If you're planning a trip to the ruins of Copán or the turquoise waters of Roatán, you’ve probably asked yourself: "What is the currency for Honduras?" You might even have heard that you can just use U.S. dollars and call it a day.
Well, yes and no.
The official currency of Honduras is the lempira (HNL). It’s been the heart of the country’s economy since 1931, when it pushed the old peso out of the picture. But navigating money in Honduras isn't always as straightforward as swapping one bill for another. From the "crisp bill" rule to the local hero on the L1 note, there’s a lot to know before you land in San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa.
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The Lempira: More Than Just Paper
The currency gets its name from Lempira, a 16th-century war chieftain of the Lenca people. He’s a national legend. He led the resistance against the Spanish conquistadors, and honestly, he's everywhere—his face is on the L1 bill and the 20 and 50 centavo coins.
When people talk about the currency for Honduras, they often use the symbol L. You’ll see it on menus, grocery store shelves, and market stalls.
Honduran banknotes are famously colorful. It's actually pretty helpful for travelers because you can tell them apart at a glance. You’ve got:
- L1 (Red): Features Lempira himself.
- L2 (Purple): Marco Aurelio Soto.
- L5 (Gray): Francisco Morazán.
- L10 (Brown): José Trinidad Cabañas.
- L20 (Green): Dionisio de Herrera.
- L50 (Blue): Juan Manuel Gálvez.
- L100 (Orange/Yellow): José Cecilio del Valle.
- L200 (Turquoise): The "newest" kid on the block, featuring the Scarlet Macaw.
- L500 (Violet): Ramón Rosa.
There are coins too—centavos—but in all honesty? You won't use them much. Inflation has made them almost a novelty. Most transactions are rounded or handled with small bills.
Can You Use U.S. Dollars?
This is where it gets tricky. In tourist hotspots like Roatán, Utila, and high-end hotels in the big cities, U.S. dollars are basically a second language. Many dive shops and resorts even list their prices in USD first.
But here is the catch.
Honduran banks and businesses are incredibly picky about the physical condition of U.S. bills. If a $20 bill has a tiny tear, a corner missing, or even a little bit of ink from a pen, it's basically trash. They won't take it. Why? Because the local banks won't accept them from the merchants. If you’re bringing dollars, they need to be "movie-set perfect"—crisp, clean, and brand new.
Also, expect your change in lempiras. Even if you pay in dollars, merchants will often give you the balance in the local currency using their own exchange rate, which might not be as favorable as the official one.
The Exchange Rate Reality
As of early 2026, the exchange rate hovers around 25 to 26 lempiras for every 1 U.S. dollar.
It wasn't always like this. Back in the 80s, it was a steady 2 to 1. But like many Latin American currencies, the lempira has devalued over the decades due to inflation and economic shifts. For a traveler, this means your dollars go a long way, but it also means carrying a thick stack of bills for even a moderate dinner.
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Expert Tip: Don't exchange money at the airport. You’ll get a terrible rate. Use an ATM at a reputable bank like Banco Atlántida or BAC Credomatic once you’re in town. You’ll get the "interbank" rate, which is much fairer.
Managing Your Cash on the Ground
Honduras is still very much a cash-heavy society. While you can use your Visa or Mastercard in big supermarkets or malls, the "real" Honduras happens in cash.
If you’re heading to a local mercado to grab some baleadas (a must-try flour tortilla folded with beans and cheese), don't even try to pull out a credit card. They’ll just laugh. Even L500 bills can be hard for small vendors to break. It’s always smart to keep a stash of L1, L5, and L10 bills for taxis and street food.
ATMs and Security
Most travelers find that withdrawing lempiras from an ATM is the easiest way to go. Most machines have a limit—usually around 5,000 lempiras per withdrawal.
Just a heads up: some ATMs might offer to do the "conversion" for you. Always decline this. Let your home bank do the conversion. The ATM's "convenience" rate is almost always a rip-off. Also, try to use ATMs located inside malls or banks during daylight hours for safety. It's just common sense.
What You Need to Do Next
If you're packing your bags for Honduras right now, here’s the game plan.
First, call your bank and tell them you’re traveling so they don't freeze your card the moment you buy a coffee in Tegucigalpa. Second, go to your local bank at home and request about $100 to $200 in small, pristine U.S. bills ($1s and $5s are best). This is your emergency "backup" cash.
Once you arrive, find a secure ATM to withdraw a few thousand lempiras for your daily spending. Keep your money separated—some in your wallet, some in a hidden spot in your luggage—and you'll be set to enjoy everything from the Mayan ruins to the Caribbean reefs without a single "currency headache."
Key Takeaways for Your Trip:
- Official Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL).
- Symbol: L.
- Current Rate: Approximately 25-26 L per 1 USD.
- USD Acceptance: Common in tourist areas (Roatán/Utila), but bills must be in perfect condition.
- Best Practice: Use local ATMs for the best rates and carry small denominations (L1, L5, L10) for daily use.