The Journey Setup
I was in Tegucigalpa, Honduras’s capital, planning to cross into Nicaragua. My day started with a classic traveler’s mistake – oversleeping. Instead of my planned 6 AM start, I woke up at noon. This started a chain of events that turned into quite an adventure.
Real Transport Costs in Honduras (2024)
| Transport Type | Cost (USD) | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber (Tegucigalpa) | $5 | 30 mins | Peak hours (usually $3) |
| Bus to Choluteca | $6 | 1 hour | Air-conditioned, armed guards |
| Local bus to Border | $2 | 1 hour | Basic bus |
| City Taxi | $3 | Any distance | Within city limits |
| Border Taxi | $5-10 | Varies | Night rates higher |
Money Matters
Currency Exchange Rates
- 1 USD = 25 Honduran Lempira
- 1 Honduran Lempira = 3.3 INR
- Nicaragua requires fresh USD bills
Recommended Cash to Carry
- Border crossing: Minimum $50
- Emergency fund: Extra $100
- Small bills preferred
- Clean, new USD notes for visa
The Journey in Detail
Morning Mistakes
- Alarm didn’t ring at 6 AM
- Woke up at noon
- Main bus company fully booked
- Had to take multiple local buses
- No advance hotel booking in Nicaragua
Transport Challenge
- First Leg: Tegucigalpa to Choluteca
- Comfortable bus
- Armed guards present
- 70% full
- Air conditioning worked
- Second Leg: Choluteca to Border
- More basic transport
- Sunday meant limited service
- Hard to find the right bus
- No proper bus station
Safety Observations
During Day
- Armed guards at bus stations
- Police checkpoints common
- Main roads relatively safe
- Public places well monitored
At Night
- Limited transportation
- Few people around
- Armed guards advise against travel
- ATMs hard to find
- Most shops closed
Border Crossing Details
Honduras Side
- Exit stamp process quick
- Armed guards present
- Truck lines very long
- Basic facilities available
Nicaragua Side
- Strict about visa rules
- Different requirements for Indians
- Cash payment needed
- No card acceptance
- ATM back in Honduras
Visa Complications
The Central America Puzzle
- Guatemala visa valid for 4 countries
- But Nicaragua has separate rules
- 30-day total limit across countries
- Need proof of onward travel
- Must carry passport copies
Special Rules for Indians
- Extra documentation needed
- US visa helps but not enough
- Cash payment mandatory
- Different processing time
Learning Points
What Went Right
- Having multiple payment options
- Keeping passport easily accessible
- Speaking basic Spanish
- Having phone with maps
- Carrying water and snacks
What Went Wrong
- Late start
- No advance planning
- Limited cash
- No hotel booking
- Arriving at border at night
- Not checking visa rules properly
- Not having emergency dollars
- Assuming ATMs would be available
Travel Tips from Experience
Border Crossing Times
- Best time: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Avoid: After 4 PM
- Never at: Night
Money Management
- Always carry USD
- Keep emergency cash
- Have multiple cards
- Small bills for transport
- Different currencies ready
Transport Planning
- Book main buses ahead
- Know local bus routes
- Save taxi contact numbers
- Have offline maps
- Know border transport options
Documentation
- Multiple passport copies
- Visa requirements printed
- Hotel bookings ready
- Return ticket proof
- Insurance papers
About Central American Borders
Infrastructure
- Part of Pan-American Highway
- Separate truck lanes
- Basic facilities
- Limited food options
- Few money changers
Security
- Armed guards standard
- Regular police checks
- Document verification strict
- Luggage might be checked
- Photos often prohibited
This experience showed me that even with good travel experience (this was my 42nd country), basic planning mistakes can create complicated situations. Central American borders need special attention – arrive early, carry cash, know the rules, and always have a backup plan. The region has its own charm, but border crossings need careful planning!
Remember: When crossing borders in Central America, the easiest route isn’t always possible, but the safest route is always the best choice.