Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 01/19/14
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?
South America (Chile, Santiago 3 years) and visited Argentina and Brazil. In Africa, lived in Ivory Cost, South Africa ( 3 years) and visited Tanzania, Ghana.
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?
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years (left 2012).
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
For us, housing was ok; some embassy housing units need a lot of repairs because of poor building quality. Most of houses are two or three floors with small yards. The location close to the mountainside of the city has better security. Most housing is about 15 minutes from the center.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It's generally good - maybe 20% more than you would pay in the U.S. There's a good supply of fresh fruits and vegetables and very good priced seafood. Be aware though that you must be careful to disinfect: peel or cook all fruits or vegetables before consumption.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Local supermarkets carry many U.S. products for a higher price. Bring gourmet spices or salsas if you like to cook. For Thanksgiving, will need your canned pumpkin. Also bring clothing as formal wear is expensive. Don't forget to stock up on mosquito repellant.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast food - Hondurans love it. It's all here: McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, Popeye's, Dunking Donuts, and Wendy's.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
A lot of mosquitoes, small ants, and ticks in the countryside and some backyards in the city.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DHL, FEDEX.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Plentiful and very good - around US$250/ per month for 8 hours of work a day. Make sure to go through recommendations.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There's only one Gold's Gym - about US$125 per month. There are no public facilities except for Villa Olimpica, but those are in poor conditions.
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 better not to use credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I know of Union Church - an interdenominational Cristian Church.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You must learn Spanish to survive here.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes - many difficulties. There are no sidewalks for starters...
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
I have never used the public transportation. Taxis are available.
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?
We brought a Nissan but 4X4's are the best options since the terrain is very bad. Do not bring anything fancy to avoid carjackings.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, generally good access - about US$125 per month (including TV).
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Good providers are Tigo and Claro - but again be very careful as robbers will kill for cellphones.
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?
It is a process to bring your pets in and out of the country. Our dogs was mistreated by the veterinarian. Take many precautions with parasites and ticks. There are no good kennels or vets that I can find. It's better to pay your housekeeper at home to take care of your animals when you are on leave. Quarantines are not necessary.
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?
Very few.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
A lot of NGOs targeting education (kids only go to school 100 days a year in the public system), orphanages, recover centers, etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
For women - blouses and skirts, casual dresses. For men - lightweight woolen suits in medium or dark tones.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Honduras has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. You will need to observe heightened security precautions e.g., home alarm systems, traveling in groups, driving in caravans, avoiding some areas, etc.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Very good medical care - many specialists are using U.S. guidelines and some have graduated from U.S. universities. There are three excellent hospitals.
Health concerns: tap water is likely to be contaminated. Bottled water or boiled water is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth, making ice, etc. Vegetables frequently carry gastrointestinal bacteria and parasites.
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?
In general, it's good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There are only two seasons in Honduras: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from November to May. The temperature in Honduras differs substantially by elevation (cooler at higher altitudes further inland). In Tegucigalpa, the weather is close to perfect (75-80F).
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
NO, except through some of the private schools.
Expat Life:
1. 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 at home, eating out.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
No for families ; ok for singles and couples.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
NO.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Generally it's ok.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Community services, you can really do a lot .
Travel to Roatan,(Caribbean) - the largest of the Bay Islands and offers the most services for travelers and locals alike. In my opinion, Roatan, is the best island for vacation. Roatan, has about 40,000 friendly, outgoing inhabitants who speak Spanish and English.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There is not much to do in the city but there are a few good restaurants (e.g., Honduran Restaurant "El Patio" and one good Lebanese Restaurant in a small shopping center called Los Castanos) and lots of fast food. If you are looking for more entertainment, you need to leave the city and head to places like Valle de Angeles, a small traditional town.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Fresh fruit, seafood (and lobsters!)
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Close to the U.S. - only 2 hours flying time to Miami.
9. Can you save money?
YES.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Crime.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
NO.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Your pets - trust me, it's the better option.
4. But don't forget your:
Mosquito net, air conditioning, cosmetic products, clothing, medications.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Bay Islands of Honduras
