Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 06/23/16
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. Numerous prior postings.
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?
Washington, DC. Connections in Atlanta, Miami, or Houston
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Good housing. Mostly made of concrete surrounded by high walls and razor wire. Small yards.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Local goods reasonable. Imported U.S. goods are a little costlier (Ben and Jerry's $10).
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Pet food, organic items.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All lower level fast food chains are here. Harder to find natural quality food options. Exceptions are La Cumbre, Arnot's and Marjaba.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants, roaches, rats.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
At the Embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
$300-$350.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Decent exercise facilities, but none of them are on par with what you would find in the US and will cost you more. Classes at the Marriott are decent, but usually start late and end early for about $80/month.
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?
Do not use them locally! Be VERY careful when using ATMs. Try to use those in western hotels.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is an English-language Christian service and a Catholic Mass on Sundays. Not much besides that.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Spanish is necessary. There are tutors for about $15 an hour, but you get what you pay for. My tutors either could not show up when scheduled or were shoddy teachers at best (little training, more interested in gossiping and chatting than actually teaching).
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
YES! They would be a huge target for crime.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
NO! Public transport is often attacked by gang members and thugs. Taxis are only slightly safer, but kidnappings for ransom are common.
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?
4WD if you want to leave the city. Tint your car windows.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Less than a week.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
No.
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?
There is an excellent vet in country. Be aware that some are not so good. Vet your vet before using!
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 many options outside of the embassy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plentiful. Everyone needs help down here.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Slightly less formal than DC.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes! Daytime shootings are common, even in "good" areas. Shoot-outs have occurred at our bakery, grocery store, neighborhood and at the embassy. At night, you frequently hear gun shots.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is average at best. Even the "best" doctors in country have limited expertise compared with most US doctors and the embassy has a high number of medical evacuations because of this.
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?
Not good. The locals burn a lot of the fields and forests, and the ash and smog gets trapped in the city.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
It's usually sunny here, but should you need mental health services, the options are very limited, especially in English.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Excellent weather year-round.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The schools are decent, but again, not up to U.S. standards.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There is one school about 45 minutes outside of the city that accommodates specials needs. Besides, that, the options are limited. Bullying, especially at the American School, is a problem. Security is an issue at most schools as few have any contingency plans.
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?
Daycare is inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. There are to my knowledge, no Montessori schools.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, there is horseback riding, baseball, soccer, music and Tai Kwon Do.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The morale is not good. As the environment is restrictive because of the crime, it's hard to "get out there" and meet other ex-pats. The locals did not often seem to want to interact with the ex-pat community. Possibly the worst morale I've seen during my six overseas living experiences.
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?
I have yet to locate a club or group.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Overall, it's a very isolating place. If you have family, it helps, but it is still tough given the security. There are no parks or playgrounds. The only place where you can walk outdoors semi-freely is Valle (45 minutes away).
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No! Not acceptable in this society very sadly. LGBT people are targeted here.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Gender equity??? Not a chance in this place.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Copan is the only decent place in country to vacation.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Valle de Angeles.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are some handicrafts in Valle, but the selection and quality is not all that good.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cheap domestic help. The movie theatres are very cheap and good as well. Not much more than that.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The isolation (10-foot walls, tinted car windows) and lack of social options are really tough.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Not a chance. The best view of Tegucigalpa will be as the plane lifts off the ground. WORST place I have ever lived.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Valuables and jewelry. You can't wear them outside anyways as you'll be targeted.
4. But don't forget your:
Kindle, DVDs, and a hobby.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Seriously, the worst place that I have ever lived - and I've lived and spent time in Africa. I went with an open attitude, but I will be happy to leave. Would not recommend it to anyone. Good luck!
