Scam in HondurasChanging money
Poor-value border money exchange in Honduras
How it works
Walking money changers offer rates below those available at banks. This is a poor-value exchange rather than proof of fraud.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches you at the border offering an exchange.
- The amount offered is lower than the bank rate.
How to avoid it
- Compare the rate before handing over money.
- Use a bank when practical and bring your passport.
- Confirm the exact amount you will receive.
- Count the money before completing the exchange.
If it happens to you
If the exchange is not complete, decline the rate. If you received the agreed amount, a poor rate alone may give you little basis to recover the difference.
- Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, chase the thief or make sudden movements.
- Seek medical help if you are injured or suspect drugging. Stay with a trusted person.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer. Lock a stolen phone remotely and secure important accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Contact your insurer and, if needed, your embassy or consulate. Use caution when dealing with local police because corruption is reported.
- Keep copies of reports and claim numbers. Arrange replacement documents and safe onward transport.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2014Border Crossing Special! | horsin' around on a thumperA motorcyclist reports being offered 19 Honduran lempiras per dollar when the actual exchange rate was 21.03.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blog2023New Year in Guatemala and Honduras – The Nomad ChapterTravellers received 300 lempiras for 100 quetzales at the border versus a bank rate of 316, though they considered the difference acceptable.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blogBootsnAll — true life planet2008Honduran Border Crossing:Corrupt Officials,Moneychangers, and Infatuated Taxi DriversA traveller describes rejecting a poor border exchange quote after checking the rate beforehand, then eventually changing money because the bank was closed.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the poor-value border money exchange scam in Honduras?
Walking money changers offer rates below those available at banks. This is a poor-value exchange rather than proof of fraud.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches you at the border offering an exchange. The amount offered is lower than the bank rate.
How do I avoid poor-value border money exchange in Honduras?
Compare the rate before handing over money. Use a bank when practical and bring your passport. Confirm the exact amount you will receive. Count the money before completing the exchange.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If the exchange is not complete, decline the rate. If you received the agreed amount, a poor rate alone may give you little basis to recover the difference.
Where in Honduras does this happen?
Border crossings, where money changers approach travellers
How much can it cost me?
Border money changers usually offer about 5–10% below value.
How common is this scam in Honduras?
Common. The main risks in Honduras are robbery and theft, with common robberies on public buses and street crime in several cities. Travellers may also face inflated taxi quotes, poor border exchange rates, hard-luck scams and drugging followed by theft. Take extra care after dark, near tourist hotels and in busy markets.
Who can I report it to?
Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a trusted contact number to freeze cards, report theft and dispute unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact the assistance or claims service listed in your policy. Ask what evidence and reports are needed. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with stolen travel documents and guidance on local reporting. Local police: exercise caution because corruption is reported. Consider getting advice from your embassy or insurer before approaching police. No reporting number is provided. Transport provider or rental company: use its official support channel to report a fare dispute, a driver incident or a vehicle break-in. Keep booking and payment records.
Reviewed by @snuck