Cash

[bashaw77]

While in the Bay Islands do I need to have Honduran Money or just use credit card and not worry about cash?

 

[KatieMac]

I can't speak for Guanaja and Utila, but in Roatan West End/West Bay, most take credit card. And they also take american cash ... but it has to be in good condition. They will not take bills with tears or bits missing

 

[PChopMeyer]

We only stayed at Roatan West End couple of times. We only bring US dollars and have not had a place that didn’t take US currency. I think most places prefer cash rather than credit card, probably due to the tax system. We paid for our dives with cash and the dive shop gave us a substantial discount, I want to say 14% but I don’t remember. KatieMac is right, lots places will not accept US cash with tears. Also expect a combination of US and Honduran bills when you get change back from your bills.

 

[wdeutsch]

Utila shops will take american money, and last time I was there cards were accepted, buts sometimes had a premium (If I recall correctly). ATM access was pretty easy and safe too.

 

[Gdog]

Just be careful with the ATMs. In West End, I would suggest a walk up to the ATM that is just before you get to the roundabout at Half Moon Bay. Its inside the Petrosun gas station convenience store. Much safer than the one by Roa grocery store in West End. Just my 2 psi...
We take cash, and typically get Lempira back for change which is fine. Some places take credit cards. Also several places take paypal, venmo, zelle. We end up using all the above.
And as stated above, the dive shops usually offer a discount for cash payment.

 

[Gdog]

Also want to second the comment about any us currency with any tears in it. Most of the time they will hold it up, see the tiny tear, and slide it back to you and say no. Its crazy, some of the limp they give you looks like they dragged it down the street. But a tiny tear in your dollar will be denied. We never take anything larger than a $20, and take plenty of 10, 5, 1 dollar bills. The girls at the bank have been great about sitting down and carefully going thru all the bills to ensure no tears or defacements.

 

[Ukmc]

Guanaja shops will take dollars or lempira. Few places will take credit card.

 

[laurenceh]

No rips, tears or writing/stamps/marks on US dollars, shops will refuse them because the Honduran banks won't except them for deposit.