Mexico & Central America
Money, cards and tipping in Honduras
HNLLempira
Money in Honduras
Mostly cash Lempiras for daily life; US dollars are accepted in Roatán and tourist businesses. Cards work in malls, hotels and dive shops, sometimes with a surcharge. US$1 ≈ L26.85 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants if service isn't included; tip dive masters and guides.
- ATMs: ATMs in malls and banks are safest; not every foreign card works, and withdrawals carry local fees.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in malls and chains in big cities and Roatán; otherwise cash.
- Price level: about 46% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roatán | Mixed: cards and cash | Dollars are widely accepted in West End and West Bay. Cards work in dive shops and hotels, often with a 3–5% surcharge; carry cash for taxis. |
| Utila | Mixed: cards and cash | Dive shops and larger hotels accept cards with a surcharge; bars, cafés, taxis and the market want lempiras or dollars. |
| Copán Ruinas | Mostly cash | Lempiras are needed for tuk-tuks and markets; hotels, tour offices and upscale restaurants accept cards. ATMs are limited and sometimes empty. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Honduras?
About 10% in restaurants if service isn't included; tip dive masters and guides.
Is Honduras cashless?
Mostly cash. Lempiras for daily life; US dollars are accepted in Roatán and tourist businesses. Cards work in malls, hotels and dive shops, sometimes with a surcharge.
What currency does Honduras use?
The Lempira (HNL). US$1 ≈ L26.85 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Honduras
- Government of Canada travel advice: Honduras
- Aduanas Honduras traveller declaration (PECH)
- Speedtest Global Index: Honduras
- World Bank open data
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