Welcome to Honduras 😊
Honduras is a country located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. It is the second largest country in Central America and it has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Mayan civilization. Honduras boasts of beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, and historic sites, all of which are sure to captivate visitors. Its capital city, Tegucigalpa, is known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife. Honduras is also known for its delicious cuisine which is a fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences.
Quick Facts About Honduras
- Currency: Honduran Lempira
- Population: 9.65 million
- Languages: Spanish
Money and Finances
The official currency of Honduras is the Honduran lempira (HNL). Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, and notes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 lempiras.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but may be limited in rural areas. It is advisable to carry some cash when travelling in Honduras.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted in larger shops, restaurants, and hotels, and Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX. It is advisable to carry some cash as a backup, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
Internet and Phones
Internet speeds in Honduras are generally slow, with an average download speed of around 5 Mbps and an average upload speed of 1 Mbps. There is limited government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Tigo, Claro, and Hondutel are the major telco companies in Honduras. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively affordable at around $20 per month. There may be sim compatibility issues for some phones.
Dialling to Honduras
To call Honduras from another country, dial +504 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes used when dialling within the country are 2 for Tegucigalpa, 3 for San Pedro Sula, and 4 for La Ceiba.
Transport Around Honduras
Air Travel
Honduras has several major airports, including Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Goloson International Airport in La Ceiba, and Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan.
Train Travel
Honduras does not have an inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no metro system in Honduras.
Buses
There is a bus network that covers most areas in Honduras, with prices starting from $1 USD and journey times varying depending on the destination.
Rideshare
There are several rideshare companies operating in Honduras, such as Uber and DiDi, with prices varying depending on the distance and demand.
Driving by Car
Driving in Honduras can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive drivers. The speed limit on highways is typically 60 mph, and Honduras uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Honduras, tipping is common in restaurants, bars, and for other services. A 10% tip is standard. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake and a smile. Men and women address each other politely using the titles 'senor' and 'senora'. It is also considered polite to speak softly and with respect to strangers.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in Honduras is primarily managed by the government and is currently undergoing reforms to improve quality and accessibility. Private healthcare services are also available, but can be expensive. Medical insurance is recommended for travelers and can range from $50-$150 per month. A visit to the doctor can cost around $20-$50, depending on the location and type of healthcare provider.
COVID Situation
Honduras has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government declared a state of emergency in March 2020 and implemented strict lockdown measures. As of August 2021, there have been over 341,000 confirmed cases and over 9,000 deaths in the country. The current vaccination rate is low at less than 10% of the population.
Common Health Risks
Travelers to Honduras should be aware of the risk of dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria is also present in some regions, particularly rural areas. Food and waterborne illnesses, such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are also common in the country. It is recommended to take necessary precautions to avoid these health risks, such as using insect repellent and drinking bottled or boiled water.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
The legal drinking age in Honduras is 18. Alcohol is legal and widely available but drinking in public places is prohibited. There are also restrictions on the sale of alcohol during certain hours of the day and on Sundays.
Recreational Drugs
The possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs in Honduras is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, there is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are legal and common in Honduras. However, the country has a high incidence of domestic violence and femicide, which are serious issues that authorities are working to address.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Honduras has a conservative and predominantly Catholic population, and LGBTQ individuals can face discrimination and legal challenges. Same-sex marriage and adoption are not recognized in the country and there are no specific laws to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination or hate crimes.
Firearms / Guns
The possession and use of firearms in Honduras is highly regulated and restricted. Private ownership of guns is permitted but requires a license, and carrying weapons in public places is prohibited. Honduras has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and gun violence is a significant problem in the country.