Some newer establishments may be more accommodating.

Planning Ahead

Verify accessibility features before booking any accommodation or tour.
Prioritize locations known for their more developed infrastructure, like larger resorts.
Direct communication with local businesses is for specific needs.

Support Services General

Medical & Emergency

Clinica Esperanza provides healthcare services.
Emergency numbers: 911 (Police), 198 (Fire).
Travel insurance with medical coverage is highly advisable.

Tourist Assistance

Local tourism boards may offer some assistance.
Your accommodation can often provide the best localized information and support.
Utilize online travel forums for community-sourced advice on specific needs.

Accessibility Reminder

Directly contact your chosen accommodations and tour operators to discuss their specific accessibility features before booking. This custom approach yields the most accurate information.

Practical Information