Is cash still widely used?
Yes. Honduras is predominantly cash-based. Local transport, markets, smaller restaurants, and guesthouses across the country require lempira cash. Roatán island has better card acceptance at tourist resorts, but lempiras are needed for everyday spending.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and tourist towns. Banco Atlántida and BAC Honduras machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 50 HNL per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Good availability in larger cities; limited in rural areas
- Roatán has ATMs but withdraw extra before heading to smaller Bay Islands
Card acceptance
Low. Tourist resorts on Roatán and larger hotels in cities accept cards. Everywhere else requires lempira cash.
Tips for travelers
- Honduras is very affordable — lempiras go a long way
- Roatán is a world-class diving destination with improving card infrastructure
- Carry sufficient lempiras for inland travel and local transport
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in tourist restaurants