Honduras currency guide: The Honduran lempira (HNL)

Planning to send money to Honduras? Or maybe you’re planning a trip there and need to swap US dollars for Honduras’s currency? Either way, you’ll want a reliable way to get the best rate¹

Banks and international services like Western Union offer competitive exchange rates and can help you avoid surprises. On the flip side, exchanging money after you arrive in Honduras can sometimes mean vendors adding extra charges or commissions that eat into your travel budget.

But what, exactly, is the Honduran lempira (HNL) all about? And how did it become the official currency? Knowing a little more about it can give you a deeper appreciation for every lempira you spend.

In this guide, we’ll cover the currency’s backstory and offer several tips on exchanging money and using lempiras while traveling.

What is the currency of Honduras?

The official currency of Honduras is the lempira, represented by the symbol “L.” When exchanging money, look for the code ‘HNL.” Lempiras come in banknotes and coins. The paper notes are colorful and come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 lempiras.

When traveling to Honduras, it’s common to use lempiras. However, some businesses also accept US dollars—.

History of the Honduran lempira

The money in Honduras is named after a historic chief of the Lenca people. In the indigenous Lenca language, lempira translates to “Lord of the Mountain.” Before using lempiras, Hondurans used pesos. Honduras introduced lempiras in 1931.

Like many currencies, the value of lempira has fluctuated over time. Inflation, political issues, and the economy all impact the value of lempiras. Recently, the World Bank reported moderate economic growth in Honduras in recent years, a positive sign for the lempira’s stability.

7 tips for exchanging US dollars to lempiras

Getting the most value when you swap your dollars for lempiras starts with knowing where and how to make the exchange. Here are some simple tips for exchanging US dollars for Honduran currency.

1. Research and compare exchange rates

Both US dollars and Honduran currency are accepted in some places, but it’s smart to know how exchange rates stack up before you travel. Rates and fees vary, so take some time to research them before exchanging money in Honduras.

Local banks and exchange kiosks in Honduras might not offer competitive exchange rates. So, before you travel, check online platforms like Western Union. There, you can track live USD-to-HNL exchange rates and choose the best time to exchange money.

2. Notify your bank ahead of traveling

Before using a credit or debit card to spend Honduran currency, notify your bank that you’re traveling. It only takes a few minutes and lets them know not to flag your card for suspicious activity and block it.

After you notify your credit card issuers and banks, you should be able to spend money in Honduras without issues.

3. Avoid exchanging money at airports, hotels, and tourist areas

While exchanging money at airports, hotels, or tourist spots is convenient, it often comes with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. Getting lempiras before you travel can help stretch your budget further.

If you exchange money for Honduran currency once you arrive, be cautious about vendors who might charge additional fees. Additionally, some currency exchange booths may attempt to scam tourists with counterfeit currency.

4. Consider commissions and fees

If you’re exchanging US dollars for Honduras’s currency, compare services and look closely at the costs. Research exchange rates, but don’t forget to ask about extra fees or commissions. Fees can significantly impact the value of your exchange, and reputable companies will be transparent about them.

5. Opt to be charged in Honduran currency when withdrawing money from ATMs

One of the best ways to exchange currency is to use a reputable bank or international exchange service. However, if you use an ATM in Honduras and have the choice to withdraw in USD or HNL, pick HNL. Choosing the local Honduran currency can help you avoid extra fees and get a better exchange rate.

6. Understand that exchange rates vary depending on the day

Rates can go up or down, even in a single day. Tracking live exchange rates with Western Union’s mobile app lets you keep an eye on the latest rates. That way, you can exchange money when the timing’s right.

7. Use reputable exchanges

Before you exchange money—either in Honduras or at home—make sure you’re using a reputable service. Established banks, authorized exchange bureaus, and vetted online platforms are all reliable choices. When researching exchange services, look for security features like Touch ID for apps, transfer tracking, data encryption, and PCI DSS compliance.

Western Union checks those boxes. With online and in-app options plus agent locations across Honduras, you can pick the way that works best for you.

Using money in Honduras

Here’s everything you need to know about using Honduran currency. This includes information on tipping etiquette and using US dollars in Honduras.

Can you use US dollars in Honduras?

Many businesses accept US dollars, especially in tourist areas. Bring crisp, clean US dollars in smaller bills. Many vendors and banks in Honduras will not accept damaged or worn US dollars.

Note that the US State Department cautions travelers to be careful when using a bank or ATM in Honduras. Criminals might target tourists withdrawing cash at ATMs. To stay safe, consider bringing some US dollars with you or exchanging them for lempiras before you travel.

Tipping etiquette in Honduras

Tipping is customary in Honduras and is appreciated for good service. The Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook recommends a 10% to 15% tip at restaurants. Review your bill, as some restaurants automatically add a 10% tip. Additionally, plan to tip hotel housekeepers up to 3 USD each night.

A popular Honduras travel website advises tipping tour guides between $5 and $10. However, it’s not necessary to tip taxi drivers. Cash is preferred when tipping money in Honduras.

Where to get Honduran lempiras near me?

You can visit your local bank or a currency exchange service provider near you, such as Western Union, to order Honduran lempiras. If you’re heading to Honduras for vacation, it’s a good idea to order your lempiras a few weeks before your trip as banks may need some time to complete your exchange request.

Once in Honduras, you’ll find exchange services at airports and popular tourist areas. However, these locations may charge more fees and a higher exchange rate. Also, note that the US Department of State cautions against using ATMs in Honduras due to crime.

Explore more currency guides

Planning a trip beyond Honduras? We’ve got you covered. Check out these guides for other popular destinations:

• Mexico currency guide: the Mexican peso (MXN)
• Columbia currency guide: the Colombian peso (COP)
• Dominican Republic currency guide: the Dominican peso (DOP)
• Brazil currency guide: the Brazilian real (BRL)
• Peru currency guide: the Peruvian nuevo sol (PEN)
• Argentina currency guide: the Argentinian peso (ARS)
• Costa Rica currency guide: the Costa Rican colón (CRC)

1. Western Union makes money from currency exchange. Fees and rates subject to change without notice.