Welcome @Bob,
BANKS & CREDIT CARDS:
Most establishments accept credit card payments, so no need to walk around with loads of cash. Banks offer a competitive exchange rate and some credit cards do as well. This is especially true if you take into account the convenience of just paying with a card you already have in your wallet. You’ll save the hassle of dealing with “exchange” centers etc.
ATM MACHINES
There are ATM machines on Roatan. Most will issue Lempiras. However, there is an ATM machine at the airport which will give you the choice between dollars or Lempiras.
CASH
Bring cash, in dollars. But make sure you:
- DO NOT bring $20 bills. Many places do not accept $20 bills because of counterfeit look-a-likes.
- DO NOT bring any bills which are torn. Locals will not accept torn bills of any denomination.
Bring cash dollars, as a secondary payment alternative for small transactions in places that may not accept credit cards or to pay street vendors. These establishments won’t necessarily give you the best exchange rate, but many will give you change in Lempiras, so you only get penalized on that first transaction. From that point forward, you’ll have lempiras in your pocket for the next transaction.