Beautiful Roatan island lies about twenty miles off the coast of Honduras. With a tropical climate that rarely gets too cold or too hot and plenty to see and do, Roatan makes an ideal place to enjoy life. If you are thinking of moving to Roatan island, there are a few things you should know in advance. Understanding Roatan island real estate and the local community as well as transport methods and the regional government are a must.

Getting There

You can move your belongings to Roatan either by boat or on a plane. There’s a small airport but flights are only on weekends and space is often limited. You can fly to the capital and then opt for a transfer flight. Most people prefer to bring in items by boat. This is the cheapest method. Make sure everything you want to bring is wrapped carefully so it will survive well in transit.

The Cost of Living

One of the greatest advantages of moving to Roatan island is that costs are much lower than average in this part of the world. Many people from North America and Europe are delighted to find that their funds go much further. By far the least expensive thing about living here is that Roatan real estate is much cheaper. It’s possible to get a nice apartment or even a fairly large house for a lot less than is typically in much of the rest of the world.

Many expats find it easy to live on about two thousand a month. This covers just about everything they need from food to utilities and other basic costs such as transportation. You’ll want to have a cushion of several thousand on hand before you go.

Shopping For Groceries

Many residents from other communities are pleased to find that it is very easy to get access to their favorite groceries. Local grocery stores carry nearly all popular U.S. and Canadian brands, often at similar cost to what people find back home. There are several popular grocery stores. People can shop at several places that resemble large grocery chains in the mainland such as Eldon’s Grocery, Plaza Mar, and Super Isleño. Expect a wide variety of products from Central America including fresh produce and brands common in this part of the world.

Staying in Touch

Staying in touch with home is also easy on the island. Wifi services are widely available and frequently come bundled with other utilities. Many service providers offer cable television. Keep in mind you can also purchase a USB Modem that allows you to pay a set cost as you go along. This is the cheapest and often most flexible option.

Banking and Money

Access to money is widely available. ATMs are common. Several large banking chains operate on the island such as HSBC. You need to provide lots of documentation before opening a bank account so be prepared with your passport and other important documents.

Household Help

Household help is common and easily found on the island. Hiring nannies, housekeepers and landscapers is much cheaper than in the rest of the world. English is widely spoken. This is a popular destination for cruises. Residents are often multilingual. Learning basic Spanish is ideal. This will make communicating with others much easier.

Moving to Roatan island is a great way to enjoy life. You’ll discover a laid back and inexpensive alternative to other Caribbean islands. You’ll find a fabulous selection of great places to live on Roatan. Contact us today for Roatan real estate opportunities!