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Animals
Pets must be accompanied with a proof of vaccination and a medical
certificate from their home country.
 Churches
Catholic churches can be found throughout the country. There are
also other denominations within the country. Check with your hotel front
desk for more information.
Climate
The climate varies due to Honduras being located between two oceans.
The north is hot and humid; the central is cooler and the south is usually
hot and dry. There are two seasons dry and rainy. The dry season is
from November to May and the rainy from June to October.
Clothing
Like other Central American countries it all depends on what part
of the country you are in. Sweaters or a jacket are a must if you are
staying in the mountains. Light colored cotton clothing is essential
when you visit the Caribbean coast and other lowland areas. A wide brimmed
hat and sunglasses are suggested for the beach.
Communications
Telephone service is found throughout the country as well as telex,
fax and cable tv. Honduras is also linked to Internet.
Credit Cards and Travelers Checks
All major credit cards are accepted in the larger tourist areas
and at most restaurants, hotels and stores. Travelers checks can be
exchanged at most banks but some will only accept a certain kind.
Currency Exchange
The official currency is the Lempira. The rate versus the US dollar
fluctuates please check with your travel agent before entering the country.
Customs
Tourists are exempt for the first $1,000.00 US upon entering the
country. The exemption is valid two times per year.
Departure Tax
Foreign travelers over the age of 12 must pay about $20.00 US.
Electricity
110 volts, 60 mhz. is found throughout the country.
Entry Requirements
Visas: Citizens of most Western European countries, Austraila, Canada,
New Zealand, the UK and the USA can stay 30 days without a visa. Extensions
giving a total stay of 90 days are possible. You can enter with only
a valid passport. Most other countries require a visa and valid passport.
Please check ahead before traveling.
Government
Honduras is a democratic republic and elections are held every four
years. Hospitals Healthcare is very good and hospitals can be found
throughtout the capital and in San Pedro Sula. In out- lying areas contact
your hotel front desk.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in all the tourist
areas.
Population
The population is approximately 5 million. Over 50 percent live
in rural areas and more than half are less than 18 years of age. The
majority are mestizo, part white and part indian, there are also many
indigenous cultures. Nearly ten percent live in the capital city of
Tegucigalpa and another ten percent live in the San Pedro Sula area.
Taxes
A 7% sales tax is added to merchandise and services. There is also
a 10% tax on alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco products.
Telephone
World-wide direct dial service is available throughout the country.
Time Zone
Honduras is in the Central standard time zone and does not observe
daylight-savings time.
Tipping
A 10% tip in restaurants is customary but some restaurants add it
to your bill. It's wise to check your bill before tipping.
Topography
Honduras is the knee of Central America, bordered to the south by
Nicaragua and El Salvador and to the west by Guatemala. It encompasses
an area of over 43,000 square miles and is the second largest country
in Central America. It has a 400 mile-long Caribbean coast and a 78
mile Pacific coast. The Caribbean Bay Islands and, further north east,
the distant Swan islands are both part of Honduran territory.
Water
The water is safe to drink in the populated areas. When in the outlying
areas check to see if it has been filtered or purified before drinking.
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