Money

1. Currency Exchange

Banks are a dependable source to buy Honduras money and encash travelers checks. Upon arrival, tourists may exchange currency at the San Pedro Sula and Tegus airports. It is advisable to change enough cash to last till the next day till tourists locate a bank close by. The bank currency exchange procedure may be slow but safe and tourists may face long queues.

Hotels and shops also undertake currency exchange services but charge a considerable amount of commission. There are individual moneychangers and exchanging with them is legal. The downside is that a large amount of counterfeit currency is also doing the rounds, which makes banks, and exchange counters at the airport the safest option. Black-market rates are as good as bank rates. When changing money, it is wise to ask for 100- and 200-lempira notes. These are easily accepted, whereas the 500-lempira note may prove to be difficult to change. A substantial amount of money changed should be of smaller denominations to help tip and pay for bus fares. Certain shops and restaurants accept dollars as well as the local currency. Prior to assuming payment options it is important to ask. This is because lempiras are often the only currency accepted in most places within the mainland. This increases the need to exchange money from time to time.

ATM's are a feasible option but some may run dry at times. In most cases the machines at Tegus, San Pedro Sula, and Siguatepeque are less prone to problems. The US dollar is easily accepted as compared to the euro and other currencies.

2. What a Dollar Will Buy You

An American dollar holds great value in Honduras. So much so that travelers who have kept aside a modest budget can think of three meals and clean accommodation for about US$15 a day. Bigger spenders can include stay and about two full course meals in about US$50 a day. Meal and lodging expenditure for budget travelers are US$2-5 and US$5-15 respectively. Midrange spenders can limit their expenses at US$5-10 and US$15-30 for the same. Top-end vacationers can be a little casual and spend about US$10 and upwards for meals and US$30 and more for lodging.

3. Telecommunications

The international direct dial system is in place in Honduras. Main lines and mobile lines are both in use. Telecommunication services have agreements with international mobile service providers. Phone calls are expensive as compared to other expenses incurred in Honduras.

4. Cab Fares

Tourists may find themselves pay anything between $5 to $50 as cab fares when traveling to West End from the cruise ship dock. Cab fares from Coxen Hole to West End are about $2. In case cab drivers are too demanding it is wise to seek help from tourist police and seek help. Since mini buses stop operating at six in the evening, all drivers increase taxi fares and usually negotiate a fare that is profitable to them. Cab fares between San Pedro Sula airport to the Microtel Inn is about $US 13 - 25 for a passenger. Fares vary based up on time of travel, number of commuters and baggage.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

1 US Dollar = 19.70458 Honduran Lempira

1 Honduran Lempira (HNL) = 0.05075 US Dollar (USD)

1 Canadian Dollar = 17.61177 Honduran Lempira

1 Honduran Lempira (HNL) = 0.05678 Canadian Dollar (CAD)

1 Euro = 25.18068 Honduran Lempira

1 Honduran Lempira (HNL) = 0.03971 Euro (EUR)

1 British Pound = 36.38392 Honduran Lempira

1 Honduran Lempira (HNL) = 0.02748 British Pound (GBP)

The Honduras currency exchange rate undergoes daily variations. As compared to the dollar, the lempira has taken a beating as a result of commodity price fluctuations and fiscal policy in the recent past.

6. Taxes

The value added tax is 12% of the amount spent up on services and merchandise. A 12% sales tax is applied to merchandise and services throughout Honduras. A 15% tax is levied on alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other tobacco related goods. For lodging on Roatan, tourists are required to pay a tax of 16%. The departure tax on overseas journeys is $25 and $3 on travel in the country. The immigrations departure tax is $2. Departure taxes can be summed up to $30 in Honduras. Tourists can make credit card payments when paying taxes and should always make enquires and gather the latest information regarding taxes, as they are known to change often.

7. Tipping

When visiting restaurants, it is important to check bills prior to tipping, as they are included in the bill at most places. Tips are usually equivalent to 10% to 15% of a restaurant bill.