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Money and duty free for Honduras

Currency and Money

Currency information

Lempira (HNL; symbol L) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of L500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centavos, although smaller coins are rarely used.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Some banks offer cash withdrawal with Visa or Mastercard.

ATM

Found throughout the country, and most accept foreign cards. For safety reasons many operate a locked door system which uses a card to enter and it is advised to use machines in shopping centres and busy areas and only during the day.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1600 (some banks open until 1800). Some branches open Sat 0900-1200.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Currency exchange

Pounds Sterling cannot normally be exchanged; visitors should therefore take US Dollars, which are easily exchanged in banks, major hotels, airports and bureaux de change. The bureaux de change usually offer a quicker service and better rate than banks.

Honduras duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Honduras without incurring customs duty:

 

• 500g of tobacco in any form (18 years and above).

• 5L of alcoholic beverages (18 years and above).

• 2kg of confectionery.

• Goods up to a total value of US$500.

 

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, dairy items, unlicensed arms and ammunition, and pornographic media or literature. Spearfishing is illegal and scuba divers may therefore not enter the country with spear guns.

Plants may be brought in with appropriate phytosanitary certificates.

Banned Exports

It is prohibited to take any genuine archaeological items out of the country. Likewise, the coral reefs are protected and therefore you cannot take corals out of Honduras.

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