Roatan Guide: How Much Cash Should I Bring?

Cash is King on Roatan…but how much do you actually need? We’re here to help you plan so there are no surprises during your island getaway! For example, larger establishments may accept credit cards, but most places prefer cash. Here’s a detailed guide for how much cash to bring to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Know Before You Go

Credit Card Usage: Never assume a business can accept credit cards. But if they do, be prepared for an added tax of 15-19%.

No Cash Exchange: Roatan doesn’t have cash exchange services, so you’ll need to bring USD or withdraw local currency from ATMs on the island. Both U.S. dollars (USD) and Honduran lempiras (HNL) are accepted, but your USD must be in pristine condition – no rips, no tears, no stains. Even a tiny tear can render a bill useless.

Small Bills Are Best: If you’re bringing USD, prioritize smaller bills like $1, $5, and $10 for easier transactions. Larger bills, such as $50 and $100, are generally accepted at bigger establishments such as grocery stores, dive shops, and hotels.

Exchange Rate: The standard exchange rate is around 25 HNL to $1 USD, though it can vary slightly depending on the business. In general, you can assume 100 HNL ≈ $4 USD and 500 HNL ≈ $20 USD

Visiting Roatan - How Much Cash To Bring

Breaking Down the Cash: What Will I Need It For?

Eating Out

If you plan on exploring the local food scene, you’ll want plenty of cash on hand! Sampling Honduran staples like baleadas and pastelitos are a must, while fancier high-end restaurants provide a gastro-experience worth remembering. Overall, you can expect to spend the following when eating out in Roatan:

Street Food: $2 to $8 for local favorites.
Mid-Tier Restaurants: $12-$18 per person.
High-End Dining: $22+ per person.
Local Beers: $2 to $4 per Beer
Mixed Drinks & Wine: $8 to $12 per Glass

For those who prefer the freedom of cooking themselves, we offer casitas with fully equipped kitchens for self-catering. Plus, you won’t need to worry about breakfast – it’s included with your stay!

Transportation

Getting around the island is easy, but different options come with varying price points:

Airport Transfers: Expect to pay $25 to get from the airport to popular areas like Sandy Bay or West End.
Shared Taxis: $2 per person for shorter distances, like getting around the local area. Further trips, like West Bay, can cost around $10. That being said, shared taxis are not always reliable and require determining the price before getting in.
Private Drivers: More reliable and available for $10 to $20, roundtrip, for up to 4 people. Our private drivers also offer island tours between $70 to $140, and trips to closer attractions, like the brewery, for $40.
Car Rentals: Depending on the company, rates range anywhere from $55 to $95 per day. But fair warning…driving on Roatan is not for the faint of heart!

Tours & Adventures

Roatan is a playground for adventurers, so budget accordingly for some of the island’s best activities. Some of the more popular adventures include:

Scuba Diving: With the Meso-American reef right on our doorstep, scuba diving is a must. Certified divers can expect to pay around $55 per tank, while those looking to “try it out” can expect to pay between $120 and $150.
Extreme Adventures: Such as ziplining or riding ATVs, usually cost around $55 per person.
Cultural Experiences: Activities like chocolate-making classes or mangrove tours are more affordable at around $20 per person.

Tipping

To ensure your act of gratitude reaches the intended recipient, allot some of your cash budget for tipping. Standard is around 20% of your subtotal, but feel free to tip more (or less!) based on your experience.

Drivers: Tipping on a standard ride is unnecessary, but if they took you on an island tour, waited for you during activities, or provided personalized service then a tip appreciated.
Servers and Bartenders: Many establishments offer a standard wage, with tips adding a valuable bonus for the employee.
Divemasters and Tour Guides: Tipping is customary for guided activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and other adventure tours.
Hotel Team: Consider tipping the staff who made your stay memorable, from housekeeping to maintenance and even concierge.

So, How Much Cash Should I Bring To Roatan?

Ultimately, your cash needs will depend on how you plan to spend your time. For a week-long stay, we suggest bringing between $800 and $1,000 in cash, though you might want to bring more if you’re planning on indulging in a lot of activities or dining out. If you’d like to plan ahead, our concierge team is happy to provide an estimated total based on your itinerary — plus tips on where to save or splurge for an unforgettable trip!