Currency in Honduras: HNL Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Honduras with the Honduran lempira.
What's in this Honduras currency guide?
What currency is used in Honduras?
The official currency of Honduras (country code: HN) is the Honduran lempira, with symbol L and currency code HNL.
What is a good Honduran lempira exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Honduras?
The domestic currency in Honduras is the Honduran lempira.
What is the Honduran lempira currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Honduran lempira is HNL — symbol is L.
What does the Honduran lempira look like?
Here is an example Honduran lempira banknote:
Which countries use the Honduran lempira?
It is the domestic currency in Honduras.
Is the Honduran lempira a closed currency?
No, the Honduran lempira is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and HNL?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to HNL (US dollar to Honduran lempira)*.
*Converted at the current USDHNL interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Honduras
Using Wise for Honduran lempira travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Honduran lempira otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Honduran lempira cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the HNL cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Honduras: Travel Guide
Traveling to Honduras requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Honduras is a country in Central America. It is bounded to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, to the northeast by Nicaragua, to the southeast by El Salvador, to the south by the Pacific Ocean, and to the southwest by Guatemala.
Honduras is a democratic republic with a population of about 8.5 million people. The capital and largest city is Tegucigalpa. Other major cities include San Pedro Sula, Ceiba, La Ceiba, and Comayagua.
The climate of Honduras is tropical, with temperatures ranging from about 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mountains to about 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) at the coast. The rainy season runs from May to November.
Honduras is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, its jungle, and the ancient Maya ruins at Copan. Other attractions include the Bay Islands (Islas de la Bahia), the Mosquito Coast, and the capital city of Tegucigalpa.
Expats in Honduras often choose to live in the capital, Tegucigalpa, or in one of the coastal cities such as La Ceiba or San Pedro Sula. There is a large expat community in Honduras, particularly in Tegucigalpa, and many amenities and services are available for expats.
What currency should I use in Honduras
?The Honduran Lempira is the official currency of Honduras.
Travel tips for Honduras
1. Bring cash. Unlike other nearby countries such as Guatemala and Nicaragua, Honduras doesn’t always play nice with American credit cards. If you’re using your credit card, expect cash advance fees, international transaction fees, and sometimes, merchants may require that you make a payment in U.S. dollars or require a PIN-secured transaction. Best to carry around a stash of cash (preferably in U.S dollars).
2. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Honduras is one of those places where you’ll want to ignore all your preconceived notions about the country. Based on what you may have read in the news, it might sound unstable and dangerous. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The country has undergone some much-needed political changes and is now safe for visitors again. So if you’ve been holding out on visiting Honduras, it’s time to take the plunge.
3. The locals are super friendly. Unlike some other countries where travelers are met with stone-cold stares and even hostility, the locals in Honduras are generally quite amiable and welcoming. If you take the time to strike up a conversation with them, they’ll be more than happy to share some local insights with you.
4. Public transportation is cheap–and sometimes free. With the cost of living being relatively low in Honduras, you’ll find that public transportation is quite affordable. In fact, in some cases, it’s even free. For example, in the city of Comayagua, you can ride the bus for free. Just be sure to have some small bills or coins on hand to pay the fare.
5. The food is fantastic–and cheap. Another benefit of the low cost of living in Honduras is that the food is incredibly affordable. You can get a hearty meal for less than $5. And trust us, the food is delicious. Be sure to try some of the national dishes such as baleadas (a type of flour tortilla stuffed with beans and cheese), carne asada (grilled steak), and platanos fritos (fried plantains).
Top things to do in Honduras
1. Visit COPA Airlines for a scenic tour of the country.
2. Stop by the Bay Islands for some sun and sand.
3. Check out the ancient ruins at Copan.
4. Get up close and personal with nature at Pico Bonito National Park.
5. Sample the delicious food and drink on offer in Tegucigalpa.
Everyday Costs in in Honduras
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Honduras? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Honduras (ISO Code: HN)
For travelers planning a one-week mid-range stay in Honduras, it’s advisable to budget around 10,000 to 15,000 Lempira (L), which equates to approximately $400 - $600 USD, depending on your spending habits. Honduras is generally considered an affordable destination, especially compared to the United States or the UK. Here's a breakdown of typical daily expenses in Lempira:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 150 - 300 L
- ☕ Coffee: 50 - 100 L
- 🚍 Public transport fare: 20 - 30 L
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 200 - 400 L
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 500 - 1,200 L
With such costs, comparisons show that a stay in Honduras can be much cheaper than in the US, where meals and lodging are usually twice as expensive. Compared to the UK, the difference is similarly pronounced, making Honduras an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Living Costs and Expat Tips in Honduras
For expatriates living in Honduras, the average monthly living costs can range from 20,000 to 30,000 L (approximately $800 - $1,200 USD), depending on lifestyle choices and location. Monthly expenses can include accommodation, utilities, and groceries, which are significantly lower than in many Western countries. For banking, using local ATMs and debit cards is generally convenient, but it's wise to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any service interruptions. Cash is king in rural areas, so always carry a small amount in Lempira.
When transferring money, services like Wise or OFX may offer better exchange rates and lower fees than exchanging money at a local currency exchange or withdrawing from ATMs. Additionally, consider using your home bank’s online services for transfers as these might provide favorable rates, but always compare the costs. Overall, expatriates can manage their finances effectively in Honduras with proper planning and local knowledge.
USD/HNL Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/HNL change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Honduras - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Honduras you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Honduras
When sending money to Honduras it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Honduran lempira amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted HNL amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Honduras.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Honduran lempira deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Honduras
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Honduran lempira currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the HNL exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Honduran lempira bank account: A local HNL bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Honduras. It may also be more convenient to use a local HNL bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Honduras. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Honduras. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Honduras, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Honduras.
How is the expat life in Honduras?
Expat life in Honduras can vary depending on the individual's personal experience and location within the country. Some expats may find it difficult to adjust to the culture and lifestyle in Honduras, while others may find it to be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The cost of living in Honduras is generally lower than in many other countries, which can be a positive aspect for expats.
However, the country has a high crime rate, and some areas are considered to be unsafe. It is important for expats to research and be aware of the local safety situation before moving to Honduras. Additionally, the infrastructure and access to certain goods and services may be limited in certain areas, which can be a challenge for expats. Overall, it is important for expats to be prepared for potential challenges and to have a flexible and open-minded attitude when living in Honduras.
How is the cost of living in Honduras
?The cost of living in Honduras varies depending on the specific location and lifestyle. In general, the cost of living is relatively low when compared to other Central American countries.