Money Matters

· Scheduling deposit: A $200 deposit is required to be placed on the UMVIM calendar. The $200 must be received within 60 days and will be applied to per diem fees. The fee is non-refundable if you cancel.

· Per diem fee: Covers in-country meals, lodging, and some transportation. $40-$45 per person per day depending upon team size. Teams larger than 12 persons will pay a transportation surcharge. Check with the UMVIM coordinator for specifics.

· Construction material donation: $2500

· Exit tax from Honduras airport: Approximately $35.00 per person. This is paid at the airport upon departure. It is payable in US dollars or lempiras.

Some other common costs for UMVIM teams to Honduras:

· Expenses in order to apply for, or to renew, a US passport.

· Cost of immunizations.

· Airfare from home city to Tegucigalpa/San Pedro Sula.

· Meals en route.

· Insurance from GBGM for accident/injury.

· Tips for baggage porters

· Personal spending money for souvenirs/snacks.

· Translator fees are $30-$50 per day.

· Extra group activities and sight-seeing costs.

Sending Team Fees to Honduras

	All team fees (per diem fees, construction donations, translator fees, etc.) should be in the hands of the treasurer in Honduras 30 days before the team's arrival date. This allows material to be purchased ahead of time and arrangements to be made to accommodate the team.
	These fees should be sent in the form of a check through the post office box of a private mail service that UMVIM uses through Miami. The UMVIM Coordinator will send the destination address for the check with detailed instructions

US Dollars

	U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and tourist destinations.
	U.S. dollars can be changed for lempiras in the airports upon arrival. Dollars should be new or nearly new. Bills that are worn, ripped or written on will not be accepted.

Credit Cards

Credit Cards are widely accepted in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and tourist destinations.

No Traveler’s Checks

Traveler’s checks will not be accepted even in banks.

Security

As with all valuables, it is best not to be obvious with your money. Don’t flash a wad of cash when making a purchase. Carry large quantities of cash in a security waist pouch under your clothes. Carry smaller quantities of money to use in your pocket.

At each site, teams stay in a place that is secure for the team’s valuables. The only people who will enter your rooms are either team members or trusted local individuals who will enter to clean. Team members can tuck their cash and passport in an out-of-the-way corner of their suitcase and leave it there during work.

This page was updated on May 28, 2008

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