My credit card keeps declining in Honduras and I have enough money on there and all international transactions are activated - what do I do?
From my visit, I can say card rejections in Honduras are expected. BAC Credomatic ATMs were most reliable for me. Shops in big malls were fine, but in Copán Ruinas and rural areas, cash was the only way. Plan around 1,600-2,000 HNL daily for meals and sightseeing. Always carry some lempiras and possibly USD to avoid problems when your card won’t go through.
Honduras is very cash-heavy. In San Pedro Sula, I tried three ATMs before Banco Atlántida finally worked with my Visa. In smaller towns and along the north coast, cards were almost useless. I budgeted 1,500-1,800 HNL per day for food, buses, and excursions. Don’t rely solely on cards-bring USD as backup because it’s often accepted. ATMs are inconsistent, so it’s best to withdraw enough when you find one that works.
I had my Mastercard declined several times in Honduras before finding a BAC Credomatic ATM that worked. Resorts and hotels in Roatán accepted cards, but local eateries and markets wanted cash. Plan for about 1,800 HNL daily if you’re including meals and transport. Always carry lempiras since card systems are unreliable. If your card is enabled for international use and still failing, try a different bank’s ATM.
In Honduras, card declines are common, especially outside major cities. My Visa kept failing in La Ceiba until I tried Banco Atlántida, which worked. Shops in Tegucigalpa malls usually accepted cards, but in Roatán and Utila most restaurants and dive shops preferred cash. You’ll need 1,500-2,000 HNL daily for food, taxis, and activities like snorkeling trips. Withdraw cash early, because ATMs sometimes run out or reject international cards altogether.