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Understanding Honduras Currency

Travel to any destination is exciting, especially when that destination is Honduras, a country rich in beautiful coastline and mysterious ruins. While it’s wise for Americans to stay toward the coasts and away from the dangerous cities, Honduras has plenty to offer. Mayan ruins rest here, as does the perfect diving conditions on Bay Islands, as well as the opportunity to explore nearly a dozen national parks. It is also one of the most cost-friendly countries in the area, attracting tourists to the white sand beaches and clear ocean waters. If you are planning a trip to Honduras, make sure you understand the currency, then proceed to XchangeforAmerica to grab some cash while sitting at home.

The currency is called lempiras. It comes in coin and paper versions, and is divided in similar denominations to the American dollar. Remember that hotels and shops will charge higher rates for exchange, so make your foreign currency exchange before leaving home. Use common sense with traveling with cash in Honduras, as in any country, and divide the cash among different pockets. If you are traveling with someone, divide the money between your persons. This will reduce the amount stolen if you are robbed.

Grab 100 and 200-lempira notes, as the 500 notes are more difficult to cash in most locations. Get smaller notes for tipping, buses, and smaller expenses, such as the 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 lempira notes.

Keep in mind that many places on the islands will take American dollars in addition to the lempiras, but be sure to ask before assuming. On the mainland, you will only be able to use lempiras. It’s also wise to invest in a cash belt, putting only what you will need for the day in your front pocket. It’s never a good idea to advertise the real amount of money you’re carrying.

Remember that ATM’s in Honduras are not always reliable, so it’s not wise to rely on them for more currency. Try to exchange what you will need before leaving home, and have a plan for carrying the foreign currency in a number of different pockets, to avoid having it all stolen by a pickpocket.

Keep in mind that tipping in Honduras must be done with lempiras, in small bills. Check the bill to see if a service fee has been added, then tip according to the service provided. Tip porters, maids, wait staff, and anyone else you might tip in America.

Prices on the islands surrounding Honduras are low, with the mainland becoming increasingly more expensive. Shopping includes many different markets, including open-air markets, where travelers will stretch their lempiras by haggling prices. This practice is expected. Department stores make an appearance here, as do stretches of shops, similar to outdoor malls. Specialty stores are great for souvenirs, but may only take lempiras. Find out before traveling, or research before making a purchase. Either way, if you carry both dollars and lempiras, you will always be prepared. Contact XchangeforAmerica today to grab your lempiras and be ready for your exciting trip to Honduras.

Financial Tips Before You Travel

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Traveling is exciting, but it requires a high level of planning. Remembering everything can be consuming; what if you forget something then realize it in the foreign country, where you can do nothing to change it? Planning for the overall trip requires a number of different planning lists, including a financial planning list, which is the list people forget to create most often. From foreign currency exchange online to understanding foreign banks, there is a full list of to-do’s to complete if you want a financially sound trip.

Prepare a Budget

It’s important to prepare a budget while planning for the trip. Not only does this help you prepare for the necessary money exchange, it will help you understand exactly how much cash you’ll need to exchange. Costs to work into this budget include, but are not limited to, daily food, transportation, shopping, and entertainment options throughout the trip. In fact, the budget should be one of the first parts of planning the trip – this way, you will be able to watch the exchange rates and get the cash exchanged at the best rate possible before leaving. It’s wise to add 10% to what you believe you will need to account for unexpected expenses.

Call the Bank

It’s always wise to tell your bank about your trip. If you elect to use a credit card, your bank will know of your plans, and will not cancel your card, as use of a card in a foreign country signals to the bank that it might be stolen. If your card is declined because your bank is trying to protect you, you may find yourself stranded. Don’t do this to yourself. Tell your bank of your intention to use the card in a new location, and, while you’re on the phone, find out if your bank offers any services in the country of travel.

Use Back Up Plans

Back up plans are always wise, as you never know what might happen. Consider purchasing traveler’s insurance to back you up in case that card is declined, or something else goes wrong. Also, split the cash you have with your travel partner, if you have one. This way, if one person is robbed, you have a fallback plan. Wear a moneybelt when traveling alone, or hide your currency in inner pockets, such as inside jackets or inner pants compartments.

Exchange Online

It’s always smart to exchange online with a service such as Xchange for America. Exchanging early, before the trip, saves the stress of having to research reliable foreign places for exchange, and it puts cash in your hand as soon as you get off the plane. You are free to proceed directly to a taxi or other transportation service without waiting in line at exchange centers. You’ll get more out of your vacation, and you’ll have more freedom to do what you want, instead of what you have to do.

Planning financially is the most overlooked necessity in traveling. When you make a financial to-do list, you come home feeling relaxed and secure in the knowledge of exactly where each penny of your money lies.

What to Understand About Foreign Currency Exchange Before Traveling

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It’s essential for every traveler to understand the money they will be using upon arrival in the foreign country; unfortunately, too many travelers wait until the last minute to consider their foreign spending power. The truth is that choosing how to spend overseas money requires some research combined with personal choices. The best travelers make these decisions in the initial planning stages of the trip, rather than waiting until they arrive in the destination country.

Consider the Constant Flux

The smart traveler checks the currency rates and makes exchanges during the planning stages of the trip, but also checks the exchange rates consistently, as they are in constant state of fluctuation. Remember that a great rate today could change tomorrow, so make sure to grab the best rates when they are available. Rates are also subject to change within minutes, so make it a habit to watch the rate flux when deciding on currency timing. Check the rates immediately before traveling as well, to know what you’ll be facing when you arrive at your destination.

Cash Vs. Plastic

Many financial advisors have hinted that we should all get rid of paper money and just use plastic, but the world as a whole hasn’t caught up with this concept. Plastic is still not accepted everywhere, and US cards used abroad are often prone to technical glitches. Professional banks, such as Discover, warn travelers to not be surprised if a card is rejected overseas. Smart foreign travelers know that there is also a fee attached to using a credit card in other countries; the sticker shock alone makes travelers shy about using plastic over paper. It’s smart to grab some cash currency before leaving, or purchase an international currency card, preloaded, before getting on the plane.

Exchange Ahead

The idea of exchanging money ahead of time when traveling appears to be the best available option. After you’ve found the best rate through your diligent following of the exchange rates, and when you’re ready to secure the cash you’ll need, it’s time to contact Xchange for America and make the transaction happen. You’ll have the best rate possible, minimal fees, and the peace of mind you need to go directly from plane to taxi, and forward with your trip. You’ll take one less hassle out of the full travel experience.

Exchanging After Travel

It’s wisest to exchange before traveling, but sometimes, it’s necessary to exchange mid-trip. There are a few considerations for exchanging overseas. It is possible to exchange at the airport, and it’s typically highly convenient, but it’s not always safe, especially if you have no experience with the country you’re visiting. However, if you do exchange at airports, read ahead to find out how easy it is, if there are extra fees, and if there are change or cancellation penalties. The best way to read about a specific airport is to visit its website, which typically contains exchange information.

ATM’s and banks are a second option in foreign, in-country exchange. Remember, however, that ATM’s include hefty fees, sometimes hidden behind specific ATM provider fees. Many travelers have been hit with sticker shock upon returning home and reviewing these charges.