I was wondering about the reliability of the ATM's in the west end .More importantly ,is it advantageous to pay in Honduran currency in restaurants ,grocery stores ,as opposed to U.S. currency ?
We used the ATM machines in the West End and only had trouble once when we were shorted a few Limperas. Although some business accept US dollars, they give you a bad conversion rate. We always change to the local currency when we travel.
Firefly
As a matter of principle I prefer using local currency even when US dollars are accepted. We had to go back a few times to get the ATM to work but eventually got what we needed. In general in CA don't cut it too close on cash as power outages, poorly maintained machines, and out of cash ones do crop up now and then.

I too use local currency as a matter of principle.
We just got back and the ATMs were fairly reliable but I wouldn't cut it too close. We always allowed a day or two to get more money just in case.

Hey there,
The ATMs can be okay, but sometimes do run out of money (often, in fact). Plan a few days in advance - don't leave it until you are out of money and desparate.
Everywhere accepts US$ and at virually the same rate (if you are really counting pennies, it might matter, otherwise not - like 19 v 19.5 %). Expect change to be in either or both currencies. You can always ask for the exchange rate and ask to use their calculator if you don't trust them. Usually everyone gives the same rate.
Banks are to be avoided (huge queues are the norm). And the banks are only in Coxen Hole, which you really want to avoid if you can.
Hope that helps,
Cheers,
DED