Currency
Lempira (La) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of La500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centavos. A real is one-eighth of a Lempira, and is used colloquially, though there is no such coin.
Currency exchange
Sterling cannot normally be exchanged, except at branches of Lloyds Bank; visitors should therefore take US Dollars.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Lempira against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | £1.00= | 32.29 | 33.77 | 35.15 | 36.80 | | $1.00= | 18.08 | 18.33 | 18.56 | 19.49 |
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import and export of local or foreign currency, but it is advisable to declare US Dollars.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500 (some banks open until 1800). Some branches open Sat 0900-1200.
|