Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 03/24/14
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?
No. I've also lived in Africa and Latin America.
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?
U.S.A. About 3 hours to MIA or IAH.
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.)?
Government work.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
All types, from ok to good. Commutes range from 7 to 30 minutes depending on yor location.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fruits, veggies, and seafood seem cheaper than the U.S. but most other things are more expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Not much really.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All kinds of fast food is available as are some good Chinese options in addition to good sushi and steak places.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Sugar ants, some 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?
It is available and runs around US$200 plus lunch for 5 days a week.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
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?
Safest to use the ones at work or inside a bank.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
DEFINITELY.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
NO, unless you use a recommended taxi driver.
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 type of car is fine for driving; be aware that you may have to wait on parts for some models.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
US$89 for full TV and 5mb internet.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Mission has a special plan for families.
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. There is good pet care available.
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?
Varies wiht the job.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Many, and oddly enough the areas right in front of and across the street from the Embassy and USAID are probably the most dangerous place for an American employee as it is one of the most likely places for you to be robbed or have your car broken into. They have guards but they don't patrol --- they just sit in air-conditioned booths and watch out the windows.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Occasionally there are Dengue Fever reports; seasonal colds.
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?
Genrally ok but during "burning season" it can be smokey and you can actually get ash inside your house even with the windows closed.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Generally nice.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
3 schools are generally used. They're all ok, none are great.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium? Morale seems to vary -- many seem happy here and I guess some are miserable. I thinkg the miserable ones are first timers overseas or people who have only done first world in the past.
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?
Go to a restaurant/bar for happy hour as a group, small BBQs.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Ok for families with small kids, singles, or couples. Not so good for teenagers.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I don't believe so.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to Roatan, Antigua, and Guatemala.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Tourism to the North coast (Roatan, Tela, etc.). Trips to Copan or Antigua.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Perhaps tourism. Weather is nice. Not much else.
9. Can you save money?
You can if you limit your road trips to tourist spots.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Coat.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience when driving.
