Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 04/29/13
Personal Experiences from Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
7 hours to DC via Miami or Houston.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly houses with small yards, scattered around the city. Traffic is often heavy, and commute time can vary from 15 to 45 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Locally available things (fruits, veggies, etc.) are very inexpensive.Imported things (high quality meats, cheeses, etc.) can be very expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All major chains from the U.S. are here. The cost is about the same or maybe a bit more than in the U.S.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes that carry dengue fever. Large flying cockroaches.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and very affordable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, within the city and also at the embassy.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We only use the ATM at the embassy, but we have used a credit card at larger stores and restaurants. Our credit card was only compromised once while we have been here.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We have cable and get many cable channels in English.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You must know Spanish.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Have never used them.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
A small SUV is ideal for navigating the tight spaces and potholes in the city and for driving on the dirt roads outside of town.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, and it is pretty reliable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You need at least one!
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Acceptable.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not that i'm aware of.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual at work. Wearing long jeans when it's 85 degrees out is normal.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. You can't walk around town at all. Drive only with tinted windows up at all times. Everyone seems to have a gun.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue fever. The embassy health unit is very good. I'e heard good things about Honduras Medical Center.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Dirty, especially when they burn things (Feb - May).
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The climate is absolutely perfect: not too hot, not too cool. During the rainy season it tends to rain at night
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We have been very very happy with el Campo International School. We were very unhappy with Discovery School and have heard grumblings from many within the embassy community. We don't have personal experience with the American School, but we got the feeling that the very wealthy Honduran children go there and that bullying and behavioral problems exist.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Del Campo has a school within the school for special needs. I'm not sure that the other schools have any such options.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
We were very happy with Happy Faces. There are many options, all very affordable.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There is a community baseball program.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium.
2. Morale among expats:
Also medium.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Good.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Acceptable for all.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The beach!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beaches and ruins.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Pewter items and Lenca pottery.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The weather is fantastic, and domestic help is very affordable.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't go to Roatan too often.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Probably yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter coat.
3. But don't forget your:
swimsuit.
