Posted on by Victoria D.

The Central American country of Honduras was once home to the ancient civilization of the Maya. Honduran people are known to be welcoming and have a rich heritage grounded in the diverse cultures that have influenced the country over the years. Honduran culture and tradition play an important role in the day-to-day lives of Honduran people and a visitor needs to be aware of the dos and don’ts. Here are some important etiquette tips for you to keep in mind as you visit Honduras.

1. Honduran Greetings

When you greet Honduran men, it is generally expected to shake their hand, especially if you are a man yourself. If you are a man greeting a woman, it is wise to let the woman stretch her hand first so you are certain that she is comfortable shaking yours. If she isn’t, a simple nod of acknowledgment will do. Women will also generally shake hands with other women, although good friends might hug each other. In the rural areas, you might observe two women patting each other’s upper arms with both hands, which is a form of a traditional Honduran greeting.

2. Personal Space and Touching

Hondurans are generally like most people when it comes to personal space. Good friends might pat each other’s back but most people confine touching to just the handshake. Personal space is generally kept at a respectful arm’s length. However, this might not always be possible in crowded spaces such as buses.

3. Handing Over Items to Someone

To respect Honduran culture, avoid tossing items to people. Most people associate this with dogs (as in tossing a bone to a dog) and it is a behavior that is generally regarded as rude. If you want to give something to someone, hand it over to them.

4. Titles and Salutations

Titles are often used in everyday Honduran culture, and if you notice someone being addressed as Dr. or Professor, it is wise to do the same to avoid giving offense. If you are there for business, remember to translate one side of your business card into Spanish as it is the official language of communication.

5. Negotiating and Gifting in Honduras

Honduran society is a very polite one and therefore most people avoid direct confrontation. If you are involved in negotiations in Honduras, be as polite as possible at all times and avoid creating conflict. Decisions also tend to be linear and move from up to down so expect that the leader of the team you are negotiating with is the one likely to make the final decision. Another cultural fact about Honduras is you should avoid giving any gifts, especially at the beginning of a business relationship as it might be regarded as a bribe. In an informal setting, however, gifts are perfectly acceptable.

6. Socializing

Drinking and smoking are generally accepted in Honduras although it is seen as more acceptable for men to do it than women. If you are female and walking down the street, you might get catcalls from men, something that you may regard as offensive. A fun fact about this is in Honduras, it is seen as a compliment rather than an insult, although the context of this will also matter.

Honduras is a lovely place to visit, with amazing culture, food, and traditions, and a lot of tourist attractions for you to discover. Do not forget that you can send and receive money in Honduras fast and safely through Sharemoney. If you ever need cash while in Honduras, just ask for your sender to open a free account with Sharemoney and once the account is verified, they can send you money that you will be able to pick up at any one of our partner banks in Honduras. Sharemoney cash transfers to Honduras are fast and convenient!

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