Tegucigalpa, Honduras Report of what it's like to live there - 03/12/24
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, many tours and TDYs in Europe and Africa.
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?
DC so a flight to Miami and then onward still takes a days' worth of travel because of the flight patterns from the "new" airport Palmerola.
3. What years did you live here?
2021-2024
4. How long have you lived here?
Over two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing in Tegu is a mix and the housing committee does a really great job of assigning it based off of your housing survey needs. If you are a family but prefer an apartment, then they are available with amenities such as a pool, playground etc. However, if you prefer a house, as a single person or a family there are also town house communities and single-family homes available as well.
Timing of the transfer season can impact everyone getting exactly what they want, but almost everyone gets exactly what they need to meet their family size and/or pet accommodations. Yard space is minimal, the culture prefers patios and/or balconies so be prepared to absolutely have outdoor space it just may not be backyard grassy space. We have a dog and it was plenty for them and the children. Some of the housing is much older and can have some maintenance issues arise, however GSO is fantastic and will quickly get those instances under control.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
If you have special dietary needs, it will take some work finding consistency. However, I believe between the DPO and local availability, people have been able to manage. Vegans and vegetarians might find the options lackluster here, however people in general find that the local cuisine leaves much to be desired. Cook at home, you might fare better that way.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Popular foods here?! Eating out has been disappointing, however the highlight has been some Garifuna foods at events, and maybe a few of the breakfast options at La cuisinette and La creperia. Other than that, I don't find pupusas enjoyable and restaurants aren't flavorful.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
It's Central America so there will be ants and mosquitoes. Dengue is a real concern so please use bug spray during high seasons.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/Pouch has been great. However, this new ordeal with lithium batteries has been a challenge with getting some electronics shipped to post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I typically don't do household help however, if you happen to be single at post with children, you will absolutely need it. Depending on your job expectations, travel is necessary and frequent, and you will need reliable assistance to fill in the gaps with kids. Flying family in to stay with children is a challenge and expensive at times. I haven't found the help consistent, or reliable and that has made aspects of this tour challenging.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Within the neighborhoods it is safe, however there are steps everywhere, even in the sidewalks there are steps. The hills are a great workout even just on a leisurely stroll in the neighborhoods.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy and USAID have nice gym facilities. There is AJ fitness (wildly overpriced) and another gym previously called CYBEX (not sure of the new name). The country clubs mentioned previously both have nice gym facilities for members use. The children participate in a RUN-Club that was so wonderfully coordinated by one of the embassy community members that is hosted on the weekend in the fall and spring building up to a turkey trot and a 5K hosted at Juana Lainez. There are other adult running groups/biking troupes around town.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
They are widely accepted.... but aren't always successfully processed so have cash (Lempiras) as a backup.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The language is a must, for work and for everyday life. What we received at FSI was not enough, so we did continue our studies after arriving at post. I cannot stress this enough; the post language program is not going to be enough. If you are coming with an agency that will cover the cost of continuing education through FSI’s distance learning program, then I highly recommend you utilize that instead. The instructors are more consistent. If you have EFMs accompanying you on the tour, most positions within the embassy require Spanish and at times a language score on file.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
This is not a post for anyone with mobility challenges.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation is not approved. However, there are a few approved taxi style services that are reliable. Uber is also allowed but I find them to be cheaper AND less reliable, so spending the extra money on another approved service has saved us many nearly missed flights after unexpectedly cancelled Ubers.
There is a great shuttle service provided and it is about $1.50. We used this in the beginning before our car arrived, to get back and forth to work, and occasionally use it when our schedules differ. It’s a great option that many people use daily.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Please do not bring a brand new or expensive car to post. It will get tested by the streets or the motorcycles riding absurdly close to you and your blind spot. SUVs are great for travel but for parking in the city, compact vehicles work better. Basically, bring what fits your family size/travel needs. You will be happier that way in the end.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The internet is decent, and those that telework manage well with TIGO and CLARO. We are on generators and power outages are a weekly thing. There can be some pauses in service but they are short and the impact is minor.
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?
Services can be hard to find, but there are a few that people use in the pet community that have been consistent and helpful. I would reach out and poll the community as the pet care options vary. The post has an informal chat for these things and your social sponsor can help get you access before arrival.
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?
Family member employment is abundant, however some of the recent issues with hiring, FSFRC issues, and the unbelievable length of time clearances have been taking has left a very frustrated tone amongst the EFM community at post. Many supervisors at post perplexed with how to fill needed positions in a reasonable amount of time. The entire embassy community seems to want it to improve, but that has not minimized the difficulties expressed by the EFMs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual except on Tuesdays, all of our important meetings tend to happen that day so a full suit is preferred.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Security concerns do not impact activities at this post. What impacts activities is traffic. It can seem lawless and very much like a poorly planned video game without traffic lights, rules and at times clearly defined lanes. It is doable if you have lived elsewhere that has tight streets and heavy traffic, however I know some that prefer to only drive at certain times of the day and that can limit the experiences here. Civil engineering did not exist when this city was planned and it shows between the hours of 4-7pm.
Traffic can also change at the drop of a dime due to protests. These protests are usually very peaceful, yet utterly disruptive (which they succeed in making their point) when it comes to the added commute times. RSO does a really great job at getting out SAFE notices letting the community know when/where to expect these disruptions. It's rare we are caught off guard about a protest.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There is a health unit at this post and that has been helpful. Medicines can be lacking on the local economy so ship the brands that you know are tried and true.
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?
There is a burning season in the spring, it can get intense so please use the filters that are provided for you in the housing.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is amazing year-round. You have the ability to spend most of your free time outdoors if you choose and rainy days are usually in the evening and only during the rainy season. The coastal areas in the north are gems and about a 4-5 hour drive, and if you want to fly to Roatan, you can get there in under 50 minutes. Fruit is abundant and fresh; however, it is seasonal. When berries and in season, they are amazing.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are many schools to choose from. Del Campo, Discovery, Macris, Dowal, AST. There isn’t one preferred option these days as they all offer something different. Older students who want to stick with IB tend to go to AST, however that trend has shifted some. Many families are very happy at Del Campo and Macris (a bit further from housing but still on a bus service) and Discovery has a large embassy family attendance and seemingly happy students. Dowal is a great school as well.
Getting a chance to visit each school is recommended now that Covid is not the issue it was when most of us arrived. If Spanish is important to you then Del Campo is the closest to a true bilingual school. Discovery is the only full day pre-k program and Peque Paz which is closer to the New embassy compound. Happy faces is a daycare that has recently expanded its program to offer lower grades up until grade two. Otherwise, all the other schools only offer half day for younger grades which is something to consider if you need to begin work right away and haven’t secured in home help.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Discovery recently hired an Optimal Learning Specialist and I have heard amazing things about what that program now offers for those that need special attention for their children. Previously, Dowal seemed to be the only school with real options for children that may have special needs.
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 is the only full day pre-k program and Peque Paz which is closer to the new embassy compound. Happy faces is a daycare that has recently expanded its program to offer lower grades up until grade 2. Otherwise, all the other schools only offer half day for younger grades which is something to consider if you need to begin work right away and haven’t secured in home help.
The upfront fees for daycare can be expensive and they do not pro-rate fees here, it does not matter when you transfer to post.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The embassy and USAID have nice gym facilities. There is AJ fitness (wildly overpriced) and another gym previously called CYBEX (not sure of the new name) offer swim lessons for kids. The country clubs mentioned previously both have nice gym facilities for members use. The children participate in a RUN-Club that was so wonderfully coordinated by one of the embassy community members that is hosted on the weekend in the fall and spring building up to a turkey trot and a 5K hosted at Juana Lainez. There are other adult running groups/biking troupes around town.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
This is a mission of about 120+ USDH, morale here seems to be good. Families are happy but singles tend to struggle with the lack of evening safe socializing options.
We have an active Community Liaison Office (CLO), so we are never at a loss of activities for kids and adults, and the outgoing USEPA board hosted some nice happy hour events this past year which has been a bonus. The CLO has coordinated some trips, and people enjoy the deep waters in Roatan for scuba diving and snorkeling. Trips to Copan to the Ruins/Macaws are an experience.
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?
USDH and LE staff have access to the old CMR. The old residence is not for use, but the grounds are kept for recreational space to include a pool (now with a heater) changing spaces/restrooms, basketball and tennis courts. It is also a great space where little ones can ride bikes.
There are also two clubs that people belong to. BCIE has multiple pools, tennis courts, soccer field, gym, and food service on site with playgrounds and party coordinators. There is another country club that is on a golf course that is newly-renovated, with a pool and club house. There is hiking at La Tigra, berry picking at the fincas near La Tigra. We also use Juana Lainez for paved walking paths, playgrounds, and bike rides/skates. Juana Laines has a small entrance fee, but worth it for what it offers. There is a movie theater at the Multi-Plaza and another boutique style theater closer to the current embassy that is nice. Travel is cool when you plan ahead.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I do not believe this is the best post for LGBTQI. The culture does not seem very welcoming to anything that strays from their religious beliefs, which is odd considering the crimes/femicides that happen in parts of the country.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is an obvious hierarchy in regard to visual color representation in the Honduran government. The individuals in power do not represent the shades of the people you will see locally. Colorism is noticeable here and it has translated into interactions at the “American” school in particular with the children of the Honduran elite and some of the embassy students. Members of the community have also had some interesting experiences as well.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to the coast have always been worth the drive. The time of year doesn't even matter with the weather being beautiful year-round.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
It's not hidden, but Tela is a great trip. El Salvador has wonderful beaches as well. The Ruinas in Copan are also worth the drive, just research before going...if the roads have construction, then try for another time. It can make the drive exhausting.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely, I would do this tour all over again and I have no regrets. Great experience, language learning, career development and a beautiful experience for the children.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
bug spray, sun block, and hair products.
