Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 08/18/14
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?
With State, yes.
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?
Home base is NYC but we flew from ATL, easy short flight less than 4 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
2010-2012.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
State Department.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy Housing pool was fine, mostly in the neighborhood of Lomas del Guijarro. We loved our house. Great location close to mall multiplaza. 10 minute drive to the Embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get pretty much anything you want here, comparable to U.S. prices. Imported goods are more but local stuff is cheaper so it balances out.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None, all available here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Every single fast food place you can think of; it's fast food paradise. All cheap. Applebees, Chilis, Ruby Tuesday, Los Cebollines. Good local restaurants are few and far between but the standouts are excellent.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos. Dengue fever is a problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Dpo, pouch. Local mail is nonexistent.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap and easy to find. Good and bad are abundant, check references!
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy (crappy) USAID (better) Cybex.
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?
You can use them everywhere. Be mindful of phishing scams though, check your account activity often.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Lots. Nobody in the service industry speaks English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. No wheelchair access at all.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Nope. Don't use public transport.
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?
Something with decent ground clearance because the roads are bad with many missing man hole covers.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, best is Cable Color. U.S. prices.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Tigo, Claro. Embassy has a plan with Tigo you can get a discount.
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?
Kennels no. There are some, none of which we found to be acceptable. Vets yes, we had good experiences. No quarantine.
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 volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Orphanages are always looking for volunteers.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business for work, casual everywhere else.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Lots if you aren't careful. Teguc is dangerous though not bad for Americans, provided you stay in decent areas and keep your wits about you. Common sense goes a long way here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue fever. Honduras medical center is the good hospital I was treated there for kidney stones, it was fine and cheap. My son broke his wrist and they handled it perfectly. Not all the doctors speak English though.
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?
Bad during April "burning season" but otherwise fine.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Perfect. Around 80F year round. Some storms during rainy season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Lots of options. I can think of at least 6 off the top of my head. American school, Discovery school, Del Campo, Pinares, Dowal School, French school...plenty to choose from. Our son went to Discovery and loved it.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I've heard Del Campo is the best for this.
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?
Discovery and Dowal lots of others, we did not have personal experience with this.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Through school and if their Spanish is good, sign them up for local soccer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Mostly diplomats, missionaries, teachers at the International schools. Expat community is small and moral depends. When we were there, it was low.
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?
Restaurants, movies. Not a lot of safe entertainment.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
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?
Not that I've seen but people are fairly conservative here.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We loved the school, dog friendly, inexpensive vet care, nice people.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Roatan, Valle de Angeles, delicious restaurants (la ghitonna, ginos, torre de pizza, gelatin show).
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lenca pottery, carved wood furniture, vacations to the bay islands.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Roatan! Awesome weather!
10. Can you save money?
Yes if you are careful.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The availability of American products. I brought things like A-1 steak sauce which you can easily find here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coat.
4. But don't forget your:
Sunglasses! Good attitude.
