The currency
The Honduran Lempira (L or HNL) is the local currency, named after the 16th-century Lenca chief Lempira. The exchange rate hovers around L 25–26 per USD. US dollars are accepted at many hotels, tour operators and Bay Islands ferries, but you'll need Lempiras for taxis, street food, mototaxis and most local restaurants.
ATMs & cards
ATMs are widely available in the city — BAC, Banco Atlántida, Ficohsa, HSBC and BanRural all have multiple branches. Most accept Visa, Mastercard and Plus/Cirrus. Withdrawal limits are typically L 5,000–10,000 per transaction (USD $200–400). Notify your bank you're traveling. Cards (Visa/MC) are accepted at most hotels, mid-range restaurants, supermarkets and tour operators. Amex is rare.
Typical costs
La Ceiba is inexpensive by US/European standards.
- Street baleada: L 25–50 (USD $1–2)
- Sit-down lunch with drink: L 150–250 (USD $6–10)
- Nice dinner with seafood and a beer: L 400–700 (USD $16–28)
- Local beer (Salva Vida, Imperial): L 35–60
- City taxi ride: L 50–80
- Mid-range hotel double room: L 800–1,500 (USD $32–60)
- Boutique / eco-lodge: L 2,500–6,000+ (USD $100–250+)
- Cayos Cochinos day trip: USD $50–75 per person
- Half-day rafting on the Cangrejal: USD $50–70 per person
Tipping
Honduras isn't a heavy tipping culture but it's appreciated.
- Restaurants: a 10% service charge is often already added — check the bill. If not, 10% is standard for good service.
- Taxis: round up to the nearest L 10 or 20.
- Tour guides: USD $5–10 per person per half-day, more for full-day or specialty guides.
- Hotel housekeeping: L 30–50 per night.
- Hotel bellhops: L 20–50 per bag.