Discover the Bay Islands of the Caribbean Seas
Being part of the Honduran Bay Islands, known for its natural beauty, amazing beach, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
This small island is home to a plethora of natural beauty, including untouched jungles and wild beaches.
Not surprisingly, most people looking for a place to vacation or retire, consider the East End Roatan island.
We have prepared an entire guide for anyone looking to move to the Honduras Bay Islands.
Let’s get into it!
Relocating to Roatan: Is it a Good Place to Live?
This tropical island is a place of amazing natural scenery that offers greater promise of diving excitement, expat living, live music, beachfront lots, and relaxation than any other Caribbean island.
Located on mainland Honduras, around Central America, Roatan is a huge draw for vacationers and expatriates looking to call the place home either for a short period while vacationing or a permanent home for those looking to relocate.
If you are looking for a place with an ambient tropical climate, local restaurants that serve fresh seafood, pristine beaches, and a resort lifestyle, then Roatan is the Caribbean paradise you’ll never want to leave.
What’s more, property prices are pretty affordable according to North American Standards, especially if you can dodge the high season when prices are high, you’ll get a very good deal.
Along with the low property prices Roatan has a relatively lower cost of living than, say, North America, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate.
The island has a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of fun stuff to do along the Caribbean Sea and a strong sense of community, which are great for folks looking to enjoy a slower pace.
Just ensure you get a certified instructor when indulging in potentially risky activities like snorkeling.
Most native islanders are fun, peace-loving people with great appreciation for tourists and foreigners.
Rest assured, you’ll have a good time among both the locals and other expats along the Roatan coast.
Lifestyle and Culture in Roatan
Roatan has a small-town feel, with a population of around 100,000 people.
The island is a popular destination for expats, with a low crime rate and a relaxed pace of life.
Most expats who live in Roatan claim that island life has greatly improved their quality of life and recommend it to anyone looking to relocate to a new country.
The West Side provides a more lively life, optimal for the youth and vacationers.
If you’re looking for a part of Roatan with a more rural feel to really get the experience of a local, then you should consider a location along the East Side, like Coxen Hole.
Wendy Roatan Realty has an amazing selection of various kinds of listings for you to pick from and really experience that relaxed slow-paced island life.
Moving to Roatan
There are two ways of getting to Roatan. You could either via flight or via cruise ships.
If you’re looking for a quick ride there so you can experience the island that much faster, then you should take a flight.
Roatan is served by the Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport which offers direct flights to and from America on a daily basis, so getting to the island shouldn’t be a problem at all.
However, if you are the kind that wants to take in every second of every moment of your journey and don’t mind being in transit for slightly longer, then you should definitely take the cruise ship.
The trip usually takes about 3 days and 13 hours from Texas, assuming you use the bus to the ship’s passenger Terminal.
Just ensure your travel documentation and all other arrangements are taken care of before you leave.
The Roatan government allows you one chance per person to bring in your personal items and a vehicle into the country duty-free.
Afterward, you are only allowed to bring in a car duty-free once every five years.
Visas & Residency in Roatan
In order to travel to Roatan, you’ll need a valid Passport for at least 6 months. Visas are given at the port of entry.
Once you arrive in Honduras, you’ll receive an automatic 90-day visa.
However, if you need to stay longer as a visitor, you should apply for an extension.
Normally, each extension grants you 30 more days in the country.
However, if you want to live in Roatan, you have to apply for permanent residency.
Retiree Residency
Many expats in Roatan live under retiree residency.
You’ll need to receive at least $1500 monthly and deposit it into a local Honduran Bank.
As a retiree, you’ll also need to meet certain requirements, including proof of income and health insurance in order to get retiree residency.
If you meet all the criteria, you can get permanent residency as a retiree.
Marriage Residency
You’ll need to marry a Honduran who is a citizen by birth for you to get permanent residency.
Business Owner Permit
To get this kind of permit, you need to lawfully start and run a business in Roatan that creates employment and makes profits, from which you pay taxes.
Income Residency
You’ll have to make $2500 monthly and deposit it into a local Honduran Bank to get this residency.
Investor Residency
You’ll need to have spent at least $50,000 in operating a business that creates employment and makes profits from which you pay taxes in order to get investor residency.
Sponsored Work Permit
You need to get a job from a recognized Honduran business to get a work permit.
Honduran Relative Residency
For this kind of residency, you need to be a legitimate Grandparent, Parent, or Sibling of a Honduran citizen.
Best Places to Buy Property in Roatan
West Bay is known for its perfect white sand beaches, while West End offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and dive shops.
Sandy Bay and French Harbour offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on resort living.
Although Roatan is extremely popular, not all of its parts are created equal.
For example, West Bay is a popular area with a range of houses and condos with stunning views of the sea or surrounding hills, however most expats looking to actually live in Roatan prefer the rural East Side.
The lower population density and the great reduction in tourist activity compared to the West Side, as well as the slow pace of the East Side, provide an amazing island life.
If you want to enjoy your island time in Roatan and still get value for your money, you’ll need a reputable, seasoned real estate agent who knows the place like the palm of their hand, to get you the perfect piece of the island.
Living in Roatan: About Utilities
Housing Costs and Rent
Renting a house or apartment in Roatan is a popular option for expats, with prices varying depending on location and amenities.
For an apartment or condo about 10 minutes from the beach, the monthly rent starts at roughly $700.
If you insist on getting something right on the waterfront, you need approximately $1,500 to $2,500 for rent each month.
For the most part, a two-bedroom apartment, a vista (or if you’re lucky), or a three-bedroom apartment with a direct view of the beach should run you up about $1,000 and higher every month.
Grocery shopping, Eating Out, and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Roatan can be expensive, especially for imported items, but fresh produce and seafood are generally more affordable.
Eating out in Roatan is affordable, with meals starting at around $8.00.
Consider starting a garden or joining a community garden to supplement your food supply.
Electricity, Gas, and Water Expenses
Electricity and gas are expensive in Roatan, but water is relatively affordable.
Getting Around Roatan
While in Roatan, private tour guides are available, as well as Taxis, Bus Services, and Water Taxis.
You won’t have the luxury of pulling out your phone and simply ordering an Uber.P
Uber and other popular taxi-ordering services that most Americans are used to are simply not available in Roatan.
Although taxis are widely available and form the bulk of transport services on the mainland, be sure to agree on a price before you start your journey.
Being a foreigner, you’ll occasionally run into taxi drivers who will try to overcharge you if you are not familiar with taxi prices.
The island has a minibus system, but it’s not advisable to put all your hopes on it because it can be quite unreliable, especially when you need it most.
You should also get used to the idea of zipping into town on a water taxi, coz they are a pretty common means of transport in the area.
Driving in Roatan
If you’re planning on living in Roatan, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress and money if you just ship your car to Roatan.
If you’re just visiting the Bay Islands, however, you should consider renting a car or scooter to get you around the island, but be careful when driving during the rainy season, especially on the gravel roads, as it might be risky.
The island’s tropical climate makes driving in the rain very dangerous.
Healthcare in Roatan
Contrary to most people’s expectations, Roatan has a robust medical care system that is supported by several hospitals and medical clinics.
In French Harbour, you’ll find Hospital Cemesa, which offers 24-hour emergency care.
You could also visit the Global Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (GARM) Clinic located at Parrot Tree Plantation whenever you need medical care.
If you are currently under medication or have a health condition, research online to find out if your medication is legal in Roatan and bring your prescription with you.
Cost of Healthcare in Roatan
A monthly insurance plan can cost $100 a month. Paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
There are endless opportunities for outdoor fun in Roatan. Just ensure you engage a certified instructor to prevent any accidents and fatalities.
Scuba Diving in Roatan
Roatan is a popular destination for scuba diving, with its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
The island has a number of dive shops and certification programs.
Snorkeling, Fishing, and Other Water Sports
Roatan has a number of national parks and wildlife reserves that offer a range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.
Hiking, Biking, and Exploring the Island
Roatan has a range of fun activities to enjoy offshore, like hiking, biking, and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
Power Outages
By now, you’ve probably read or heard that electricity is not 100% reliable in Roatan, and yes, that is correct.
Power outages are common, especially because the Roatan electricity system is relatively new.
Ensure you stay informed of all the announcements made by the power authority concerning future outages.
It’s also wise to have a backup plan for your lighting and electric appliances’ electricity needs.
Have a good number of candles in case you experience power failures at night.
Also consider getting yourself solar-powered lamps and house appliances if you’re planning to have a long-term stay in Roatan.
Plus, you should always ensure your gadgets are well-charged and that you have power banks and other backup devices to help get through the outages.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Roatan
If you’re looking for an amazing tropical destination to either vacation in, or even relocate to, there is no better island on the Caribbean Sea than Roatan.
Get in touch with Wendy Roatan Realty and get yourself some premium property and enjoy the pristine beaches of Roatan and all the other wonders that the island has to offer.
FAQ’s
How Do I Communicate with Family & Friends Back at Home While I’m in Roatan?
You’re not going to call them as you normally do while you’re back at home.
First, you need to get a Roatan SIM card from a reliable communications provider.
You’ll also need to get a good internet connection while in Roatan.
There are many internet providers with good internet in Roatan, so that shouldn’t be a problem for you.
You should get an app that allows you to make both audio and video calls over the internet, like Skype, WhatsApp, and the like.
Are there banks in Roatan for foreigners?
Yes, most local banks are able to provide you with an account once you get your residency, so don’t panic.
There are also a number of internationally recognized banks and ATMs in Roatan where you can withdraw your money anytime you need to.
What currency do they use in Roatan?
The local currency is the Honduran Lempira, but US dollars are widely accepted.
Is Roatan a Safe Island?
Roatan has a very low crime rate but you shouldn’t be careless. Use common sense and take precautions to ensure your safety.
What is Living in Roatan Like?
Roatan offers a Caribbean lifestyle, with plenty of outdoor activities, expat communities, and island life.
What language do the native islanders of Roatan speak?
Citizens of Roatan speak English because of our British background. Spanish is our second language in the Bay Islands.
You don’t have to learn Spanish. You’ll be just fine speaking English with most islanders.
However, if you can speak basic Spanish, you are more than set.
When is the Best Time to Visit Roatan?
The best time to visit Roatan is during the dry season, from December to May.