Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 02/24/22
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.
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?
Texas; two flights.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What years did you live here?
2016- 2019.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Work.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great housing w/yard.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
No issues.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Hugo is UBER EATS for Tegus.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Depends where you live, but you can have issues with mosquitos.
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?
Plenty of good help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
AJ fitness.
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?
Yes.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You don't need Spanish but it's a good ideas to have knowledge of some Spanish.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Not safe.
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?
SUV.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We can't get Cable color as it's our understandings not all channels are legal. So, Tigo is what is available.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Tigo.
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?
Happy Pets. Matamoros is near the Embassy, however, I have heard rumors of pets not doing well with treatment there.
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?
In my opinion, EFM positions can be difficult to obtain.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes, plentiful.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Typical American protocol/etiquette for a place of work for US staff.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No, just don't get on a bus or an unauthorized taxi.
2. 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 burning season.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Air pollution.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Spring all year long.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Check out all schools. I have heard there have been bullying issues at the American school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
It's my understanding they don't.
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?
Plenty, but check on how clean it is as many kids got foot and mouth.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's a great size if you look for it. Plenty of parties.
2. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes.
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?
I understand some for African-Americans.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I knew more about the various hiring issues; that may have kept me from applying for a job.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I would but I would probably not choose to work inside the mission.
