Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 09/07/14
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 have spent many years all over the world.
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 is about 3 hours as is Houston.
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.)?
U.S. embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing varies.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Available and reasonable.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None really. And some prescrption meds are cheaper here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Too many fast food places :) Some very good steak places.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Sugar ants we could never get rid of.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Quality is spotty and gringos end up paying much more than locals if they aren't careful. We discovered after we left that our maid had been stealing lost of laundry detergent from us for all of the 3 years we had her.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many.
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?
Safe in general but it's best to use inside ATMs.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
NO. Although the Pullman bus to El Salvador and Guatemala is safe and very nice.
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 is fine.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Getting it set up is a pain due to poor customer service but good after: US$80 for 5mb with TV.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Mission provider.
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. Great 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?
Hiring at the Embassy was neither fair nor transparent but with a new management that may change.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
You will see few men in shorts.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
OH YES!!!!!
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue. Embassy nurse seems to be closed all the time so call ahead.
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?
Mostly good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very nice in general.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most kids go to the American School. I found though that the kids there have a drinking culture, even in 9th grade where Juniors and Seniors will attend parties and bring alcohol and the school head won't address the problem, probably for fear of upsetting the rich Hondurans.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, but it depends on the school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium, and morale really varies.
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, dining out, trips.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Not for families -- too dangerous to go outside and bike or walk.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Roatan, trips to Antigua.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The climate.
7. Can you save money?
YES unless you go on a lot of trips.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES. The new Ambassador has improved the morale at post.
