Frequently Asked Questions - Honduras FAQ's
The rainy season begins in October and runs through mid-January (but don't hold me to that!). On the North Coast and the Bay Islands, you can expect a thunderstorm any day of the year. The North Coast is hot and humid all summer.
The Western Highlands (Copan, Gracias, Santa Rosa de Copan) are tempered by the altitude. The dry season in the highlands is January through May.
Packing for Honduras differs depending on where you go. The central plateau and mountainous zones tend to be cool, while the coastal regions are warmer with relatively high humidity. The time of year can also play a part. The rainy season runs from May to October, it is advisable to carry a raincoat. If you go sightseeing bring sturdy hiking boots and wear light, loose clothing, which is great for trekking. Conservative attire is best for smaller towns and the interior of the country while sporty, comfortable beachwear is ideal for resort areas. When traveling to Honduras, bug repellent is usually a good idea in the National Parks and some beaches. Sunscreen is also a must because of Honduran bright sunshine and long days.
Insect repellant is recommended especially for the Bay Islands and the forests. Insect repellents containing deet work well. Some people swear by Avon-So-Soft diluted 50% with water. You can also find in our gift shop a local, natural product called CACTUS JUICE that also works well for most people.
Some US carries offer GSM roaming services in Honduras. Please check with your provider. You can buy a local cell phone and prepaid minutes. Tigo, Claro and Digicel are among the cell companies in the country; there should be a kiosk at the airport. Wi-Fi is growing all over the country and the islands although connections vary greatly. Establishments may charge for usage.
The currency is the Lempira. US dollars are easily exchanged for Lempiras in banks, major hotels, airports and exchange houses. Most Honduran banks are open on weekdays only from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exchange houses are open longer and offer quicker service (and usually a better exchange rate) than banks.
MasterCard and Visa are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in larger towns. Some establishments may charge you a user fee of up to 6%. Before traveling, be certain to let your card company that you are traveling and may be using a card.
We are happy to check with your hotels in advance as to credit card acceptance.
Most banks are open from Mon-Fri 9 am to 3 pm (some banks open until 6 pm) this does though vary branch to branch. Some branches also open Sat 9 am to midday. If possible try to avoid visiting banks the day before or after a public holiday or at the end of the month as the banks can be extremely busy and you may need to wait up to an hour for service.
The government of Honduras is working hard to improve safety throughout the country for both citizens and tourists. Safety in most cities is comparable with other big cities around the world. It is advisable not to carry a lot of cash. Store any valuables in your hotel's safe when possible and keep a copy of your important document numbers (passport, visa, traveler’s checks, etc.) in a safe place.
