FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
HealthCare
There are several hospitals on the island that provide an array of services, the biggest of which is the CeMesa Hospital. There is also Clinica Esperanza or “Ms. Peggy’s” which is utilized by both the island community and the ex-pats as well. Ms. Peggy’s provides excellent care at a fraction of the cost and does amazing things for the island community.
There is also another hospital in the process of being built to further serve the island community.
What are my options for transportation on the island?
There a several options for your transportation needs on the island! The most obvious is to rent a vehicle and there are several rental car agencies on the island to choose from. You will of course need to have a valid driver’s license and you will want to be able to provide the rental agreement and the matriculation (registration) on the vehicle should any law enforcement request to see it. You can also hire a driver for a half-day or full-day and you will find these costs to fluctuate depending upon the driver and vehicle. A third and most affordable alternative is to use public transportation which includes taxis or mini-buses. These forms of transportation are known as “collectivos” which have multiple stops as they drop off and pick up additional passengers. This will at times test your patience as will many things on the island, but if you are up for a cultural adventure, you will find it on a collectivo.
ACCESS
Roatan has an international airport providing service to major American and Canadian cities like Houston, Miami, Atlanta, and Toronto. There are also many connecting flights to the island from the international airport in San Pedro Sula on the mainland. Roatan is also a major cruise ship destination with ports in both Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay.
What is the Honduran currency and are US dollars accepted?
The “Lempira” is the currency of Honduras and yes, the US Dollar is widely accepted with few exceptions. You may find that some businesses will not accept US currency if it is ripped or torn so make sure your money is what we like to call “clean”.
Does the Bay Islands experience many Hurricanes?
The Bay Islands has experienced Hurricanes in the past, with the last one being Hurricane Mitch in 1998. However, what is known as “Hurricane Alley” is located far to the north of the Bay Islands so most Hurricanes pass to the north. The Islands will sometime experience the outer bands of most hurricanes and suffer minimal to no damage. Now having said that, Mother Nature does what she does.
Is foreign investment and the ex-pat community increasing on the island?
That answer is Absolutely. A combination of factors from cost of living to foreign ownership laws and minimal tax liability is increasing the population of foreign investment and retirement abroad. According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees who draw social security outside the U.S. jumped 40% in the 10 year period ending in 2017. Of course, there are a number of factors contributing to this but the ex-pat community in the Bay Islands grows larger every year.
Weather AnD Tourism
Well, it is the Caribbean so it can be humid and hot some months of the year, but there are also months when things do cool down a bit. That “cool down” is relative of course as it is still the Caribbean. The “rainy” season is typically October to January and sometimes into February. This sometimes overlaps with the high season for tourism which traditionally runs from Christmas to Easter when winter sets in and travelers want to escape the cold. Regardless of rain or shine, you can experience “shorts and t-shirts” weather year round.
Honduran Residency
Upon entering the country all visitors are given a 90 day tourist visa. You may also receive a 1 time 30 day extension if you stay longer than your original 90 days. Those property owners and investors who intend to stay longer or making Roatan their permanent home may consider doing their Honduran “Residency”. Your residency is completed with the assistance of a Honduran residency lawyer. This is a fairly straight forward process where your attorney will need you to gather the documentation for the type of residency you need (i.e., retirement, business, etc.) and the completion time is usually between six months to a year.
What can I expect in terms of crime on the island?
Yes there is crime on the island. Put in the proper perspective, you will find less crime on the islands then you would find in many major North American or European cities and far less than you would find on the Honduran mainland. If the old adage “common sense will get you through life” is true, than it definitely applies here on the island. If you leave your sandals and t-shirt un-attended on the beach while you go for a snorkel, they have a tendency to walk off on you. If you go out wearing a Rolex and diamond earrings, you tend to make yourself stand out. Obviously if you go out looking for trouble you’re going to find it, but crime is no worse here than many other tourist destinations, and far less if your smart about your belongings and the company you keep.
What can I reasonably expect my living expenses to be on the island?
This of course is relative to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. If you’re the type of person who likes to eat in restaurants 3 or 4 times a week your cost of living will be more than someone who likes to stay home and cook. The way I have heard it explained by many people is that if you tend to be more conservative with your finances, 3 or 4 thousand dollars will get you through 5 or 6 months if your smart about it. In many major cities throughout North America or Europe you would be fortunate if the same money lasted you 5 or 6 weeks. Again, it really depends on the lifestyle you choose.
What kind of property taxes could I expect owning a home on the island?
One of the more attractive aspects of owning and investing in property in Honduras is the minimal property and income taxes you will experience. This of course makes your investment much easier to carry. Every property has its own dynamics but you will find that property taxes run anywhere from 8% to 12% of what you would find in most North American city’s. Sales taxes however is where the Honduran government generates most of its income and can run anywhere from 15% to 18%. This is a consumption tax so the more you consume the more taxes you will pay.
Get In Contact Today!
Roatan Casas Real Estate
Sandy Bay Roatan, Bay islands, Honduras
e: roger@roatancasasrealestate.com
t: (504) 9633-2477 / (504) 9848-3908
WhatsApp: (504) 9633-2477
