Gemini said The Central Bank of Honduras Loosens Rules on Dollar Purchases

Published on Mar 30, 2026

Valeria Osorio, Associate at ARIAS Honduras, presents this article on the recent updates implemented by the Central Bank of Honduras to its foreign exchange allocation mechanisms, and how these changes represent an opportunity for companies to optimize their cash management and strengthen their international operations with greater efficiency and transparency.

The Central Bank of Honduras (BCH) has implemented a series of updates to its foreign exchange allocation mechanisms, offering companies an opportunity to optimize their cash management and ensure their international operations with greater transparency.

The BCH explained that this plan was developed following an evaluation and technical review of the Foreign Exchange Auction system implemented in April 2023. As a result of the analysis, the BCH aims to eliminate regulatory excesses, simplify procedures, and reduce administrative and operational costs for foreign exchange and economic agents participating in the allocation of foreign currency.

Operational Simplification
The BCH has analyzed market needs and streamlined processes so that both individuals and businesses can access foreign currency more directly.

  • Efficient Procedures: Reducing the technical documentation required for certain purchase ranges allows companies to focus their energy on what really matters: producing and growing.
  • Democratization of Access: These measures ensure that access to foreign currency is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a tool available to sustain the supply chain and meet international commitments.

New Requirements
Individuals or legal entities (domestic or foreign residents) may participate by submitting the following:

  • Individuals: National ID card.
  • Legal entities: Valid Tax Identification Number (RTN).
  • Foreign nationals: Valid resident card.

Permitted amounts:

  • Minimum amount: USD 10,000.

Individuals:

  • Up to 3 requests per day.
  • Total maximum: USD 100,000 per day.

Legal entities:

  • Up to 3 requests per day.
  • Total maximum: USD 1,200,000 per day.

Currency exchange agents:

  • For personal use: 1 request up to USD 1,500,000 per day.
  • For clients (amounts under USD 10,000): 1 request up to USD 2,000,000 per day.

Additional documentation:

  • Supporting documentation justifying the request must be submitted as indicated by the BCH.
  • This applies to both individuals and foreign exchange agents.

Schedule:

  • Bids are submitted between 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on the day of the auction.
  • The schedule is announced in advance by the BCH.

Forward Planning
The current model rewards foresight. By scheduling payments to foreign suppliers within a strategic timeframe, companies can manage auction allocations smoothly. This "culture of foresight” enables a more orderly cash flow and stronger relationships with international business partners.

Economic Stability
Changes to the award rules are designed to protect the country’s international reserves, which in the long term ensures that the Lempira maintains controlled depreciation. For a company, this means certainty regarding import costs and a solid foundation for medium- and long-term budget projections.



The information provided by ARIAS® is presented for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking advice from professional advisers.