Honduras

MONEY & COSTS

Costs
Honduras is an inexpensive country overall, but a trip here can be pricey simply because of the activities you’re likely to do, namely diving. Besides diving, lodging will likely be your biggest expense. Hotel prices run around US$15 to US$25 per night. Budget travelers can manage lodging for under US$12 per day in popular destinations and under US$8 in remote areas.

For most travelers, eating out will cost around US$6 to US$8 per person per meal, once drinks, taxes, and tip are added in. But you can save money by eating at street food vendors and no-name eateries, and by getting lunch or breakfast items at a grocery store instead of a restaurant. Being careful, budget travelers can bring food costs down to US$5 per meal or less.

Money
The local currency is the lempira and it’s considered to be relatively stable. For exchange rates consider checking out www.activexport.com, 1€ = 26,7 lempiras (avril 2011)


HEALTH & SAFETY

Health

Since most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a physician four to eight weeks before departure. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received. This is mandatory for countries that require proof of yellow-fever vaccination upon entry, but it’s a good idea to carry it wherever you travel.

Bring medications in their original containers, clearly labeled. A signed, dated letter from your physician describing all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity.

The only required vaccine is the one for yellow fever, and that’s only if you’re arriving in Honduras from a yellow-fever–infected country in Africa or South America. However, a number of vaccines are recommended.

The World Health Organization publishes a detailed book called International Travel and Health, which is revised annually and is available online at no cost at www.who.int Another website of general interest is www.pasteur.fr, which provides complete travel health recommendations for every country at no cost.

Safety

Hiking hazards
The greatest hazard while hiking is getting lost (at least two travelers have died in Parque Nacional Montaña de Celaque, evidently after getting off the trail and being unable to find it again). Even in a well-traveled park like Celaque, the trails can be overgrown in places, and secondary paths used by animals and hunters can easily lead hikers astray. Guides are readily available at most hiking areas, and it is strongly recommended to use them.

Although mostly found on the north coast and in La Moskitia, you should be alert for poisonous snakes throughout Honduras. Coral snakes, rattlesnakes and barba amarilla (otherwise known as the lancehead) are among the most common types seen. Wear long pants and boots and be careful where you step.

Thefts & muggings
Honduras has a very high crime and violence rate, though the vast majority of travelers experience no problems. Pickpocketing and petty theft are most common. Take ordinary precautions, like not wearing flashy jewelry, walking around with your camera out or pulling out a wad of cash. Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are the worst places for street crime. The downtown areas of both are fine during the day, but less-so after dark. Consider taking a cab when it gets late. If you are mugged, do not resist.

In general, small towns are much safer than the big cities. Watch yourself on the north coast, especially on the beach: avoid leaving items unattended and do not walk on the beach at night. It seems to be a favorite tactic of thieves to wait in the trees along a deserted stretch of beach, especially after dark, and wait for someone to happen by.

For more information, you can follow the link www.diplomatie.gouv..fr.

VISAS

Citizens of the United States, Canada, most European countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand normally receive 90-day tourist cards when entering the country. A yellow slip of paper will be stapled or folded into your passport – don’t lose it, as you’ll have to turn it in when you leave, or get it stamped if you extend your stay.

You can extend your stay once for another 90 days. After that, you’ll be required to leave the country for at least three days. To extend your stay, take your passport to any immigration office and ask for a prórroga (visa extension). You’ll have to fill out a form and pay US$20. Practically every city and town in Honduras has an immigration office (migración) where you can do this.

For more information, you can you can follow the link www.diplomatie.gouv.fr.

JETLAG

The time differences between France and cities in Honduras is 8 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter.


NEWS

If you are looking for daily news about honduras you can visit the website www.hondurasnews.com.

Les informations contenues dans les pages du site planetedje.tofi.org sont susceptibles de modification et sont données à titre indicatif. Planetedje.tofi.org ne peut, en aucun cas, être tenu responsable d'incidents qui pourraient survenir pendant un voyage.