Business Customs

Understanding cross-cultural differences has important implications for the negotiation process of international commercial transactions. To a greater degree than in the United States, personal relationships are important in creating and maintaining business ties and avoiding possible disputes. As a result, Honduran businesspeople build life-long relationships and establish close links with clients or customers, creating a reciprocal feeling of obligation and desire to assist.

Since Hondurans are hospitable and gracious hosts, the closing of a business deal is similar to a social activity. As a result, many Americans find that going straight to the point when negotiating with Hondurans is not well received. When meeting with Honduran counterparts, it is often best to move into business matters gradually and engage in preliminary discussions for building rapport. Business lunches are common and usually long. After the courtesy formalities have been taken care of, meetings generally turn to a more concrete discussion of business. Hence, business negotiations tend to be slower and more drawn out in Honduras, placing more emphasis on relationships than conducting a business transaction.

As far as punctuality and business etiquette, Hondurans tend to be more relaxed than Americans. Waiting for meetings is not unusual, but this approach to scheduling should not necessarily be taken as discourtesy or disinterest. To the extent possible, U.S. exporters should avoid stereotyping potential partners or jumping to conclusions if someone reacts in an unexpected way.

Hondurans are generally very friendly. Giving and receiving gifts is a common cultural aspect, but aren’t expected during first visits or business meetings. Business cards are exchanged without much ceremony and should preferably be printed in both English and Spanish. When traveling to Tegucigalpa, the capital city, U.S. company representatives won’t go wrong by dressing in business suits. The dress code for the industrial city of San Pedro Sula, however, is much less formal due to the warm weather and business attires often involve lighter fabrics and smart business casual.

Travel Advisory

After COVID-19 emergency response measures, the Honduran government announced the resumption of domestic and international flights in August 2020. Travelers should communicate directly with individual air carriers to confirm flight options, and to validate the most updated information on entry and exit requirements and movement restrictions, among others. As of May 2023, it is no longer mandatory to use face masks or social distancing in public, yet it is highly recommended.

One important issue to keep in mind when visiting Honduras is security. Street crime including theft, pickpocketing, and armed robberies is a concern. As a precaution, one should avoid wearing excessive jewelry and visibly carrying cellular phones, valuables or large sums of money when walking in downtown areas. In the event that one’s passport is stolen or lost, or that one experiences a threatening situation, it should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section. 

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Additional information is also available through the Consular Information page for Honduras here.

Visa Requirements

A U.S. passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required to enter Honduras. A visa is not required for American citizens, but tourists must provide evidence of return or onward travel. Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days.

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the following link(s):  State Department Visa Website.

For additional information regarding travel to Honduras, please contact the Honduran Embassy in Washington D.C. located at 1220 19th St NW Suite 320, Washington D.C. 20036, tel. (202) 966-7751. In addition, Honduran Consulates are located in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, San Juan, and Tampa.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s):  State Department Visa Website”

Currency

The currency in Honduras is the Lempira (HNL). As of September 2023, 1.00 USD equals 24.579 HNL.

ATMs are widely used in Honduras. Nevertheless, travelers should carry cash and some travelers’ checks as back-up plan should they encounter system difficulties.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telephone service is adequate. Direct-dial, long-distance calling within Honduras and to the U.S. and several other counties is available. Costs are based on the destination, and rates are available through operator assistance. Three mobile telephone providers currently operate in Honduras. Wi-Fi and high-speed connectivity are prevalent in most hotels. The standard voltage in Honduras is 110V electricity.

Radio reception is satisfactory. U.S.-style music is featured on several stations, but news is exclusively in Spanish. A good short-wave radio is necessary to receive American stations and international broadcasts, including the Voice of America (VOA).  The Embassy’s Public Affairs Section has schedules and program information.

42 local and national TV stations can be seen in Honduras, all with Spanish-language programming. Cable and pay-TV services are also available with a wide range of stations, including major U.S. networks and entertainment-oriented stations.

Three daily Spanish-language newspapers are published in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Major sources of English-language news are the Latin American air express editions of the Miami Herald, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and USA Today, which arrive the day of, or day after, publication.  Overseas editions of Time and Newsweek are available at several newsstands or by subscription.

Transportation

A major development for Honduras’ transportation infrastructure is the construction of the new Palmerola International Airport, situated in the valley of Comayagua (70km from the capital city). Palmerola officially started operations in mid-November 2021 and has replaced the Toncontin International Airport for international flights.

Departures

Be sure not to bring prohibited items in your carry-on. Keep in mind The National and International Regulation prohibits the transportation of liquids and gels in hand baggage, for national and international flights, unless it complies with the following:

• Liquid or gel must be store in containers up to 100ml.
• Liquids and gels must be transported in a resealable bag
• Only one bag per passenger

Airport Security will verify that prohibited items are not transported on commercial aircrafts such as weapons, explosives, and objects that could be used as such.

Also, please keep in mind to do your immigration pre-check on the Honduran Immigration National Institution web page: https://inm.gob.hn/ The departure fees are included in the airfare price and are currently:

1. Passengers on domestic flights 52.10L/ USD2.19

2. International passengers with Honduran passport USD47.59 / 1,132.64L

3. International passengers with all other passports USD47.59 / 1,132.64L

Arrivals

Please make sure to not leave behind personal items on the aircraft.

1. International Passengers: Must carry personal identification and submit the immigration and customs forms when they are required. Please make sure you grab your luggage by comparing the luggage tag.
2. National Passengers: Please grab your luggage and exit by the public area.

Declarations /Statements

When traveling, if you carry over $10,000.00 in cash or its equivalent in other currencies it shall be declared to the competent authority.

Under-age travelers

Requirements for a minor to leave the country:

1. Submit valid passport attesting that minor is within the authorized period of stay and/or the respective extension of tourism.
2. Submit to the immigration office.

Hondurans minors and foreigners living in Honduras must present:

1. Valid passport

2. Identity card for countries that do not require passports

3. Authorization from third parties duly authenticated by Notary Public

Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. In addition to COVID-19 vaccination, these include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. If you want to travel onwards from Honduras to the following countries in the Americas, you should be vaccinated against yellow fever: Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, Venezuela, Paraguay. Other Countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Ruanda, Sao Tome Principe, Togo. There is no risk of yellow fever in Honduras.

The government of Honduras requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the United States.

Ground Transportation 

Passenger ground transportation, including comfortable bus service, is also available to various cities in the country, as well as to some Central American destinations. Although the cabs are often run-down, taxi service is available in the downtown areas of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and can be hired on an hourly basis.  

Travelers are encouraged to use the official transport services that have a business relationship with the airports and/or hotels, and same with taxis and rent a car services. 

A good option for foreign visitors is to call Radio Taxi (+504-2239-8795), a reliable cab service available in the cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.  Also, COTATYH cabs are commonly used to transport travelers from Palmerola to Tegucigalpa and vice versa. They can be contacted at the following number: (504) 9580-7282. Daytime fares are priced at US$60. After 6:00 pm, the fare increases to $80.00.

In addition, the Uber app is currently the only ridesharing app on the market and available in the country. However, it is recommended to have cash as an alternative payment method in case any problems arise when using a credit card.

Major hotels and airports in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula offer shuttle service for two to three times the normal rates. Taxis are not metered, so negotiation of the fare before entering is strongly advised. In addition, several car rental companies are also available.  

Language

Spanish is the official language of Honduras. A substantial number of Honduran professionals and business executives speak English and many high government officials and private sector leaders were educated in the United States. English is often spoken in the Bay Islands.

Health

Although the COVID-19 risk in Honduras is much lower, all eligible travelers should be up to date with the vaccines. As the situation changes worldwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are monitoring risks in each country, including Honduras. Travelers should check CDC’s Travel recommendations by Destination.

Drinking water must be boiled and filtered. Purified water can be purchased in major cities and smaller towns throughout Honduras. Fruits and vegetables must be cleaned carefully and meats cooked well.               

CDC recommends Hepatitis A and Thypoid vaccine as you may be exposed these diseases through contaminated food or water in Honduras regardless of where you are eating or staying. The main health hazards include Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria, AIDS, malaria, dysentery, parasites, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. A malaria suppressant should be taken as well as the use of insect repellant is recommended if traveling to coastal regions or rural areas for extended stays. As Dengue is an ongoing risk, it is recommended that travelers protect themselves from mosquito bites. Essential medical care service is available in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Choluteca. In the countryside, medical care in many cases is very limited and often inaccessible.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not accepted for hospital admission, physician service, or medical testing in Honduras. The Medicare/Medicaid program doesn’t provide for payment of medical services outside of the United States. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Local Time: Honduras does not switch to Daylight Savings Time. Therefore, for six months out of the year, Honduras is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. For the rest of the year, Honduras is only 1 hour behind Eastern Standard Time.

Business Hours: Normal business hours for commercial and industrial offices are between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday through Friday. Manufacturing plants and construction sites start at 07:00 and close between 16:00 and 17:00. Banks are open to the public at 09:00 and close at 17:00, including auto banking. Some banks have automatic teller machines, that are open all night.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

The Temporary Import Law (RIT), enacted in 1984, allows exporters to introduce raw materials, parts, and capital equipment into Honduran territory exempt from surcharges and customs duties as long as the material or part is to be incorporated into a product that is exported outside of the country. This law also provides a 10-year tax holiday on profits from these non-traditional exports, under certain conditions. Interested parties may obtain authorization for this program through the Honduran Ministry of Economic Development. Amendments made to the RIT law in 1997 allow manufacturers to export their products into other Central American countries. These amendments also enable local importers to resell the machinery and equipment no longer needed, by paying an import duty based on its C.I.F. value.      

Companies that do not operate in free trade zones or export processing zones fall under the jurisdiction of the Temporary Import Law. At present, over 500 companies are incorporated into the RIT program.

Temporary entry requirements for goods such as commercial samples, sales displays and other items for use at exhibits and trade shows are established under Article 73 of the Honduran Customs Law, Decree 212-87. Customs legislation allows duty free admission of such products, as well as for items to be used for scientific and entertainment purposes for up to 3 months. This temporary entry authorization can also be extended for the same period of time, if necessary. Temporary import requirements also apply under Article 74 of the Honduran Customs Law for a period of up to 6 months, such as in the case of products to be used in the execution of construction projects, tourism and recreational activities, and other special private and public works.  Temporary entry is granted upon making a deposit equivalent to the import duty applicable to the specific product. The guarantee is refunded at the time of re-exporting the product.

Any special questions regarding Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings you may call or email the following:

Honduran Export Assistance Center

Public hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tegucigalpa desk office:

Tel: + (504) 2242-8361

E-mail: centrex.hn@gmail.com

Central Bank of Honduras

Tegucigalpa: + (504) 2216-0700

La Ceiba: + (504) 2442-0602/0447

Choluteca: + (504) 2782-0472

San Pedro Sula: + (504) 2552 – 2741 to 43

E-mail: transparencia@bch.hn

Honduran Agricultural Sanitary Service

Tegucigalpa: + (504) 2239-7089; 2232-6213, Ext. 225

E-mail: permisosenlinea@senasa-sag.gob.hn