Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 10/24/13
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?
Lived all over.
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?
Miami or Houston, 2 1/2 to 3 hours?
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
USG work.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly hosues some apartments.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I would say reasonable.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Wild Rice?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Almost all fast food sadly plus a couple of good steak houses and sushi and chinese places.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not too bad where I live.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Yes, DPO here.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Reasonable if you get one who has worked for locals only, but it can be expensive if you get one who has worked for gringos.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
AID and Embassy have gyms.
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?
It's safe at bigger stores and nicer restaurants. AID and Embassy have ATM.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps but you can also pick it up here.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
YES, YES. Few useable sidewalks, little is accessible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Not safe at all except for embassy listed drivers/companies, except for Pullmatour buses to El Sal, and Guat, which are safe, and great.
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?
Any kind. I have 4x4 and have never, ever needed to use it in or out of town. My wife has a sedan with no problems at all, she jus thas to drive slower around potholes.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, some companies are good and cheap.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Go through the embasy plan for official and personal mail.
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. Excellent local care!
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 really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Depends on your job really. Most wear at least a tie, but some do enjoy casual Fridays.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
MANY, MANY.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue, malaria in other parts of the country.
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?
Once a year they burn on the outskirts of the city which can cause respiratory problems.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Excellent in general.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American School is good in general although some put their younger kids in Discovery for some reason. As my daughter is now in High School I've unfortunately discovered that there is a local custom here where at 9th grade AS private parties 11th and 12th graders show up and bring booze. I reported this to the school but they do not care to address this problem as it is off campus; in fact they told me that even chauffeurs will buy it for the kids to bring to parties and sometimes parents even supply it to the kids.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium? I alwys thought morale was pretty good here, it is for me and my friends; but seeing some of the other posters I guess for some people this place sucks.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
BBQs and happy hours at houses or at a local pub.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Well, due to the security concerns I'd say no to all.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Visiting Roatan, Copan, Antigua Guatemal, San Salvador.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
See a previous question.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
None really.
7. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't spend it on the beach trips.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I would, but I'm a bit off :)
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Bicycle.
3. But don't forget your:
Kindle.
