Safety

Be street-smart in Honduras and trouble generally won't find you. Money belts peg you as a tourist, so if you must wear one, hide it under your clothing. If you carry a purse, choose one with a zipper and a thick strap that you can drape across your body; adjust the length so that the purse sits in front of you. Carry only enough money to cover casual spending. Keep camera bags close to your body. Note that backpacks are especially easy to grab and open secretly. Finally, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and watches.

Many streets throughout Honduras are not well lighted, so avoid walking at night, and certainly avoid deserted streets, day or night. Always walk as if you know where you're going, even if you don't.

If using your own vehicle, avoid driving on rural roads at night. It gets dark throughout Honduras between 5:30 and 6 pm year-round. Make a point to be at your destination by dark.

Use only official taxis with the company's name emblazoned on the side. Don't get into a car just because there's a taxi sign in the window, as it might be an unlicensed driver. Taxis should be your only means of getting around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba after dark, even if you're going just a very short distance. Anywhere at night, you or the staff should call a taxi from your hotel or restaurant.

Do not let anyone distract you. Beware of one of the oldest tricks in the book in Central America: someone "accidentally" spills food or liquid on you and then offers to help clean it up; the spiller might have an accomplice who will walk off with your purse or your suitcase while you are distracted.

Women, especially blondes, can expect some admiring glances and perhaps a comment or two, but outright come-ons or grabbing are rare. Usually all that is needed is to ignore the perpetrator and keep walking down the street.

Government Information and Advisories

Advisories

U.S. Department of State. travel.state.gov.