Page 39 - Central America

GENERAL INFORMATION GETTING TO ROATAN : There are direct flights between the USA
CLIMATE: Subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains. Hurri- and Roatán, coming from Houston, Miami and Atlanta.
cane season is June to the end of November. Air Temperature Jan- CUSTOMS: You may bring items that are for your personal use on
Mar 81F, April-Sept 87 your visit or for you to conduct your profession or trade without pay-
LANGUAGE: Spanish, Amerindian dialects. Although Spanish is the ing import duties assuming the items are appropriate for your trip.
official language, English is widely spoken on Roatan and Bay Islands The items may not be for commercial use such as goods for resale.
(especially in the West End and West Bay communities). Scuba divers should not bring spearguns. They are prohibited on the
Bay Islands and will be held at the airport until you leave the country.

ELECTRICITY: 110 volts 60 Hz, US-style three pin plugs are the DEPARTURE TAX from ROATAN : The new international departure
norm. tax for foreigners is now US$33.19. All adults, children and infants
CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS: The Lempira (HNL). The US Dol- pay this flat fee. It is a strange amount, but it is SET FIRM in USD
lar is accepted at some resorts and businesses and credit cards are (does NOT change monthly) but payable in local currency which
widely accepted fluctuates. It is payable ONLY in cash – either USD or Honduran
Lempira, or a mixture of the two. They will NOT accept Credit Cards!

GRATUITIES: Tipping is the norm. The standard practice is 10 per-
cent of the total bill but this is optional if the bill includes a 10 percent
service charge. Small tips for the housecleaning staff are customary.

PHONE & INTERNET SERVICE: There are high speed internet cafes
in communities and popular tourist areas. Wireless Internet connec-
tions for laptops are available for purchase. There are three cell phone
providers on Roatan: Digicel, Claro and TIGO. Cell phones are inex-
pensive to purchase and 100 Lempira (HNL) will give you a signifi-
cant amount of talk time for local calls.

VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS: All foreign visitors must have
a valid passport to enter the country and are typically granted a 90-
day tourist card.